Access Information News for Monday, July 15, 2024 - Volume 971 ♿️
The Week's News in Access Information
Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
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News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
Aira has a long-standing history with AI, and we see its enormous potential to advance and offer more value to the blind and low vision community. Earlier this year, we launched Access AI, a free image chat experience that provides instant descriptions and the ability to request free, on-demand verification from our professional visual interpreters. We're continuing this commitment to pushing AI forward within our product with an exciting new initiative called Build AI.
Some Disney fans with disabilities are rethinking their summer plans in light of the company's new rules limiting who is eligible to skip the line at their popular parks.
Of the 47 ADA lawsuits filed by attorneys Jessica Molligan and David Foster, almost half involved Asian-owned businesses, according to public records and interviews.
Access Ready, Inc. voices deep concern over recent Supreme Court rulings that impact disability rights. The overturning of Chevron reduces agency discretion, complicating enforcement of disability laws. The Grants Pass decision upholds criminalizing homelessness, affecting those with mental health disabilities. The article calls for political engagement, advocacy, and community-based solutions.
New research has revealed that apps including dating apps, health, fitness, travel, and navigation are falling short compared to categories like social networking and shopping, when it comes to accessibility features.
July 15, 2024 📅️
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Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 7th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for July, August and September of 2024 on Monday, October 7, 2024. Back Issues: There are currently 6 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month.
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This article will outline, step-by-step, how you can get free website traffic reporting on any link to your domain (AKA domain name, website or web address) that has been published by Access Information News since January 22, 2024, when we launched this feature.
July 12, 2024 📅️
Publisher (Di Blasi): I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to an incredibly well put together and most valuable resource. Sincerest thanks to DigitalA11y.com for putting this together. As news aggregators for the two largest access newsletters in the world today we are always seeking new, high quality sources of cutting edge access news. Something this article provides in abundance. Needless to say, everyone on this list has received a follow or connect request from myself personally, as well as Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News. It is important to note that there are 4 different lists provided. 1: X (Champions), 2: Mastodon (Champions), 3: LinkedIn (Champions) and 4: LinkedIn (Companies). There are tabs for each. Bravo DigitalA11y.
DigitalA11y.com: In today's digital age, accessibility is more important than ever. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and use digital content is not just a best practice — it's a necessity. Fortunately, there are numerous advocates, experts and companies dedicated to promoting and advancing accessibility. These champions not only share valuable insights and resources but also inspire and lead by example. If you're looking to stay informed and motivated, following these accessibility champions on social media is a great place to start.
A 55-year-old blind man and his dog have been rescued from the Rogue River trail in South-Western Oregon. They began hiking on the trail on July 3 or 4 with a friend. During the hike, the man began to experience heat exhaustion, so the friend left to try to call emergency services. A US Coast Guard helicopter crew airlifted them to safety and the man and his dog were taken to emergency medical services.
July 11, 2024 📅️
Students in Susanne Lohmann's small seminar classes at the University of California, Los Angeles, debate inflammatory topics, including transgender rights, the Israel-Palestine conflict and the fracas on college campuses over that conflict. ... Lohmann, a political science and public policy professor, said she wants to keep what students say in her classes from getting out into the wider world — "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," as she puts it. She said that for years she had complained to her university about students recording audio of her classes, even those who had a disability accommodation allowing it. She told Inside Higher Ed that her students need to be able to take even extremist positions on morally charged or politically controversial issues without fearing their speech "will come to haunt them" outside the classroom.
GSMA says smartphone affordability is the most significant connectivity barrier for those living in low- and middle-income countries.
Disability is an identity with language that is uncomfortable to those without disabilities. Maybe you believe the false narrative that disability is bad and tragic — until it happens to you or your business stakeholders temporarily, situationally or permanently. The language around disability has the power to exclude and isolate people with disabilities from those without. As words and actions matter, business leaders must learn to be intentional about how they speak about disability to be inclusive to their many stakeholders with a disability.
Andrew Pettigrew is 22 years old and completely blind and deaf. He relies on a cochlear implant to perceive some limited sounds and despite the challenges of living with dual sensory loss, he has successfully graduated with a degree in English and creative writing from the University of Strathclyde. He is now embarking on his dream of becoming a writer. Andrew's success has come despite being deafblind — a condition that has never been recognized by the Scottish government.
When Alice Wong launched the since-ended Disability Visibility podcast in 2017, she wanted to create space for a group of people often erased from popular media and culture.
I love audiobooks. I don't get to listen quite as much as I'd like, but I do definitely love to listen to them when I get a chance. Until now any time I buy an audiobook it's been read by a human, but as time goes on that's going to change.
My final thoughts? We in North America are extraordinarily lucky that we did not have to endure the unnecessary horror that England and most of Europe had to endure during those 2 World wars! Yet we here often seem to forget and as a result we become extremely complacent, unappreciative, and downright ungrateful! Just my two cents for today!
We are seeing great progress in software becoming more accessible, but how inclusive is the user experience of buying it in the first place? In this article, I interview Shawn Nichols, Senior Designer at FastSpring, to understand how FastSpring are working with retailers, including music and audio software companies, to ensure that processes for purchasing software online are as accessible as possible.
July 10, 2024 📅️
The Inevitable Foundation, which recently announced a fellowship program with Netflix, found that 66 percent of audiences are unsatisfied with current representations in film and TV.
Throughout July, Disney is celebrating Disability Pride Month by elevating the disability and neurodivergent communities with meaningful storytelling. Meet Rachel, a Content Associate on ESPN's Digital Livestream team with producing content that goes on our live-streamed shows that appear on ESPN's YouTube and Facebook channels. With her current role, Rachel gets to create fun segments for ESPN's digital side. Her colleagues feel like her second family in Bristol, Connecticut.
This article is about a lawsuit filed against a company that sells overlays. The company is called AccessiBe. An overlay is a type of software that promises to make websites accessible. The lawsuit was filed by a small business that licensed the AccessiBe overlay (also called a widget) for its website. The small business still got sued by a blind person who said the website was not accessible. The small business' lawsuit says that AccessiBe violated the law by claiming that its product makes websites accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The next thing that will happen is that AccessiBe will respond to the lawsuit. Lainey has written and spoken about problems with overlays for several years. This article has been updated once to add the names of the lawyers handling the case. This article will be further updated with any developments in the lawsuit.
At Develop Brighton yesterday, Double Fine Productions gave a talk about how the studio embraced mental health and accessibility in the development of Psychonauts 2. Director of development Kevin Johnson gave an overview of how the studio approaches accessibility and, as part of his key takeaways, reminded attendees that "if you don't intentionally include, you unintentionally exclude."
Imagine getting hurt at work — it can turn your world upside down. You might wonder what happens next. A work-related injury might qualify as a disability if it makes basic functions, such as walking or seeing, more difficult. Knowing your rights and options is essential to allow yourself to get the help you need.
A man who lost his sight as a teenager says he felt "left on his own" and that his life was "over" after being registered blind. Harvey Dyer, from Gloucester, said he had to "find life out" by himself after his sight slowly deteriorated at the age of 17 due to optical neuropathy.
July 9, 2024 📅️
MoDOT is spending more than $100 million on redoing St. Louis area sidewalks on major state roads.
The Audiobook industry is the fastest-growing segment in digital publishing. In 2023, the format generated $2 billion in the United States alone. The industry is in a state of consolidation. Audiobooks.com was sold to Storytel in 2022, and Spotify bought Findaway, one of the largest audiobook distributors. RBMedia has been on a tear, buying smaller companies. Today, RBMedia announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Dreamscape Media; Dreamscape Publishing produces, and distributes audiobooks in over 60 countries. Dreamscape will become a fundamental RBmedia audiobook division that publishes new and existing titles in the future.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for hospitality businesses to stay head of the latest legislation impacting their operations. One critical law that all hoteliers should be aware of is the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The EAA is a landmark EU directive that establishes common accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services. With full enforcement coming in 2025, now is the time for hoteliers to understand the EAA's implications, as well as take steps to ensure compliance. Here's an overview of the most important considerations facing the hospitality industry in the wake of the EAA's rollout.
AudioEye, Inc., the industry-leading digital accessibility company, and Finalsite, the leading K-12 school community relationship management platform, announced an expanded partnership, significantly enhancing digital accessibility for K-12 schools. The partnership, with new growth targets and a comprehensive go-to-market strategy, utilizes AudioEye's platform for advanced accessibility testing and remediation.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with disabilities form the largest minority in the world, totaling over 1 billion people. Organizations that fail to create an inclusive app/web design are at risk of alienating a substantial market segment. Prioritizing accessibility helps enhance brand image and maintain customer loyalty. The best way to elevate the page experience starts with empowering accessibility and seamless UX to all. The aim should not be just to build technology but to build a technology accessible to everyone.
Pankaj Kumar Srivastava, who is 100% visually impaired, appeared in the Civil Services Examination in 2008. After having taken the written test and interview, he was denied an appointment.
Charisma Mangahas has "been a lover of Disney ever since I was a kid." Being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare nerve-damaging disorder, in 2018 changed the way she experienced the parks. A recent overhaul of Disney's policies for guests with disabilities is changing it again. "I was recently denied the Disability Access Services here at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure," the Magic Key (annual pass) holder said in a video that's gotten 1.7 million views on TikTok and been shared across other social media.
July 8, 2024 📅️
On April 24, 2024, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule mandating that state and local government websites and mobile applications must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Specifically, state and local governments are required to comply with these new standards based on their population size by specific deadlines, underscoring the urgency and importance of making digital spaces accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Jonathan Mosen, a well-known personality in the blindness community, presented the keynote address for the 2024 ICEB general Assembly in New Zealand. It is a very interesting, knowledgeable and entertaining speech. Enjoy!
If you're part of the 12.1% of U.S. adults with a mobility disability, you know the importance of accessible design. From smart home modifications to restaurant layouts to transportation options, some U.S. cities stand out when it comes to accessibility for all while others leave much to be desired.
Jay Shen, Founder and CEO of Transreport, shares insights into the steps needed to improve airport accessibility.
Last Week 📅️
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jonathan Kil, the CEO and CMO of Sound Pharmaceuticals to discuss the latest developments in hearing loss treatment. With a distinguished background in auditory neuroscience and otolaryngology, Dr. Kil co-founded Sound Pharmaceuticals over 22 years ago with a mission to develop drug-based therapies for sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. He has led the company's research and development strategy, securing numerous NIH and Department of Defense awards, and spearheading numerous clinical studies.
In January 2021, Kenneth Geaniton, a blind consumer who subscribed to the Lifeline service provided by T-Mobile US offshoot Assurance Wireless, found he couldn't access the service after his feature phone died. But according to an order handed down this week by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), that was just the beginning of a three-year journey that allegedly included months-long pauses in service provision, required Geaniton to make multiple calls to customer service to perform simple functions, and much back and forth with inappropriate devices being sent. The document details Assurance's alleged failures to comply with multiple sections of the Communications Act and lists what the service provider needs to do.
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Bill Shorten, has proposed a number of policy changes to the scheme. It is hoped these will ensure its sustainability for future generations. The proposals and legislative amendments follow a nationwide discussion on the need for reform so the NDIS can achieve its original aim to support and empower Australians with disability. Currently, one in ten children aged between five and seven years are participants of the NDIS.
Attorney Dena J. King announced today that the Town of Glen Alpine has remedied several violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to its Town Hall building. The resolution is part of the U.S. Attorney's Office's commitment to ensure that civic institutions comply with the ADA.
In short: A robot 'guide dog' could be the answer to a shortage of traditional canine helpers for visually impaired people. A team at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai developed the robot, recognising the difficulty of training and breeding large numbers of traditional guide dogs. What's next? The prototype is still in development, but researchers would like to see it mass produced to assist over 20 million visually impaired people across China.
➜ Featured Events 📅️
July 17, 2024 | iPhone Games | Technology User Group of the Maryland State Library For The Blind and Print Disabled
7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 2PM GMT
The Technology User Group will provide an in-depth look at games for your iPhone. A number of games will be highlighted, especially those possessing accessibility. In addition, information will be presented as to where to find other iOS games and gaming instruction.
➜ Directories 📝️
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads 🎯️
Are you ready to take your digital experience to new heights? Look no further! I am Donna Jodhan, an esteemed Accessibility Consultant, Tester, and Advisor with a wealth of lived experience, knowledge, and skills.
Sponsor Since: November 10, 2023 📅️
Website: https://barrierfreecanada.org/ 🌐️
About: Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrieres (BFC/CSB) advocates for the Canadian Parliament to enact a strong and effective Canadians with Disabilities Act (CDA) to achieve a barrier-free Canada for all persons with disabilities.
To this end, BFC/CSB is seeking endorsements from national disability organizations to build a non-partisan community coalition. BFC/CSB would also like to identify point persons from these organizations to act as key contacts.
The steering committee of BFC/CSB has drafted a set of principles concerning a CDA that are drawn from the principles that underpin the provincial disability legislation in Ontario and Manitoba. A CDA is not meant to replace provincial disability legislation. It will complement such legislation and benefit Canadians living in provinces with and without provincial disability legislation. At this point in time, CNIB, March of Dimes Canada, Canadian Hearing Society and MS Society of Canada have endorsed the BFC/CSB principles and confirmed their support for the movement to enact a CDA. There is no individual or organizational charge for membership in BFC/CSB.
Please contact Donna Jodhan, Founder of Barrier-Free Canada, at info@barrierfreecanada.org 📧️ with any questions or to express your organization's support and identify a key contact.
Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Mastodon (Search For: @news@mastodon.barrierfreecanada.org).
Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023 📅️
Website: https://vi.ie/ 🌐️
Phone: 1800 911 250 📱️
Make A Referral: https://vi.ie/supporting-you/make-a-referral/
We are happy to take referrals from anyone who is having significant challenges with their vision that cannot be improved with conventional correction glasses or medical treatment. Our online referral process provides a quick and easy way for you to request services, either for yourself, a family member, or a patient. We contact all new referrals to conduct an assessment.
Donate: https://vi.ie/supporting-us/donate-now/ ❤
Your support is Vital, for over 90 years, people like you have helped Vision Ireland make Ireland a better place for those who are blind or vision impaired.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ncbilabs 📹
We regularly deliver Technology Podcasts on topics that support you. Show content ranges from chats and debates about the latest Inclusive Tech, Meet the Team interviews, interviews with developers about their latest innovations, Tech Tips, and Seeing it Your Way interviews where we speak to Vision Ireland Service Users about how Technology has enabled them by breaking down barriers and leveling playing fields.
Online Store: https://vi.ie/shop-with-us/online-store/ 🛒
Shop Low Vision Aids. Our dedicated store supplies a range of household items, magnification aids, daily living aids, and technology devices all designed to assist you to live more independently. Check out our extensive range of low-vision aids, devices, and gadgets all designed to assist you in daily tasks.
Vision Ireland Retail: https://www.ncbi.ie/shop-with-us/retail-stores/shop-locations/ 🛒
Visit our 130+ Vision Ireland stores located across the country and shop for an extensive range of pre-loved quality clothing, accessories, and furniture. Vision Ireland is proud to play a part in promoting environmentally friendly practices through reusing and recycling. We've got something for everyone, you can transform your home and wardrobe for less while helping to fund our vital work around Ireland with people living with sight loss.
About: Formerly National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), Vision Ireland's mission is to enable people who are blind and vision impaired to overcome the barriers that impede their independence and participation in society.
Inspired by the determination to overcome any obstacle, Vision Ireland transforms the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired to deliver tangible change to today's needs. We offer timely information and support, relevant technology and innovative programs to sustain those with a vision impairment in education, in the workplace, and in wider society.
The National Council for the Blind of Ireland, the country's leading sight loss charity serving the approximate 55,000 people who are blind or vision impaired to live confidently and independently.
Our suite of programs provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation and opening pathways to education, employment, and full participation in community and public life. It means raising awareness to ensure children and adults with a significant sight loss have the same opportunities, rights, and choices as anyone else in society.
Vision Ireland works every day across the country with people of all ages, from young babies through to older members of our community. We provide services to approximately 7,000 people each year.
Often when a person learns that they or a loved one — a parent, child or partner — is losing their sight, they have a lot of questions and fears. They are faced with a new version of their life — one that initially seems limited and scary. Vision Ireland empowers those living with sight loss in several meaningful ways to enable them to continue living independent and fulfilling lives. Vision Ireland has a crucial role to play in creating a world without barriers for people with sight loss. We want to support, educate and change how people see sight loss in this country.
Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube | Instagram
Learn the basics of NVDA. From getting started with the program to customizing the speech to learning helpful shortcuts, Hadley's workshops have you covered.
Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023 📅️
Website: https://hadleyhelps.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@hadleyhelps.org 📧️
Phone: (800) 323-4238 📱️
Get Started: https://hadleyhelps.org/learn 🎓
What would you like to learn today?
Donate: https://hadleyhelps.org/donate/support-hadley ❤
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs.
About: The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities.
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who "get it." And you don't need to come to Hadley. Hadley's help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail.
Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 70,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 200,000 workshop interactions. And our workshops have 98% satisfaction ratings. We reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.
Hadley is a proud partner of the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program.
Hadley's help conveniently meets learners where they are. Free of wait lists. Free of office visits. Free of charge.
Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube
Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023 📅️
Website: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ 🌐️
About: This half-hour weekly podcast and radio program discusses products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across North America, via several internet streaming services, and to everyone else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries on all the inhabited continents. Eyes On Success is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey.
Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people's accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to achieve things. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and others. In all cases, the focus is on success.
Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was ViewPoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.
Listening To Eyes On Success
You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying “play the Eyes On Success podcast”, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).
Connecting with Eyes On Success
Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net 📧️.
Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic "announcements only" list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️.
Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you've heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️
Show your commitment to accessibility with Access Ready's Stand By Me On-Call Consulting Program. Access expert consultations, legislative guidance, and market analysis. Benefit from weekly news publications and direct communication channels with our experts. Enhance your customer service, employee services, and web presence. Contact Douglas George Towne 📧️ today to start your journey towards greater accessibility and inclusivity. Don't wait — make a difference now with the Stand By Me Program.
Sponsor Since: December 19th 2022 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
Ensure your organization addresses accessibility issues as they arise with Access Ready's Standing By You On-Call Consulting Program. Get 24/7 direct contact with experts, consultations on legislative matters, market analysis, and product development insights. Access weekly news publications and periodic reports from experts. Join now and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility. Contact Chief Consultant Douglas George Towne 📧️ today to learn more and take the first step towards an inclusive future.
Sponsor Since: December 13th 2022 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
What Technologies do you see in the market that are not accessible, but should be? What accessible technologies can you imagine that can make the lives of people with all kinds of disabilities better? We will advocate with developers to make existing technologies accessible on your behalf. We will advocate with developers to build new accessible technologies on your behalf. Give us your guidance and support. Your guidance charts our path toward what is most important. Your support funds our efforts on your behalf.
Sponsor Since: December 1st 2022 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
The APH ConnectCenter and NSITE have partnered to update the Job Seeker's Toolkit, an accessible, self-paced, free online training course. The Toolkit includes five sections covering self-awareness, career exploration tools, the preliminary employment process, the interview, and maintaining employment. We are bringing the Job Seeker's Toolkit to a larger audience and in a Learning Management System format for today's learners, at no cost. Visit APHCareerConnect.org to get started with the Job Seekers Toolkit today.
Sponsor Since: November 29th 2022 📅️
Website: https://aphconnectcenter.org/ 🌐️
Email: connectcenter@aph.org 📧️
APH ConnectCenter Information and Referral Line: (800) 232-5463 📱️
Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET
Facebook (CareerConnect) | Facebook (FamilyConnect) | Facebook (VisionAware) | Twitter | YouTube
About:
The APH ConnectCenter offers curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, and their associated professionals, leading to greater independence and success in their lives.
Purchase a 25-pack of any style of WayTag and get a free Sampler Pack so you can try all seven different WayTags. Enter the coupon code SAMPLE at checkout and the Sampler Pack will automatically be added to your cart. This is a $14.99 value! Limit one Sample pack per order.
WayAround is a smartphone-based labeling app that works with your preferred accessibility settings. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags ® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more.
If you want to label something that's inside, outside, wet, dry, hot, or cold, there's a WayTag that will attach securely. WayTags come as stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Each of the different styles of WayTags work exactly the same. Simply choose the WayTag that's best for what you want to label.
Sponsor Since: November 18th 2022 📅️
Website: https://www.wayaround.com/ 🌐️
General Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️
Business Sales & Support: (888) 898-4465 📱️
Email: connect@wayaround.com 📧️
About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.
All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.
Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence.
Download The App (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140?mt=8
Download The App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wayaround.wayaround&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1
Aira, one of the world's leading remote visual interpretation services, has announced a landmark partnership that will make the process of receiving remote technical support even more accessible! Aira will be deploying our cross-platform, fully accessible Remote Incident Manager across its entire team of agents dedicated to providing top notch visual interpretation.
As an Aira explorer, help with inaccessible computer tasks has always been possible, however this has required the use of off-the-shelf remote support tools with varying degrees of inaccessibility. IN recent years, the inaccessibility has made the process of establishing a connection for the support recipient quite difficult. Remote Incident Manager (RIM), by contrast, has been especially designed by and for blind and visually impaired users, yet can be used just as effectively by anyone!
Download the free RIM application on your Windows or macOSmachine today, and experience the best in accessible remote assistance!
Sponsor Since: November 7th 2022 📅️
Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐️
Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education.
Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️
Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️
About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?
Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.
Sponsor Since: Today 📅️
Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/dearsponsor 🌐️
Phone: (855) 578-6660 📱️
Email: news@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
About: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 29,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the most recent issues here.
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Why: Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.
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In addition, all Access Information News Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.
One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.
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Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.
Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.
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➜ Access Information News Team 🗞️
Distribution Since: 2022
As of November 7, 2022 the distribution of Access Information News is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
Any time the Access Information News Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more about the benefits of Sponsorship today.
Publisher Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Email: publisher@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
Toll-Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Toll Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
PR Director (2024-Present)
AT-Newswire 🌐
Access Technology's Digital Newswire
Publisher (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Certified:
Digital Marketing Associate
Meta Certified (2022 - Present)
Social Marketing Professional
Hootsuite Certified (2020 - Present)
Email Marketing Professional
Constant Contact Certified (2019 - Present)
Specializing in:
Digital Strategy and Content Marketing
Social Media Advertising
Online Fundraising
ADA, WCAG and Section 508 Compliance
Editor Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News John also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and visually impaired persons.
John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
John Hanlin, Esq.
Editor (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Editor Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and runs her own advocacy foundation.
Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.
Jenna Lang, PMP
Editor (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News David also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
David Woodbridge
X (Formerly Twitter): @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
Editor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor (2023-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present)
Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Editor Since: January 9, 2024
Location: Benton City, WA
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
IIn addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Vicki also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Vicki Walton
Editor (2024-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor (2024-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges 🌐
Better Jobs, Brighter Futures, a Stronger Washington
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