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Access Information News for Monday, August 5, 2024 - Volume 974 ♿️
The Week's News in Access Information
Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
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1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
Publisher (Di Blasi): Dearest David. I am so very sorry to hear about your health scare and the closing of AppleVis. I think I speak for many in the community when I say that we sincerely appreciate the many valuable contributions that you have made possible over the years, especially since we now know the true personal cost. A cost that I too am acutely aware of, and the very reason that we work so hard to make sure that each publication can ultimately fund itself. The personal cost of beloved endeavors can be incredibly significant without support. Thank you for doing that for us. For all of us. It is sincerely appreciated and I assure you will never be forgotten. If you are ultimately unable to come up with any viable solutions to keep the site running as it was, we would be willing to donate the annual hosting and services required to keep the site online, indefinitely, in read-only mode. In this way your contributions, and the many contributions of others, can live on and continue to help the community long after your departure. You can always reach me at publisher@accessinformationnews.com 📧️. Wishing you, and rest of the AppleVis Team, all the very best. We're here if you need us.
David Goodwin: It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that after careful consideration I have made the difficult decision to step down from my responsibilities with AppleVis. As a direct result of my departure and following extensive deliberation, the editorial team has come to the painful conclusion that AppleVis will be closing. This decision was not made lightly, but it has become clear that continuing AppleVis without my involvement is not feasible.
Braille, introduced by Louis Braille in Paris, France in 1829, has opened up the world of reading and writing for people who are blind or low vision. The system isn't perfect, however, and in its ordinary form, paper braille is bulky. Print documents need to be transcribed into the braille code, which can be time consuming and expensive. Enter the portable refreshable braille display on a device that can allow a user to store, read, and write documents. Braille users employ them today in many forms, but how did they get started? The first working display recorded in our files at The Dot Experience is a device developed first by James Bryce at International Business Machines (IBM), around 1950, and then later worked on by Arnold Grunwald at the Argonne National Laboratory. This device stored information on perforated paper tapes. It created raised braille characters on a plastic belt that moved under the reader's fingers at their chosen pace.
Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp on swiping right, hooking up, and settling down.
NBCUniversal's coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be more accessible than ever before, with enhanced closed captioning, expanded audio description, and improved digital content accessibility. Read below for a Q&A about accessibility for the 2024 Olympic Games.
On July 23, 2024, Mattel released Barbie Fashionista Doll 228, also known as "Blind Barbie," developed with guidance from the American Foundation for the Blind and the Royal National Institute of Blind People. As a cane user with low vision who loves wearing colorful outfits, I was excited to purchase a Barbie that can serve as a valuable introduction to learning about the spectrum of blindness/visual impairment in a fun way. Here is a list of ways that Blind Barbie showcases how to design for visual impairment and examples of assistive technology that she might use.
July 29, 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.
August 4, 2024 📅️
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP and Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information Newsletters, offers ongoing funding to support the hosting of the AppleVis website an an archive. Aaron explores the details of how such a transition might be accomplished, and what steps would need to be taken in order to implement it.
August 2, 2024 📅️
The trustees of AbilityNet are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Amy Low is currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the charity and will succeed Gary Moore as CEO from Monday 5th August.
August 1, 2024 📅️
What to see, where to stay and where to eat and drink — that are accessible for Disabled travellers.
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a landmark agreement with the County of Los Angeles to resolve its lawsuit alleging that the county violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by denying voters with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in its voting programs, services and activities when it failed to select and use facilities as polling places that are accessible to persons with disabilities.
ABLE accounts provide a tax-advantaged way for disabled individuals to save money. Yet 10 years after Congress first created these accounts, many eligible individuals still aren't using them. Several new congressional proposals aim to raise awareness of the accounts and make it easier to put money in them.
Why I collect Vinyl. I have a terrible singing voice, and my lack of manual dexterity made learning an instrument impossible when I was younger. My dad would often compare anything he thought undoable to learning the cello, as that was something I was passionate about before I really understood how my disability affected my hands. This lack of musical talent always hit me harder than it should, because I come from a very musical family. My brother plays three or four instruments with varying levels of proficiency. My sister was a classically trained singer in college. Both my parents honed their singing skills in the small churches of northern Canada as missionaries. But not me. I don't have musical ability, but I always enjoyed consuming music. Whether it was Dvorak, Creedence Clearwater Revival, or Miles Davis, I like to fill my office and downtime with music.
People with visual impairments who view the Olympic Games cannot see what's happening on the field, in the pool, or on the balance beam. But they're getting help in visualizing it. A Canadian company called Descriptive Video Work has announcers who specialize in describing the games to a visually impaired audience. They speak in between comments by the regular NBC announcers.
My final thoughts? More listening is needed. More commitment is also needed. We cannot move forward unless these 2 issues are addressed but most importantly? Members need to be appropriately compensated for their time and expertise! Just my two cents for today.
July 31, 2024 📅️
Televised game was huge moment for a squad whose fight for recognition and funding has run alongside success.
Is it too soon or too late to ask what 2024 Presidential candidates' positions on disability issues will be? It's hard to figure, given the suddenly compressed nature of the race, since President Biden dropped out and Vice President Harris is all but certain to run in his place.
July 30, 2024 📅️
In Ontario, why are so many buildings and outdoor spaces like sidewalks still not accessible to people with disabilities? After all, two decades ago, the Ontario legislature gave itself a standing ovation after unanimously passing the landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It requires Ontario to become accessible by 2025, including buildings. We, in the disability community, tenaciously fought for a decade to win that law.
Fred Trump III says his uncle told him "maybe" people with disabilities such as his son "should just die."
A new bill would revamp the decades old law requiring the government be accessible online, where many agencies are still falling short.
Welcome to the third installment of our in-depth exploration of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). As we navigate the complexities, regulatory requirements, and potential impacts of this landmark act, our goal is to provide you with actionable guidance so your organization can drive the changes necessary to achieve EAA compliance.
Scheduling public transportation has proven to be difficult for people living with disabilities in Western New York.
United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that the United States has reached agreements with Ryan Stemper; Whole Strength CrossFit Smyrna a/k/a Inner Strength, LLC; Mark Gellner; and MCMM Properties, LLC to settle allegations that a Smyrna CrossFit gymnasium violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) by failing to remove architectural barriers to accessibility for individuals with disabilities patronizing the gymnasium. As part of the settlements, the parties have agreed to cease using the building as a place of public accommodation. Ryan Stemper and Whole Strength CrossFit Smyrna will pay $10,000 to the complainant who brought this issue to the United States' attention and will pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the United States. MCMM Properties, LLC and Mark Gellner will pay a $2,000 civil penalty to the United States. Combined, the payments under the settlements will total $17,000.
To celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, discover four creative museum experiences that enhance accessibility for all visitors.
Up until this last weekend, I had very little to report on — then came the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright Enterprises. But first things first... TL;DR I never expected or wanted this post to go on as long as it does. If you're a legal geek, have at it. If you're in hurry, here's the essential points.
The ARC Platform provides organizations with a single solution to create consistency when managing an enterprise accessibility program.
An Adventist school teacher has been awarded the Adventist Accessibility Scholarship (AAS) for her dedication to enhancing accessibility within the church and community.
July 29, 2024 📅️
Amtrak has invested more than $880 million since 2011 dedicated to advancing accessibility at all levels.
Paris certainly needs the nudge.
Disabled artists have found their own ways to bring visibility to experiences that have long been misunderstood or marginalized.
Whether it's automatic doors or elevators, accessibility can benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Brad Bartko, accessibility consultant and owner of Disability: Accessible by Design, said accessibility can take different forms but no matter how it looks, it helps create an inclusive environment for everyone.
When Dr Yasmine Gray recounts the magic of her latest travel adventures, she lights up. A cold rainy day in Dunedin, New Zealand last summer didn't deter her — it just meant activities moved indoors.
School buses, intended to provide safe and secure rides for all children, are largely failing kids with disabilities, prompting urgent calls for improvements.
The Centre for Ageing Better says 250,000 more accessible homes could have been built if the previous government had adopted the regulations.
If you've just started learning about accessibility, you might be a bit overwhelmed by all the jargon. WCAG, VPAT, s508, Level A — what on earth are they? Do they apply to your work or can you safely ignore them? I've been the guide for many of our clients through the jumble of acronyms and standards. I'd love to help you too.
Friday, July 26, 2024 marked the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the MTA's first Chief Accessibility Officer and the Interim President of New York City Transit, responsible for ensuring safe and accessible travel on our subway and bus system, the ADA is a major milestone. Over the last three decades, accessibility has become a core priority of NYC Transit and the MTA, driving many of the improvements made to the system for the benefit of all our customers.
Recent headlines have highlighted real estate developers' concerns about changes to accessibility standards in British Columbia's building code. The changes require all new large condominium and apartment buildings to have 100 per cent adaptable suites, and first-floor suites in smaller apartment buildings to be easily adaptable so persons with disabilities can live in them. Developers argue this will increase expenses for both builders and buyers.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion last week authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and coauthored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger that directs the county's Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Aging and Disabilities to jointly develop guidelines in collaboration with the county's Commission on Disabilities that include accessible design recommendations for the county's future parks and for renovations to existing parks.
Often, when it comes to making physical environments more wheelchair-friendly and accessible, low expectations and a lack of ambition amongst site operators can make things feel like an uphill task.
A key protein that helps assemble the brain early in life also appears to protect the organ from Alzheimer's and other diseases of aging.
Michigan is enhancing park accessibility with three new projects. These projects will be funded by the National Park Service Mobility Grant. Officials see this as a way to set the standard for National parks nationwide.
The Paralympics highlight the need for year-round activity to include people with disabilities in sports.
Last Week 📅️
There will also be more tax exemptions for those who are disabled, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed a plain language executive order on July 23 that aims to make state services and programs more accessible. Moore also recognized 34 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Times columnist Melanie Reid hadn't travelled overseas for a decade — and didn't think she would again — until the trip that made her Norwegian fjord dreams come true.
This week, the former president's nephew claimed that the former president told him disabled Americans “should just die.”
The City of New Orleans is hosting hundreds of wheelchair-bound veterans for the 43rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games. While many said they love the city, they also noted accessibility problems.
How a new staging of 'Cinderella' is bringing Deaf/hearing theatre out of the 'shadows.'
On the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed a final rule under Title II of the ADA to improve access to medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) for people with disabilities. MDE includes equipment like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, x-ray machines and mammography machines. Accessible MDE is essential for people with disabilities to have equal access to medical care.
The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees equal protection for people with a wide range of disabilities. But advocates say many challenges remain 34 years after it became the law of the land.
Blossom Music Center is one of the most iconic venues in Northeast Ohio. However, some people with disabilities say a lack of accessible parking spoiled their summer concert experience.
Spend time with artist Thom Roberts, and it won't be long before he gives you a nickname. Roberts is autistic and has an intellectual disability, and is one of several professional artists whose art practice is supported by Sydney social enterprise Studio A.
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is a month dedicated to celebrating those with disabilities and all they can do in spite of their conditions. But disabilities are not always visible — so the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program stepped up to make a symbol to help.
A woman who was given the Freedom of the City of London for her disability campaigning says it is "absurd" she was unable to collect the award on stage due to not being offered an accessible ramp.
When my uncle was elected President, I recognized what a highly privileged position I would be in. I would have some access to the White House. And as long as that was true, I wanted to make sure I used that access for something positive. I was eager to champion something my wife, Lisa, and I were deeply passionate about, something we lived every day: the challenges for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
See all the honorees of Fast Company's 2024 Innovation by Design Awards in the accessible design category.
Disability Rights, Digital Accessibility, and much more will be at stake if Trump is elected.
The Association for Computing Machinery's US Technology Policy Committee (USTPC) has released a Statement in Support of Mandatory Comprehensive Digital Accessibility Regulations. The US Department of Justice recently updated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability, with requirements for the accessibility of web content and mobile applications. The aim of the revision to the ADA is to ensure that services, programs, and activities provided by state and local governments online and through mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities.
In June 2025, the European Accessibility Act will be enforced. Most of the buzz is around websites and apps, but many physical devices will also be covered by the new legislation. Let's look at that more closely and create some buzz around the accessibility of touch screens and other physical devices!
Utah State's National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials and Instruction will target education departments seeking to meet new accessibility requirements.
Today, officials from the City of Burlington and representatives of the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) gathered to celebrate the installation of a first-in-the-City Accessible Tactile Map located in Burlington's Waterfront Park. | MyNBC5.com | MyChamplainValley.com
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Recent Supreme Court rulings have seriously impacted the disability community. Overturning Chevron allows ADA rules to be challenged, and criminalizing homelessness affects many with disabilities. You can help us fight these injustices! Become an Individual Advocate Power Player with Access Ready Inc. for just $21/month. Your donation directly supports our advocacy initiatives to protect and advance disability rights. Stay updated with our Chair-CEO's reports and access exclusive newsletters. Stand up for those who need it most. Visit Access Ready Inc. today at: https://accessready.org/donate/#power-player .
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: July 22, 2024 📅️
Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/heart 🌐️
About: Hello, and welcome to the Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Show.
I co-host this monthly, virtual, live-streamed event with Sean Callagy, founder of Unblinded Sales Mastery, a Certified Disability Owned Business Enterprise by Disability-In.
During my service as President and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), I recruited Sean to our board of trustees, where among other things, he was our largest individual donor for each of the three years he served.
My Heart of Influence show focuses on disability inclusion. I bring together 7 or 8 integrity-based leaders involved in disability owned business, corporate supplier diversity, disability advocacy, disabled entrepreneurship, or assistive technology innovation.
People that I believe should know one another and can very likely do business together.
Visionaries who believe a rising tide lifts all boats.
It's better than meeting for a cup of coffee!
— Dr. Kirk Adams, PhD
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 📧️
Recent Supreme Court rulings have seriously impacted the disability community. Overturning Chevron allows ADA rules to be challenged, and criminalizing homelessness affects many with disabilities. You can help us fight these injustices! Become an Individual Advocate Power Player with Access Ready Inc. for just $21/month. Your donation directly supports our advocacy initiatives to protect and advance disability rights. Stay updated with our Chair-CEO's reports and access exclusive newsletters. Stand up for those who need it most. Visit Access Ready Inc. today at: https://accessready.org/donate/#power-player .
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.
Recent Supreme Court rulings have seriously impacted the disability community. Overturning Chevron allows ADA rules to be challenged, and criminalizing homelessness affects many with disabilities. You can help us fight these injustices! Become an Individual Advocate Power Player with Access Ready Inc. for just $21/month. Your donation directly supports our advocacy initiatives to protect and advance disability rights. Stay updated with our Chair-CEO's reports and access exclusive newsletters. Stand up for those who need it most. Visit Access Ready Inc. today at: https://accessready.org/donate/#power-player .
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.
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.
➜ Access Information News Supporters 🤝️
We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!
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.
Benefits: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.
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.
Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
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.
1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter Since: December 5, 2022
2.) Donna Jodhan
Platinum Supporter Since: March 24, 2023
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One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News Publication.
Become an Access Information News One Time Supporter today.
1.) Sharyn Sobel
One Time Supporter on November 28, 2023
2.) Amanda Lee
One Time Supporter on July 31, 2023
3.) Gaylen Kapperman
One Time Supporter on June 4, 2024
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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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