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Access Information News for Monday, September 23, 2024 - Volume 981 ♿️
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
Subscribers: 25,129 🔢️ opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email.
Sponsors 🏅️
Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By:
This Week's Featured Advertisement 🎯️
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are essential for millions of Americans with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. These services enable individuals to live independently in their communities.
Bills before Congress address these challenges:
➜︎ HCBS Access Act (H.R. 1493 and S. 762): Establishes permanent, mandatory funding, expanding access and ensuring equitable availability across states.
➜︎ HCBS Relief Act (H.R. 6296 and S. 3118): Provides emergency funding to sustain HCBS during crises like the pandemic.
➜︎ Better Care Better Jobs Act (H.R. 547 and S. 100): Invests in the HCBS workforce, improving pay, benefits, and working conditions for direct support professionals.
➜︎ Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (H.R. 2708 and S. 1193): Strengthens the rights of people with disabilities to live in their communities.
Contact Members of Congress asking them to: Co-sponsor and vote for these critical bills.
https://accessready.org
chair-ceo@accessready.org 📧️
News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
New federal rules, effective January 1, 2024, will make mental health and substance abuse treatment more accessible for Americans with private health insurance. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su announced that the new rules are aimed at ensuring better access to vital mental health care services, which are essential for the well-being of American workers.
In an address to the disability community, Biden summed up his work on both legislation and regulation, including co-sponsoring the Americans with Disabilities Act as a young senator.
In a world that often overlooks the strengths of disabled individuals, Sara Minkara is a reminder that true inclusion means creating spaces where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can contribute and lead.
In a documentary that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Andrea Bocelli reflects on the soccer accident that left him blind. Bocelli, who had been living with glaucoma as a child, describes how the accident was a pivotal moment in his life, altering his vision forever, despite having clear memories of his earlier sight.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is moving forward with adopting the Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG). These guidelines, long-awaited since their proposal by the U.S. Access Board, aim to ensure that pedestrians, including those using wheelchairs or pushing strollers, have equal access to public pathways.
September 21, 2024 📅️
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4.) Premium Subscribers | AccessInformationNews.com | September 23, 2024
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.
September 21, 2024 📅️
My final thoughts? If it is good will then we are in big trouble! If it is a genuine effort then there is hope!
September 19, 2024 📅️
The development is also close to the Blind Center's main campus, and we're told it will help many members reduce their transportation time and costs.
Aira is pleased to announce that Everette Bacon has been promoted to Chief of Blindness Initiatives. Since joining Aira as VP of Blindness Initiatives in 2023, Everette has played a fundamental leadership role at Aira. His work has included advocacy, securing state and federal funding, and advancing the recognition of visual interpreting as an assistive technology. In this new position, Everette will continue this important work, as well as take a more active leadership role in product and service development, service delivery, and business development, in addition to building out a team under him.
A new documentary co-produced with Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine features the life-changing experience of a disability rights advocate participating in a zero-gravity flight. The article explores the broader implications of accessible space travel, highlighting how advancements in this area could improve accessibility on Earth.
September 18, 2024 📅️
Access Information News, the world's leading, not-for-profit weekly newsletter dedicated to access information, now serves more than 25,000 readers, all over the world, each week. A milestone that highlights the publication's ongoing commitment to forging critical partnerships across the access community.
As the U.S. population of individuals over 85 is expected to double by 2040, this article explores how local and state plans for aging populations could inform a federal strategy. The report calls for better integration of affordable housing, accessible communities, and home-based care to support the growing needs of older adults.
The documentary 'Join or Die' traces the civic unraveling of America through the lens of Robert Putnam's 'Bowling Alone' research. The film highlights six community groups actively working to rebuild social connections and address democracy's current crisis, featuring interviews with influential figures like Hillary Clinton and Pete Buttigieg.
At a recent presidential debate, Donald Trump reignited discussions on health care, specifically the future of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). While Trump claimed to have saved the law, he also alluded to plans for replacing it with unspecified 'concepts,' reviving a key issue in the Republican agenda.
Princeton University has introduced digital accessibility guides for over 200 campus buildings. These guides provide detailed information on entrances, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features to help individuals with disabilities navigate the university's spaces more easily, reinforcing Princeton's commitment to inclusivity.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Boston Center for Independent Living has been instrumental in helping people with disabilities live independently. The article shares the story of Peter Cronis, who grew up in an institution due to his disability, and highlights the center's impact on promoting autonomy and inclusion for disabled individuals.
September 17, 2024 📅️
I have a lightning talk I deliver internally at my job. It is intentionally delivered to non-accessibility practitioners, so mainly engineers, designers, project managers, and product folk.
Nestle Confectionery is trialling Accessible QR codes on its flagship products, KitKat and Quality Street, to help consumers with sight loss. The move is aimed at improving accessibility and ease of access for customers with visual impairments, reflecting the company's commitment to inclusive product design.
A $956-million courthouse in downtown Toronto has been criticized for numerous accessibility issues. A provincial report highlights problems such as poor design for people with disabilities, echoing concerns raised by disability rights activist David Lepofsky. The issues add to existing complaints about safety and staffing at the controversial facility.
Local disability support and community groups in Chesterfield are organizing a free event to promote accessibility and inclusion during National Inclusion Week. The event aims to raise awareness and showcase the support available for people with disabilities in the area, focusing on community involvement and local resources.
As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) approaches its 2025 implementation deadline, software companies must take proactive steps to ensure compliance. This follow-up blog delves into why software companies need to establish a robust accessibility roadmap, including the importance of third-party Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) and continuous updates.
A new survey reveals that 41% of Americans report being at their highest stress levels this year, with financial worries and political tension as key contributors. The survey, conducted by Talker Research for Traditional Medicinals, found that the average person experiences stress-induced head spinning 156 times a year, highlighting a growing mental health crisis.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has long advocated for equitable communication access, and with the advent of AI, companies now have advanced tools to better serve deaf and hard of hearing individuals. This article explores how businesses can use AI-driven solutions to enhance communication access, building on decades of ADA progress.
Melissa Ryan, a licensed massage therapist, faces transportation challenges due to late-life epilepsy, which prohibits her from driving for six months after a seizure. Paratransit services help individuals like Ryan navigate these challenges by providing accessible transportation options, though gaps in service remain for those in more rural areas.
Parkinson's disease rates are increasing in a region dubbed 'America's Parkinson's Belt,' stretching from Southern California through the sunbelt and rustbelt states. Scientists suspect exposure to farming chemicals and industrial pollutants is responsible for the 50% higher-than-average rate of Parkinson's in this region, sparking growing health concerns.
A report commissioned by the Ministry of the Attorney General has uncovered accessibility issues at the newly built $956-million Toronto courthouse. The facility, which opened in March 2023, has faced criticism for not adequately addressing the needs of people with disabilities, prompting calls for urgent improvements.
Despite rapid digital growth, 2.6 billion people globally remain disconnected from the internet, exacerbating inequality and poverty. The article highlights the urgent need for solutions to close the digital divide, ensuring access to essential services and economic opportunities, particularly for vulnerable populations in developing nations.
A growing number of older Americans, like 78-year-old Gerri Norington, are living alone as they age. This trend raises concerns about the emotional and logistical support available for elderly individuals who face isolation, especially in light of Gerri's story of divorce, widowhood, and ultimately, solitude after the end of a long-term relationship.
September 16, 2024 📅️
A Milwaukee Public Schools student, who relies on a wheelchair, has been left without accessible transportation for two weeks, despite assurances from the district. The ongoing delays have forced his father to drive him to school without his motorized wheelchair, raising concerns about the district's transportation policies for students with disabilities.
Andrew Leland's memoir highlights how technology, such as AI-powered apps, is transforming accessibility for the blind. As Leland loses his sight, he explores how innovations are helping people with vision impairments navigate daily life. The article discusses the impact of these technologies on independence and inclusion for the blind community.
A viral color perception test developed by Dr. Patrick Mineault, a visual neuroscientist, and his ophthalmologist wife, has sparked debates on color perception. Their web app, ismy.blue, was created after a disagreement over whether a blanket in their home was blue or green, illustrating the complexities of how individuals perceive colors differently.
New Zealand's Transport Agency (NZTA) is facing criticism from disability advocacy groups after blocking remote piloting technology for e-scooters. The technology, aimed at improving accessibility, has been deactivated, leading advocates to call on the government to reconsider the decision and explore its potential benefits for people with disabilities.
Four local authorities in New Zealand's Northland region have developed the Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy. This strategy aims to improve accessibility in the region, which has one of the highest rates of disabilities in the country. The strategy follows a 2020 survey that found only 17% of participants believed their district was accessible.
Shelley Cowan, a disability rights campaigner in Northern Ireland, has launched a new initiative to improve accessibility for wheelchair users at local hospitality venues and hotels. Her campaign, #accommodationforall, aims to make all venues fully accessible and highlights the importance of the 'purple pound' the spending power of disabled people and their families.
Habinteg, a housing association specializing in accessible homes, is advocating for the adoption of the M4(2) accessible and adaptable standard for all new homes in England. The association argues that adapting homes to meet accessibility needs later can cost up to 27,000, whereas building them to the M4(2) standard from the outset significantly reduces this cost.
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced exemptions to the Accessible Information Regulations (AIR) for coaches used in rail replacement services. Coaches with more than 16 seats will not be required to comply with AIR when serving local routes, raising concerns about the accessibility of public transport for disabled passengers.
An audit by Detroit Disability Power found that only 12% of Detroit's polling places were fully accessible in 2022. The audit revealed significant challenges, including the lack of accessible voting booths and parking. The article highlights ongoing efforts to address these issues and ensure that voters with disabilities can participate in elections without barriers.
Last Week 📅️
Oasis fans requiring accessible tickets for the band's additional London shows have called the ballot process discriminatory. The invite-only ballot system for accessible seating at Wembley Stadium has led to accusations of exclusion, with fans criticizing it as unfair and limiting for people with disabilities.
Residential projects already in progress in British Columbia will be exempt from new accessibility rules set to take effect in March. These rules require new large residential buildings to be adaptable for people with disabilities. Developers have pushed back against the new rules, citing concerns over construction delays and additional costs.
The United Nations has issued a critical report on the Netherlands, stating that the country is not doing enough for people with disabilities in areas such as education, public transport, and the labor market. The report also highlights issues with compulsory treatment in mental health care and calls for an end to discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Maine's Department of the Secretary of State is working to make voting more accessible for people with disabilities. After reviewing polling places across the state, they found nearly half of them out of compliance with accessibility laws. The state aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of disability, can exercise their right to vote.
Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first ultra-accessible theme park, is celebrating 15 years of promoting inclusion for people with disabilities. The park has expanded its offerings to include year-round activities and services aimed at fostering accessibility, including a sports complex, splash park, and the Morgan's Multi-Assistance Center.
The MTA's first-ever chief accessibility officer shares personal experiences as a wheelchair user navigating the subway system. The article reflects on the current improvements in accessibility, such as better elevator availability and the commitment to removing barriers that make public transportation more accessible for everyone.
Walmart has introduced 'Caroline's Carts,' specially designed shopping carts for individuals with disabilities and limited mobility, across Missouri and other states. This initiative, aimed at inclusivity, makes shopping easier for caregivers of both children and adults with disabilities, furthering Walmart's mission of accessibility for all.
The FDA has approved a new feature that allows Apple AirPods Pro 2 to function as hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing impairment. This feature, available with an upcoming software update, will enable users to amplify sounds, providing a more accessible solution for those seeking over-the-counter hearing aids.
The government of Saskatchewan has formed an accessibility advisory committee to assess and improve accessibility in the province. The committee includes members with a range of disabilities, ensuring that all aspects of accessibility are considered. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the unique needs of people with varying disabilities.
The Justice Department filed a complaint and proposed a consent decree in U.S. District Court against Johns Hopkins Health System for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The case involves allegations that Johns Hopkins excluded necessary support persons for patients with disabilities, denying them equal access to medical care.
Discussing election deadlines and voter registration in the workplace is not only acceptable but necessary civic engagement. The article highlights the importance of providing accessible voting information, particularly for disabled and neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the need for inclusive practices during Disability Voting Rights Week.
An event co-hosted by First Place AZ and the Foundation for Blind Children, Spark the Spectrum aimed to educate Arizona voters with disabilities on the voting process. The workshop provided hands-on demonstrations of voting equipment and accommodations, helping attendees prepare for the upcoming general election and reinforcing the importance of accessible voting.
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) reports that one in seven disabled voters experienced difficulties during the 2022 midterms. This article explores the accessibility challenges in New York and how Monroe County is addressing these issues to ensure a smoother voting experience for people with disabilities.
At Woodstock Bay, a birding event was organized with a focus on accessibility, providing mobility aids and American Sign Language interpreters for participants. Despite a slow day for bird sightings, the event exemplified inclusive outdoor activities, allowing everyone to participate regardless of physical limitations.
In Aroostook County, Lisa Betancourth, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2020, shares her challenges with accessibility. Since becoming wheelchair-bound, she has faced difficulties accessing basic needs such as groceries, healthcare, and housing. The article highlights the struggles of physical accessibility and acceptance in the community.
U.S. Senator Peter Welch visited Vermont's first fully adaptive mountain bike trail network at the Richmond Mountain Trails. The visit showcased Vermont's efforts to make outdoor recreation more inclusive. Welch, along with local leaders, emphasized the economic benefits of increasing accessibility in outdoor activities.
➜ Featured Events 📅️
2PM PT, 3PM MT, 4PM CT, 5PM ET, 9PM GMT
Time to launch your dream career. Register for the National Federation of the Blind Virtual Career Fair. This is your chance to meet and network with employers from across the country. Registration is free for jobseekers.
10AM PT, 11AM MT, 12PM CT, 1PM ET, 5PM GMT
Join us 1-3PM on October 15, 2024 to celebrate the day and bring awareness to the public! FREE refreshments and raffles! City officials, the police department, and tons of visitors will be on hand to learn about the White Cane Law and FOCB's free programs, classes and workshops for the blind and visually impaired. Together we can make the streets safer and raise awareness of the law.
1PM PT, 2PM MT, 3PM CT, 4PM ET, 8PM GMT
The 16th Annual Dining in the Dark! Sunday Nov 17th, 2024 | 4PM-8PM. West Palm Beach Marriott, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd. Tickets $125 pp. Join us for an experience like no other! Come have dinner in complete darkness. •Delicious 3-course dinner served by the PBSO SWAT Team who will be wearing night-vision goggles. Inspiring guest speaker, music & entertainment, silent auction, cash bar. Dining in the Dark helps to raise funds for educational, therapeutic, vision and support services for individuals of all ages who are blind and visually impaired. These specialized services empower people with vision loss to lead active, independent and successful lives. FOCB. is a non-profit organization established in 2003 & provides FREE programs, services, and classes to more than 48,000 blind residents in Palm Beach County.
As a movement, digital accessibility has never been as powerful or impactful as it is today. We are at an amazing inflection point that will define the future of inclusion across the globe. All of us at Deque are so honored to be a part of this mission, and we are incredibly excited to announce that the fifth annual axe-con conference will return next year on February 25-27, 2025! Axe-con is the world's largest digital accessibility conference. Last year, over 30,000 people registered to attend, representing more than 12,000 organizations. We hosted over 75 expert presenters, and today, we're elated to announce our first 2025 keynote speaker, Alice Wong! Alice Wong is a disabled activist, writer, editor, and community organizer. She is the founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, an online community dedicated to creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture. Alice's activism has been celebrated by Time Magazine and Marie Claire, and her 2022 memoir was one of USA Today's “Must-Read” books. Alice is the recipient of multiple awards, was named a Disability Futures fellow by the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to be a member of the National Council on Disability.
➜ Directories 📝️
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads 🎯️
Join us for another inspiring episode of the Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Show!
📅️ Date: October 10, 2024
🕛️ Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PT
📍️ Where: Live Stream Virtual Event
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from integrity-based leaders in:
👉️ Disability-Owned Businesses
👉️ Corporate Supplier Diversity
👉️ Disability Advocacy
👉️ Disabled Entrepreneurship
👉️ Assistive Technology Innovation
Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, and Sean Callagy, founder of Unblinded Sales Mastery, will host an engaging discussion on disability inclusion and innovative business practices.
This monthly event brings together visionaries who believe in creating collaborative solutions and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.
Tune in to expand your network, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversation shaping a more inclusive future!
To watch the show visit: https://accessinformationnews.com/heart. We post each show here shortly after it airs live.
To attend this, or a future show, please send your request for information to: heart@accessinformationnews.com 📧️.
#DisabilityInclusion #HeartOfInfluence #Accessibility #Innovation
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
See how Donna can help kids with disabilities and young adults transition more smoothly to a daunting adult world. No need to be afraid to travel this path!
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).
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 📧️
The Supreme Court's recent rulings have put disability rights at risk. Overturning Chevron undermines the ADA and criminalizing homelessness targets those with disabilities. We need your help to fight back! For $21/month, you can become an Individual Advocate Power Player with Access Ready Inc. Your donation supports vital advocacy work at local, state and federal levels. Stay informed with updates from our Chair-CEO and exclusive newsletters. Stand with us against these discriminatory rulings.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
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.
The Supreme Court's recent rulings have put disability rights at risk. Overturning Chevron undermines the ADA and criminalizing homelessness targets those with disabilities. We need your help to fight back! For $21/month, you can become an Individual Advocate Power Player with Access Ready Inc. Your donation supports vital advocacy work at local, state and federal levels. Stay informed with updates from our Chair-CEO and exclusive newsletters. Stand with us against these discriminatory rulings.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
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.
The Supreme Court's recent rulings have put disability rights at risk. Overturning Chevron undermines the ADA and criminalizing homelessness targets those with disabilities. We need your help to fight back! For $21/month, you can become an Individual Advocate Power Player with Access Ready Inc. Your donation supports vital advocacy work at local, state and federal levels. Stay informed with updates from our Chair-CEO and exclusive newsletters. Stand with us against these discriminatory rulings.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
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
It's hard to believe it's already been two years since we launched the new and improved Remote Incident Manager (RIM). The journey has been nothing short of amazing, with RIM making waves across the globe. We've seen incredible growth in features and impact, and the most rewarding part is knowing how many lives we've touched. RIM has been involved in everything from Helping sighted family members with their computers without needing a screen reader, to Helping a friend try out macOS without even stepping into an Apple store, and everything in between! Rim has seen tremendous growth with an impressive roster of new organizations adopting RIM into their workflow, including Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), Spanish National Organization for the Blind (onθe) and AIRA. What's more, Thanks to our new localization support, RIM is now more popular than ever worldwide. And more features are on the way! Here's to another great year of RIM!
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: September 9, 2024 📅️
Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐️
Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/
Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️
Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📱️ | AU: +61.488.839.767 📱️ | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📱️
Email: support@aira.io 📧️
Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting.
We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables.
Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free.
https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/
Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time.
Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works.
Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it.
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 25,000 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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