|
Access Information News for Monday, December 2, 2024 - Volume 991 ♿️
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: 30,164 🔢️ opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email.
Sponsors 🏅️
Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By:
This Week's Featured Advertisement 🎯️
Join Access Information News as a Sponsor today and begin reaching over 31,000 access information readers each week, all while supporting the ongoing distribution of Access Information News for those very same readers. Only $100 / month.
Key Newsletter Statistics:
- Subscribers: 31,000 + per week and growing.
- Open Rate: 47% (Average. Last 12 months.)
- Click Rate: 34% (Average. Last 12 months.)
- Ad CTRs: 2-12% (Average. Last 12 months.)
Benefits All Sponsors Receive:
With additional benefits for Sponsors that pay quarterly or annually. Learn more today.
News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
Paralympic champion Mallory Weggemann, who won gold and silver at the 2024 Paris Games, advocates for greater awareness of disability and IVF alongside her achievements in swimming.
Legendary musician Paul Simon shared insights on his hearing loss and its impact on his creative process, emphasizing that creativity persists despite physical challenges.
Tucker Findley, a 14-year-old with severe learning disabilities, overcame challenges to build a six-figure business selling memorabilia online, starting with a golf ball found near his home.
Rutgers University resolved a disability rights complaint by improving accessibility at its Piscataway golf course, following allegations of discrimination against disabled golfers.
Courts in New York have debated whether websites qualify as 'places of public accommodation' under the ADA, sparking discussions about the legal interpretation of accessibility in digital contexts.
December 2, 2024 📅️
Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 31,000 access information readers each week? For just $150 / month? If you're thinking yes, we invite you to try a Sponsorship Package with Access Information News. The benefits are amazing and the traffic delivered to your properties each week is measurable. No obligation. Cancel anytime.
One time advertisements are available to anyone, with or without a Sponsorship. Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 31,000 access information subscribers? If you're thinking yes, please check out our one time advertising options. They are cost-effective, targeted and measurable. Scheduling is optional. Learn more today.
4.) Premium Subscribers | AccessInformationNews.com | December 2, 2024
Next Issue: Premium Subscribers will receive their 8th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for October, November and December of 2024 on Monday, January 6, 2025. Back Issues: There are currently 7 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.
Use Sponsored News Articles to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today.
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.
December 3rd, 2024, marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a day set aside by the United Nations in 1992 to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities and promote their full inclusion in society. This day is particularly meaningful to me, both as a blind professional and as someone who has spent a lifetime advocating for disability inclusion. IDPD reminds us not just to reflect on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, but to actively commit to removing barriers and unlocking potential.
December 1, 2024 📅️
Marissa Bode, who portrays Nessarose in the film adaptation of 'Wicked,' addressed ableist comments about her character's disability, urging audiences to practice kindness and understanding.
Micaela Connery co-founded The Kelsey, a non-profit creating disability-inclusive and affordable housing, inspired by her cousin Kelsey Flynn O'Connor. The organisation has developed inclusive communities and advocates for broader systemic change, aiming to transform housing accessibility for people with disabilities.
The Tactile Times has relaunched their fully-accessible, online advent calendar for braillists worldwide, featuring 24 surprises such as Christmas jokes and classic festive music. This screen reader-friendly calendar also includes a live countdown to Christmas day, spreading holiday cheer to all users.
India has enacted comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which broadens the definition of disability and mandates accessibility in public spaces, and the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, ensuring affordable mental health services and prohibiting inhumane practices.
With an increasing demand for accessible transportation, improving taxi services for Canadians with disabilities in Ontario's small towns is more important than ever. This article highlights the current challenges and the opportunities for meaningful enhancements in this area.
Disney+'s 'Out of My Mind' faithfully adapts Sharon Draper's novel, offering a heartfelt portrayal of a young girl with cerebral palsy navigating a world that often underestimates her capabilities.
Wendy Williams' legal guardian has disclosed that the former talk show host is suffering from significant health issues, including severe cognitive impairment and permanent incapacitation due to frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia.
Dr. Kirk Adams, blind since age 5, and former President and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, offers a comprehensive guide to fostering inclusivity in the workplace. Emphasizing respect and understanding, he advises focusing on individuals' abilities rather than disabilities, using respectful language, seeking consent before offering assistance, respecting personal space and assistive devices, and communicating effectively. The guide also provides specific etiquette for interacting with individuals with visual, hearing, cognitive, and hidden disabilities, aiming to create a supportive environment where all employees can thrive.
Empowered Advocacy, led by Managing Director Kavi Hutchinson, is a Dubai-based organization dedicated to enhancing workplace accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, advocating for adaptable workspaces, accessible design standards, and corporate responsibility in fostering inclusive environments.
Disability lawyers assist individuals in appealing Social Security Disability benefit denials by compiling medical evidence, preparing testimonies, and navigating the appeals process, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing benefits.
➜ Featured Events 📅️
6:00 AM PT, 7:00 AM MT, 8:00 AM CT, 9:00 AM ET, 2:00 PM GMT
TPGi's accessibility experts, including David Sloan and Mark Miller, join Bird & Bird's legal expert Deirdre Kilroy in a webinar discussing the European Accessibility Act (EAA) deadline. Learn about the requirements, strategies for compliance, and actions businesses need to take to ensure their digital products and services meet EAA standards by June 28, 2025. Register today to prepare for compliance and foster inclusivity.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Join accessibility consultant Zachary Weeks for an evening celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities. Held at the Queen Elizabeth II Building in Edmonton, this reception and awards night will recognize outstanding accessibility efforts in Alberta. Featuring MLA Marie Renaud, former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, and other leaders, the event offers networking, food, ASL interpretation, and captioning upon request. Enjoy the Christmas lights at the Legislature and connect with advocates passionate about inclusivity.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves from Access Ingenuity provides a comprehensive guide to making PowerPoint presentations accessible for screen readers. Topics include structuring documents, adding alternate text to complex images like flowcharts, and implementing best practices for accessibility.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Dive into the latest updates and features of the Mantis Q40 in this comprehensive webinar. The session highlights the winter update introducing Text to Speech (TTS), along with shortcuts, computer commands, and the advantages of its qwerty keyboard. Learn to update your device via Wi-Fi and the APH website. Ideal for new and seasoned users, this event ensures you can fully leverage the Mantis Q40's capabilities for enhanced productivity.
Sight Tech Global invites you to experience a groundbreaking virtual event showcasing how autonomous driving is transforming mobility for blind and low-vision individuals. Witness the accessibility features in action as two Vista Center staff members embark on their first autonomous Waymo ride, featuring audio navigation, descriptive cues, and wayfinding assistance. Waymo's technology has driven millions of miles, advancing independence and accessibility in cities like San Francisco. Register now for this free virtual event streaming December 4-5, 2024.
5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 1:00 AM GMT
Michal Kopera, Ph.D., presents a talk on the advantages and limitations of high-order Galerkin methods for ocean modeling, contrasting them with traditional low-order methods. He will discuss modeling assumptions, governing equations, and the fundamental forces that influence fluid motion on Earth's surface.
7AM PT, 8AM MT, 9AM CT, 10AM ET, 3PM GMT
The world's largest virtual expo of healthcare information, products, and services for individuals, organizations, and companies in the health, blindness, and disability communities.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Chabad of Ellicott City hosts Justice Richard Bernstein, a renowned disability advocate and the first blind justice elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, in a powerful session titled "One Thing I Wish You Knew." Justice Bernstein shares his journey of resilience, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and accessibility in building equitable communities. Attendees will gain unique insights into disability advocacy, connect with like-minded individuals, and deepen their commitment to fostering inclusive environments.
12:05 PM PT, 1:05 PM MT, 2:05 PM CT, 3:05 PM ET, 8:05 PM GMT
The Carroll Center for the Blind invites you to a free virtual seminar exploring careers in vision studies. Led by Laura Bozeman, Professor & Director of the Vision Studies Program at UMass Boston, the session will cover the roles of TVIs, COMS, and VRTs, including certification paths, work environments, career opportunities, and the impact of these professions on individuals with visual impairments. Register to attend live or access the recording later.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos and Marisa Church from Access Ingenuity discuss the latest features and updates for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion, including enhancements in the 2025 versions and notable improvements over the past few years. This webinar is ideal for those utilizing these assistive technologies.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
ARC Consultant James Edwards delves into the complexities of testing for WCAG conformance. This webinar examines the balance between strict and flexible interpretations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and provides insights into navigating their objective and subjective requirements. Register now to refine your approach to accessibility testing.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join NLS Patron Announce for a presentation by Dominick Spinelli, head of the NLS Collection Development Section, exploring advanced search techniques within the NLS catalog. This one-hour program will include a Q&A session addressing topics related to BARD and the presentation. The event will be recorded and available for review on the Many Faces of BARD website.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
The Technology User Group presents a demonstration of the BARD Alexa skill, highlighting how to read books on Alexa devices and troubleshoot common issues. Attendees will also explore this year's top apps and websites for low vision and blind users. The session runs for 60 minutes and will be recorded.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
The Technology User Group (TUG) will demonstrate the BARD Alexa skill and review some of this year's best new apps and websites, providing attendees with valuable tools and insights for enhanced accessibility and usability.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join our virtual seminar for tips and tricks for success at the career fair. You will receive Zoom details for this event when you complete the Jobseeker registration form. Please contact Janice Forbes at janiceforbes2012@gmail.com 📧️ by January 13 with accommodation needs, such as captioning and Spanish translation.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Register as a job seeker for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar Career Fair, held in person on February 3, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern. Registrants will also gain access to the Maximizing Your Career Fair Experience Webinar on January 21, 2025, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. Ensure accuracy while completing the form, as employers will use it to match you to available jobs.
Deque presents the complete schedule for axe-con 2025, the world's largest free digital accessibility conference. Featuring three days of over 60 sessions, the conference includes stellar keynotes from leaders such as Alice Wong, Jim LeBrecht, Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, and Alejandro Moledo. Attendees can participate virtually, join watch parties, and access live-captioned and ASL-supported sessions. Register today to learn from accessibility experts and network with professionals worldwide.
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 31,000 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.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Multiple Perspective Conference, hosted by The Ohio State University, delves into the ongoing evolution of access and inclusion. This conference fosters interdisciplinary discussions on disability, focusing on new tools, equitable approaches, and universal design principles in digital and physical spaces.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the University of Michigan, is hosting a virtual event for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 15, 2025. Centered on the theme "Committing to Change," the event emphasizes integrating accessibility into communication, design, and innovation. The planning committee seeks passionate speakers to share insights and experiences, with an honorarium offered. Proposals are due by January 3, 2025. Contact gaad-conference@umn.edu 📧️ for inquiries.
➜ Directories 📝️
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads 🎯️
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 📧️
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
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.
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
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.
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
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.
Recent changes in macOS Sequoia have created some challenges for our Remote Accessibility Module, which allows seamless assistance without revealing the technician's disability. Due to changes in how VoiceOver settings are managed in macOS Sequoia, visually impaired technicians may experience issues that disrupt their ability to perform tasks discreetly. We've identified these problems and are working with Apple to find a long-term solution, but we need your help to make sure this issue is prioritized. If you've experienced difficulties using RIM on Sequoia, we encourage you to contact Apple's Accessibility department — accessibility@apple.com — and politely but firmly advocate the prioritization of an API that allows for safe, controlled adjustments to VoiceOver. Together, we can push for better accessibility and maintain the tools that empower visually impaired professionals, while fully preserving their dignity by preventing non-consensual disclosure of disability.
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.
⚫️ Online Safety for Blind Computer Users: Staying Secure in an Ever-Changing Digital World | By Kim Nova and Chris Nova | In one braille volume, or BRF and Word download: $15.00
In this important and timely book, the folks from Mystic Access tackle the scarier side of the internet, showing blind computer users how to increase their security online. They cover a wide range of dangers, such as online scams and malware, and offer solutions to help you protect your identity, your personal information, and your finances. Chapters explore the ins and outs of antivirus programs, VPNs, password managers, multi-factor authentication, and much more! Stay safe out there!
⚫️ iOS 18 Reference Card | By Anna Dresner | Updated by Paul Martz | In one braille volume, or BRF and Word download: $12.00
Don't miss this quick, handy guide to VoiceOver gestures (including touch and tap gestures, 3D Touch and haptic touch, flick gestures, and iPhone X and iPad slide gestures); iDevice buttons; typing and editing with a Bluetooth keyboard; and using a braille display — all in one handy booklet. Keep it within reach.
Sponsor Since: October 30, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.nbp.org 🌐️
Email: b2b@nbp.org 📧️
Phone: +1 (617) 266-6160 📱️
About: National Braille Press are the experts for producing high-quality, accurate braille. Whether you need ADA signage, accessible documents, or B2B solutions, NBP has what you're looking for.
With almost 100 years of experience and a forward-thinking vision, we're ready to solve your braille needs to the highest standard.
Contact us today for your ADA signage and B2B accessibility needs.
Address: 88 Saint Stephen Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
NBP B2B Portal | Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube
Sponsor Since: October 25, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.magnifiersandmore.net 🌐️
Email: info@magnifiersandmore.net 📧️
Phone: (440) 946-3363 📱️
Fax: (440) 946-8899 📠️
Visit: 7775 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060, USA
About: Magnifiers & More, established in 2002 by Deborah Kogler, is Northeast Ohio's only retail store dedicated to providing products and consultations for individuals with low vision, blindness, and vision disabilities. With over forty years of experience in eye care, Deborah founded the company to create a one-stop shop for vision aids, including specialized tools for managing conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
The store offers a wide range of over seventy-five magnifiers, talking items, large print products, special lights, electronic aids, Braille items, glare control solutions and More.
A key figure in the company's story is Murphy, Deborah's Golden Retriever and original CEO, "Canine Executive Officer," who was the store's mascot and greeter for 15 years. Today, Jeffrey, another Golden Retriever trained as a service dog, serves as the CFO, "Canine Fun Officer," delighting customers and supporting Deborah.
Deborah's journey into vision rehabilitation was inspired by her grandmother's experience with macular degeneration, sparking her passion to make vision aids accessible. She continues to advocate for and educate those living with vision disabilities, both locally and internationally.
Magnifiers & More is committed to helping people improve their quality of life through practical solutions and compassionate support.
Sponsor Since: October 15, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.innosearch.ai 🌐️
Email: info@innosearch.ai 📧️
About: Innosearch is an all-in-one shopping platform augmented with a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping assistant. This innovative feature mimics the experience of shopping in real life by allowing you to interact with the assistant using natural language. It aggregates millions of products from top US online retailers, bringing them directly to you. With this advanced generative AI, Innosearch offers personalized product recommendations, highlights the best deals, and provides comprehensive information including reviews, total prices, shipping options, and more. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers.
YouTube Review By Sam Seavey: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-rjL-HAwaZY.
Key Features: Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:
➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.
➜ Uncover the Best Deals: Never miss a door buster, coupon, or clearance sale again. Get notified about the best prices and offers.
➜ AI Summarized Trusted Reviews: See what others are saying and make confident purchases.
➜ All in One: Innosearch brings millions of products from top online retailers directly to you, allowing you to shop the best deals with easy checkout and personalized AI assistance.
➜ Shop with Confidence: Rest assured, Innosearch has you covered with free shipping and returns on every purchase.
➜ Know Before You Buy: Innosearch equips you with expert buying guides, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
How To Shop: Simply create a free account and start shopping today!
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.
Join us for another inspiring episode of the Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Show!
📅️ Date: December 19, 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://drkirkadams.com/webinars/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@drkirkadams.com.com 📧️.
#DisabilityInclusion #HeartOfInfluence #Accessibility #Innovation
Sponsor Since: July 22, 2024 📅️
Website: https://drkirkadams.com 🌐️
About: Hello, and welcome to the Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Show.
About: Dr. Kirk Adams is a visionary leader, transformative speaker, and lifelong advocate for disability inclusion. With over three decades of experience in advancing accessibility and creating opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, Dr. Adams has become a powerful force for change in the areas of leadership, accessibility, and inclusion. His journey — from navigating vision loss as a young child to becoming a recognized thought leader in disability empowerment — uniquely equips him to help organizations understand, integrate, and champion inclusive practices that benefit all.
Dr. Adams is a highly sought-after speaker, known for his engaging and thought-provoking keynotes on disability inclusion, accessible leadership, and the power of resilience. He has spoken at numerous national and international conferences, including corporate seminars, public policy forums, and industry events, where his personal story and professional insights have inspired leaders to rethink their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His passion lies in empowering organizations to create environments where every individual — regardless of ability — can thrive.
As a speaker, Dr. Adams brings authenticity, warmth, and a depth of experience that resonates with audiences from all backgrounds. He understands that true leadership is about more than just policy; it's about creating cultural shifts that value each person's unique contributions. Whether he is addressing a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit, or a community group, Dr. Adams' message is clear: inclusion benefits everyone, and together we can build a world where opportunity is accessible to all.
Dr. Adams currently resides in Seattle, Washington, where he continues his advocacy work, builds strategic partnerships, and enjoys life with his family. He is proud to be a part of the movement towards a more inclusive future — one conversation at a time.
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 31,000 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
3.) Your name here.
Platinum Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Gold Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Silver Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Silver Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Bronze Supporter since ...
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
4.) Your name here.
One Time Supporter on ...
➜ 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
|
