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Access Information News for Monday, January 6, 2025 - Volume 996 ♿️
The Week's News in Access Information
Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
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News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IBVI), a Milwaukee-based nonprofit, has secured a $10.3 million contract to supply the U.S. Air Force with specialized toolkits, reinforcing its mission to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Fifteen-year-old Yaroslav, displaced by war in Ukraine, developed 'The Vault,' a board game adapted for visually impaired children, fostering inclusivity and friendship among sighted and blind peers. Through UNICEF's UPSHIFT program, he created tactile game elements and organized training sessions to teach others how to make games accessible.
The 'Death, Sex & Money' podcast explores the experiences of individuals with disabilities navigating online dating platforms. The episode discusses the challenges faced in creating profiles, disclosing disabilities, and finding inclusive spaces within dating apps.
Donna J. Jodhan pays tribute to John Panarese, founder of MacForTheBlind, highlighting his dedication to empowering the blind and low-vision community through technology training and support. She reflects on his role as a mentor, friend, and advocate for inclusivity.
Stat News reports on emerging disability trends for 2025, highlighting concerns over algorithmic biases in healthcare, potential Medicaid funding reductions, and the impact of mask bans on disabled communities. The article emphasizes the need for inclusive policies to address these challenges.
January 6, 2025 📅️
Please join me in giving a warm access welcome to The Touch Pad Pro Foundation / BrailleDoodle, who has so very graciously agreed to support Access Information News via Sponsorship. If you enjoy reading Access Information News for free each week, it is sponsors like The Touch Pad Pro Foundation / BrailleDoodle that make it possible. And as I always say, these are the businesses and organizations that deserve your dollars most. The TouchPad Pro Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals through Braille literacy, STEM, and art education. At the heart of their mission is the BrailleDoodle, a dual-sided, tactile learning tablet designed to make education and creativity accessible to all. One side focuses on Braille literacy, offering interactive learning spaces for letters, numbers, and words, while the other provides a refreshable surface for tactile drawing, STEM exploration, and artistic expression. Affordable and versatile, the BrailleDoodle empowers individuals of all ages and skill levels to develop essential literacy and creative skills. Learn more or purchase your BrailleDoodle today!
Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 32,000 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.
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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.
January 4, 2025 📅️
Dr. Kirk Adams reflects on World Braille Day, honoring Louis Braille's legacy and emphasizing the ongoing importance of braille in promoting inclusion and independence for blind and low-vision individuals. He shares his personal journey with braille, highlighting its transformative role in his life and advocating for the integration of disability-specific skills to foster accessibility and equality in society.
As someone who lost their sight at age five and learned braille as a young child, I know firsthand the transformative power of braille literacy. The new BrailleDoodle represents an exciting innovation in making braille accessible, engaging, and fun for learners of all ages.
Barrier Free Canada criticizes Canadian universities for expecting individuals with disabilities to contribute their time and expertise without compensation, labeling such contributions as 'in kind.' The organization argues that this practice is unfair and perpetuates inequality, calling for immediate change to ensure fair treatment and payment for services rendered by people with disabilities.
This episode explores how individuals with vision loss can access newspapers and magazines through NFB-NEWSLINE, a free service that converts content into audio accessible via phone or computer. Ricky Enger and Steve Kelley discuss its benefits and how to use this valuable resource.
Commemorating Louis Braille's 200th anniversary, Even Grounds created 3D printed models of his childhood home, the National Institute for Blind Youth where he developed Braille, and the Pantheon where he is buried. A discounted bundle is available, or files can be requested for free printing.
Louis Braille, born on January 4, 1809, transformed education and accessibility for the visually impaired with his invention of the six-dot Braille system. Despite his early challenges and untimely death, his revolutionary tactile code became the global standard, celebrated today with advances like Braille-compatible devices and displays.
January 3, 2025 📅️
The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a $1 million fine against software provider accessiBe for allegedly making deceptive claims about its AI-powered web accessibility tool, accessWidget. The FTC asserts that accessiBe falsely advertised its product as capable of making any website compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and failed to disclose material connections to online reviewers.
At CES 2025, Delta Air Lines, in collaboration with the CTA Foundation, showcased advancements in accessibility, including the implementation of Auracast technology. This innovation aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers with disabilities by providing improved audio communication and personalized services.
The Federal Trade Commission has fined an online marketer $1 million for falsely claiming that its AI-powered product could make websites fully compliant with accessibility guidelines. The company is also required to cease making such deceptive claims and to inform customers of the product's limitations.
Dr. Amy Kavanagh, a visually impaired activist, discusses the misconceptions surrounding blindness, emphasizing that while she has developed adaptive skills, blindness is not a superpower. She advocates for greater accessibility and understanding to support the independence of visually impaired individuals.
January 2, 2025 📅️
Alan Thorpe, the UK's sole certified repairer of Perkins braille typewriters, is considering retirement, causing concern among schools and local authorities that rely on his services. Despite being blind since age 15, Thorpe adeptly repairs these essential machines by touch, ensuring blind children can learn to read and write.
Blind individuals in San Francisco praise Waymo's self-driving robotaxis for their accessibility features, such as audio cues and guide dog accommodations, offering a more reliable transportation option compared to traditional rideshares.
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a standard document used to assess and report the accessibility of a product or service based on specific technical standards. When completed, it becomes an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), which buyers use to evaluate accessibility compliance before making purchasing decisions.
Pauline and Mike Lancaster, both 73, are advocating for increased awareness and support services for blind and visually impaired individuals in Guernsey. Mike's eyesight has deteriorated over three decades due to aggressive glaucoma, leading to loss of independence. The couple emphasizes the need for better recognition of blindness as a disability and improved support systems.
January 1, 2025 📅️
Donna Jodhan announces the launch of the Vision Tech Academy Online Directory of Educators (ODE), a free Directory designed to connect blind and low-vision students with trusted assistive technology educators. This initiative honors the late John Panarese, a dedicated advocate for accessibility and co-visionary of the project, aiming to empower learners by enhancing access to specialized education.
Public Domain Day 2025 celebrates works from 1929 now entering the public domain, including literary classics like 'A Farewell to Arms,' musical compositions like 'Singin' in the Rain,' iconic films such as Hitchcock's 'Blackmail,' and characters like Popeye and Tintin. This milestone expands cultural access and inspires new creative works.
December 31, 2024 📅️
Sandwich has launched a tactile tour of its famous holiday Giants, enabling visually impaired individuals to experience the festive installations through touch and descriptive audio guides.
December 30, 2024 📅️
This month's legal update highlights the acceptance of Velazquez v. The Spice and Tea Exchange by the court, reinforcing trends in web and digital accessibility litigation. Key topics include the growing dominance of the nexus standard, the refining of the "intent to return" defense, and anticipation of the impact of the Loper Bright decision in 2025.
Last Week 📅️
This article explores whether blind individuals experience visual imagery in their dreams, noting that those who lose sight after age seven may retain visual experiences, while congenitally blind people often dream using other senses like hearing and touch.
➜ Featured Events 📅️
1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM GMT
Learn to perform basic tasks such as reading documents and retrieving information from pictures on your PC using JAWS for Windows and a keyboard in this one-hour workshop hosted by the Braille Institute.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this virtual presentation, the U.S. Access Board will share preliminary findings on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) for individuals with disabilities. The findings stem from recent hearings, research, and public feedback, aiming to inform recommendations for promoting equity, accessibility, and inclusion. This session is part of the AI Equity, Access & Inclusion for All Series conducted in partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT).
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Discover the Blind subreddit, a space on Reddit for sharing content, asking questions, and discussing topics, with Norbert Rum, the subreddit's moderator. This interactive online presentation via Microsoft Teams explores what the subreddit offers and how to get involved, with options to attend through video conference or phone dial-in.
8:00 AM PT, 9:00 AM MT, 10:00 AM CT, 11:00 AM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
Join David Swallow, Principal UX Consultant, for a session exploring strategies to integrate accessibility into the earliest stages of product development. By involving Product Owners, Product Managers, and Business Analysts, this approach ensures accessibility is embedded from the start, making it a fundamental part of your project rather than an afterthought.
2:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM MT, 4:00 PM CT, 5:00 PM ET, 10:00 PM GMT
Join Geoffrey Peddle, Chief Technology Officer, for an interactive session exploring how the AIRA smartphone app works to connect with trained agents for on-demand visual information. This workshop covers how to get started with AIRA, its various uses, and offers an engaging "Ask Me Anything" segment via Microsoft Teams, accessible through video conference or dial-in by phone.
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.
6:00 AM PT, 7:00 AM MT, 8:00 AM CT, 9:00 AM ET, 2:00 PM GMT
Join David Sloan, Roxana Fischer, and Matthijs Verhagen for a comprehensive webinar on the European Accessibility Act's implications for self-service kiosks. Explore how to ensure compliance with the EAA requirements and create inclusive self-service technology that provides equal opportunities for disabled users in the European Union ahead of the June 28, 2025, deadline.
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 32,000 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 🎯️
NBP would like to invite you to apply for the Touch of Genius Prize. Applications are due January 10, 2025.
The Touch of Genius Prize was developed to inspire entrepreneurs, educators, or inventors to continue the promotion of braille and tactile literacy for blind and deafblind people worldwide. This prize can be granted for innovative and accessible computer software applications, tactile hardware, or curriculum that promotes braille and/or tactile literacy. NBP encourages all applicants to think outside the box for what can be used to help improve the lives of blind people. The winner of this prize will receive up to $10,000, which will help them to continue to innovate in the fields of technology and education for the blind community. The Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is provided by the support of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.
Full application details and more information can be found at the link provided and all questions can be directed to geniusprize@nbp.org 📧️.
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: January 27, 2025
🕛️ 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.
We are excited to introduce our 'Transitioning to a New World' program, designed to empower high school graduates and young adults. This initiative helps participants become invaluable assets to businesses of all sizes by teaching them how to connect with key customer groups, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. Through this program, participants will gain confidence and independence in ways they never imagined possible!
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 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.
If this is your first encounter with us, a special welcome! And for our current and continuing customers, our continued thanks for your business.
Our belief is, and always has been, that accessibility is not a favor: it is a right to inclusivity. The software packages we offer embody that philosophy by being simple and intuitive to use, easy to implement in a company environment, and as affordable as possible (and/or free in some cases!).
Our current software includes:
Remote Incident Manager: the world's first and only fully accessible, cross-platform remote desktop support package. Completely free for receiving help!
Scribe for Documents: Rendering pdf's and other hard-to-read documents into accessible formats has never been this easy or affordable.
Scribe for Meetings: Making your teleconference presentations fully accessible, in real-time! Free for attendees!
What are you waiting for? Try our software today and experience unparalleled accessibility!
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.
The BrailleDoodle is a groundbreaking, affordable, two-sided tablet designed to empower individuals of all ages and skill levels with Braille literacy and tactile exploration. One side is dedicated to Braille learning, featuring practice spaces for letters, numbers, and words, making it perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. The other side offers a tactile refreshable surface, ideal for creating art, exploring STEM concepts like math and graphing, and expressing creativity in limitless ways.
With its easy-to-use magnetic stylus, users can write and create tactile designs, feel their progress as they go, and erase effortlessly, making learning and creativity interactive and engaging. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or individual learner, the BrailleDoodle is a versatile tool that combines education, creativity, and fun. Priced at just $149.00 USD, it is an affordable solution to enhance accessibility and opportunity for blind and low-vision individuals. Order now and take the first step in transforming education and creativity! Visit A.T. Guys today to learn more.
Sponsor Since: January 1, 2025 📅️
Website: https://touchpadprofoundation.org 🌐️
About: The TouchPad Pro Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals through Braille literacy, STEM, and art education.
Founded by educators and innovators passionate about accessibility, TPPF strives to address the critical gaps in resources and tools for the visually impaired community. With a mission to promote equality and unleash human potential, the foundation provides innovative solutions that make education inclusive, engaging, and affordable.
Their initiatives include offering free devices to under-served communities and providing training to maximize the impact of their groundbreaking tools.
At the heart of their mission is the BrailleDoodle, a dual-sided, tactile learning tablet designed to make education and creativity accessible to all.
One side focuses on Braille literacy, offering interactive learning spaces for letters, numbers, and words, while the other provides a refreshable surface for tactile drawing, STEM exploration, and artistic expression.
Affordable and versatile, the BrailleDoodle empowers individuals of all ages and skill levels to develop essential literacy and creative skills.
By fostering independence and encouraging innovation, TPPF and the BrailleDoodle are transforming the lives of blind and low-vision learners worldwide.
For more information, visit the TouchPad Pro Foundation website.
Accessible Web is on a mission to help eliminate online barriers and make the digital space more inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability. Our accessibility testing software, RAMP, allows organizations of any size to discover, understand, and remediate barriers. We offer tools to integrate with existing sites and workflows so businesses with a digital presence can start making their sites more accessible quickly.
Plans start at $49 a month. Plus, we have a 14-day free trial with no credit card needed. We believe any organization can start making progress with Accessible Web RAMP.
Sponsor Since: December 16, 2024 📅️
Website: https://accessibleweb.com 🌐️
About: At Accessible Web, our mission is to make the internet accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
We offer a comprehensive suite of accessibility testing software tools and educational resources to help organizations achieve and maintain web accessibility in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and comply with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
➜︎ Services:
⚫️ WCAG Audits: Our certified specialists conduct thorough analyses of websites and applications, identifying accessibility issues and providing detailed recommendations for remediation.
⚫️ VPAT Preparation: We prepare Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), offering industry-standard reports that demonstrate a product's accessibility compliance, which can be crucial for sales and contractual obligations.
⚫️ Accessibility Testing: Our team of individuals with disabilities tests websites and web applications using assistive technologies, providing actionable feedback to enhance user experience and accessibility.
⚫️ Remediation Support: Our certified specialists offer coaching and support to assist organizations in implementing accessibility improvements effectively, ensuring that digital assets meet accessibility standards.
⚫️ Accessibility Certification: Through a comprehensive process of auditing, remediation, and verification, we provide WCAG certifications that validate a company's conformance and commitment to accessibility best practices.
➜︎ Tools:
⚫️ Accessible Web RAMP: Our digital accessibility platform that enables teams to discover, monitor, and remediate web accessibility violations. RAMP offers continuous monitoring, prioritized workflows, and progress reporting to facilitate ongoing compliance efforts.
⚫️ Accessible Web Helper Extension: An accessibility browser extension that allows users to scan web pages, highlight accessibility violations, and check color contrast ratios directly from their browser, streamlining the auditing process.
➜︎ Education:
⚫️ Accessible Web Academy: We offer self-guided online courses tailored to various organizational roles, promoting a culture of inclusivity and equipping teams with the knowledge to implement accessible design from the outset.
⚫️ Knowledge Base and Blog: Our resources include articles on assistive technologies, remediation tutorials, and answers to common web accessibility questions, supporting continuous learning and awareness. We host webinars most Thursdays on various accessibility topics.
We emphasize a proactive approach to web accessibility, advocating for integrating accessible design principles early in the development process to enhance user experience, attract new customers, and mitigate legal risks associated with non-compliance.
For more information or to explore our services and resources, visit our website.
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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 32,000 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.
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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.
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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.
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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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