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Access Information News for Monday, April 21, 2025 - Volume 1011 ♿️
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: 37,824 🔢️ opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email.
Sponsors 🏅️
Ongoing Distribution Made Possible By:
This Week's Featured Advertisement 🎯️
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News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
In a policy reversal, the Trump administration is reintroducing in-person requirements for Social Security services, raising accessibility concerns for seniors and people with disabilities.
Vivian Ho reports that Pocatello police officers shot 17-year-old Victor Perez, a nonverbal autistic teen with cerebral palsy, nine times just seconds after arriving at the scene of a reported domestic disturbance. Perez, who was holding a knife and stepped toward the officers from behind a chain-link fence, is in critical condition with a leg amputation. The incident has sparked protests and raised questions about the officers' use of force and de-escalation tactics.
Here Lucy Greco from AccessAces.com examines the compromises disabled individuals often make to access essential services, highlighting how accessibility solutions can inadvertently impose limitations on personal freedom and autonomy.
Ikea has introduced the Bäsingen collection, a new line of accessible home products including a shower chair and step stools, aimed at improving everyday life for people with disabilities.
Kelly Mack, a longtime wheelchair user, shares her challenges finding accessible taxis in Washington, D.C., highlighting ongoing gaps in the city's commitment to transportation equity.
April 21, 2025 📅️
Would your product, service or message benefit from reaching over 38,000 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 10th issue of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles for April, May and June of 2025 on Monday, July 7, 2025. Back Issues: There are currently 9 back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. All available back issues will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchasing your subscription. Please Join Us: If you would like to receive a perfectly formatted and searchable Word Document with each of the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles of the last 3 months listed neatly within it, please consider joining us today for just $1 a month.
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This article will outline, step-by-step, how you can get free website traffic reporting on any link to your domain (AKA domain name, website or web address) that has been published by Access Information News since January 22, 2024, when we launched this feature.
Inclusion without context is just a checkbox. And checkboxes don't build culture. They don't shift systems. They don't last.
April 19, 2025 📅️
Julia shares how losing her vision altered her independence and public perception, but a powerful personal decision helped her reclaim confidence and reshape how she is seen by the world.
Donna Jodhan urges the next federal government to prioritize financial support for Canadians with disabilities, emphasizing the need for serious consideration amid competing national issues.
April 18, 2025 📅️
Dr. Kirk Adams shares his experience transitioning from a nonprofit CEO to a solo entrepreneur, highlighting how partnering with remote executive assistant Catherine Paul transformed his workflow and restored strategic focus.
Disability advocates launched a recall effort against Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro and three other Republican lawmakers, accusing them of delaying $122 million in funding and pushing for cuts to services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
April 17, 2025 📅️
Applications are now open for the 2025 TAD Fellowship, a year-long program that equips blind and low-vision undergraduate students with professional development, technical skills, and mentorship to prepare them for private sector careers.
A federal task force's report on improving veterans' access to parks has been censored to remove references to race, gender, and disabilities, drawing criticism and prompting at least one resignation.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has pledged to veto all legislation until a suitable funding plan is passed to prevent the Division of Developmental Disabilities from running out of money.
A study from Penn State and Taipei Medical University found that older adults with insomnia symptoms and high sleep medication use face a greater risk of disability over time.
Jessica Slice's book 'Unfit Parent' challenges societal norms by amplifying the experiences of disabled mothers, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of parenting.
To ensure the success of the California Jobs First initiative and achieve inclusive economic prosperity, workforce transformation efforts must prioritize the inclusion of people with disabilities across all spectrums of ability.
Paralympic gold medallist Megan Giglia and her child were forced into temporary housing after a no-fault eviction, highlighting the stress and instability caused by the housing crisis.
Despite unanimous support for improved accessibility, Bristol councillors faced criticism for slow progress, as concerns were raised over transport access and disabled representation in policymaking.
The Municipality of the District of Guysborough has expanded its EDIA committee with broader community representation to advance inclusive policies in public services, employment, and spaces.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Eastleigh wore vision-impairing goggles while shopping to better understand the challenges faced by people with visual impairments and promote accessibility awareness.
April 16, 2025 📅️
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has recalled two dozen generic medications sold in the U.S. after FDA inspectors found serious manufacturing violations at its Indian facility, including potential cross-contamination with beta-lactam compounds, raising concerns about drug safety and prompting federal scrutiny.
Charlottesville is inviting public feedback on a new ADA Transition Plan aimed at improving accessibility across city programs and infrastructure, including language use and physical upgrades.
Jenna Bainbridge, a Colorado native and disability advocate, is making history on Broadway playing Nessarose in 'Wicked,' bringing visibility to actors who use wheelchairs in leading roles.
Members of Wichita's blind and low vision community are urging the city to install accessible pedestrian signals that include audible alerts, highlighting ongoing accessibility concerns at crosswalks.
April 15, 2025 📅️
Federal cuts have stalled hundreds of civil rights investigations, leaving Michigan parents frustrated as children with disabilities, like George Finley Jr., struggle without promised educational support.
A federal class action lawsuit claims a group of lawyers engaged in a fraudulent scheme targeting small businesses with fake ADA compliance lawsuits, seeking over $80 million in damages.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledges to identify the cause of rising autism diagnoses by September, reviving debunked theories linking vaccines and parenting practices, a move experts warn offers false hope and distracts from established science.
Paul Challinor launched Deaf Careers, a job platform specifically designed for the Deaf community in the UK, addressing the lack of BSL and accessibility on mainstream job sites.
April 14, 2025 📅️
The Department of Government Efficiency's abrupt termination of the 'Charting My Path for Future Success' program left students with disabilities without vital support, sparking concerns over the impact of widespread federal cuts.
The US Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which revoked constitutional abortion rights, exposes deeper issues affecting people with disabilities, particularly concerning medical autonomy, healthcare access, and protection of legal rights.
Last Week 📅️
After mishandling the wheelchair of a paralyzed man on a flight from Hawaii to Phoenix, American Airlines faces strong public criticism and renewed calls for improved accessibility standards for disabled passengers.
Volunteers partnered with the Burn Foundation to install specialized smoke alarms in nearly 40 homes, enhancing emergency safety for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing in Surprise, Arizona.
Rotorua Lakes Council has adopted its first accessibility policy, developed with community input, in hopes of encouraging stricter building regulations and greater inclusion for people with disabilities.
Children with sight loss in Calgary enjoyed an inclusive Easter egg hunt organized by CNIB and local police, featuring oversized, beeping eggs that could be exchanged for chocolate.
A new Alice In Wonderland-themed crazy golf course at Fairytale Farm in Chipping Norton is being promoted as the UK's first purpose-built outdoor destination for accessible crazy golf, designed for children with sensory, learning, and physical disabilities.
Digital Business Ireland has launched a campaign to raise awareness of new EU accessibility rules, highlighting that nearly half of Irish businesses are unaware of the European Accessibility Act coming into effect on June 28, 2025.
Companies employing disabled staff say payment delays from the government's Access to Work scheme have left them owed large sums, raising concerns that they may have to cut jobs or close.
Four Oregon businesses filed a federal class action lawsuit against two Tennessee law firms, accusing them of orchestrating a racketeering scheme involving thousands of fraudulent ADA lawsuits across 15 states.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asserted at a White House cabinet meeting that he is close to identifying the cause of the autism epidemic and plans to eliminate future exposures contributing to rising diagnoses.
Here Lflegal.com shares how a blind technologist creatively modified an inaccessible Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) to restore independent street crossing access after it had been rendered nonfunctional by city maintenance.
The Federal Court of Appeal upheld a ruling requiring Air Canada to accommodate passengers with power wheelchairs by substituting aircraft when necessary, rejecting the airline's claims of undue hardship and emphasizing the importance of accessibility under the Accessible Canada Act.
➜ Featured Events 📅️
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
Learn how Cvent transformed its digital event experiences through a strategic partnership with TPGi to create inclusive, high-impact virtual events. This webinar will explore Cvent's client-driven approach to solving accessibility challenges, the importance of a clear "definition of done" in meeting accessibility standards, and how these improvements drive audience engagement and retention. Presented by TPGi's Jennifer Law and Mark Miller alongside Cvent's Stephen Cutchins.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel explore the range of RUBY handheld magnifiers, showcasing their features, use cases, and value for users with visual impairments. ACVREP CE credit available for eligible attendees.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this free, 30-minute Zoom session, Strive Worldwide provides an overview of its interactive and accessible online courses designed to teach independent living skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The session highlights course offerings like Money 101, Healthy Relationships, and Employment 102, and offers a preview of the learning experience, including twice-weekly Zoom classes and self-paced curriculum work.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this free, 30-minute Zoom session, Strive Worldwide provides an overview of its interactive and accessible online courses designed to teach independent living skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The session highlights course offerings like Money 101, Healthy Relationships, and Employment 102, and offers a preview of the learning experience, including twice-weekly Zoom classes and self-paced curriculum work.
Join hundreds of leaders and their teams at VisionServe Alliance's 2025 Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, themed “Adapt and Thrive: Igniting Change in a Dynamic World.” Held at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley, the gathering features an extended keynote from Colin McLetchie of Five Ways Forward and two session tracks tackling topics like innovative advocacy, educational success, and holistic vision rehabilitation.
6:00 AM PT, 7:00 AM MT, 8:00 AM CT, 9:00 AM ET, 1:00 PM GMT
With just two months until the European Accessibility Act's first deadline, this webinar helps organizations assess their compliance status, understand key EAA requirements across EU member states, and learn about potential penalties for noncompliance. Experts David Sloan, Mark Miller, and European tech lawyer Tom Gates will provide actionable steps and real-world examples to guide organizations toward compliance and turn looming deadlines into a strategic advantage.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this free, 30-minute Zoom session, Strive Worldwide provides an overview of its interactive and accessible online courses designed to teach independent living skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The session highlights course offerings like Money 101, Healthy Relationships, and Employment 102, and offers a preview of the learning experience, including twice-weekly Zoom classes and self-paced curriculum work.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this free, 30-minute Zoom session, Strive Worldwide provides an overview of its interactive and accessible online courses designed to teach independent living skills to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The session highlights course offerings like Money 101, Healthy Relationships, and Employment 102, and offers a preview of the learning experience, including twice-weekly Zoom classes and self-paced curriculum work.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves offers a practical, hands-on session on creating effective alternative text for images in digital content, with emphasis on clarity, relevance, and usability for assistive technology users.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Free monthly book club discussion on zoom. “The Edge” by David Baldacci. This audiobook can be found on BARD (Braille & Audio Reading Download). Copies of the book are being mailed out to anyone who does not use BARD and requests a copy. Download the book from BARD: DB117204. For more information: Sarah Smedley, Talking Books Manager, Palm Beach County Library System, 4289 Cherry Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33409; +1 (561) 649-5491 📱️. Join Zoom by phone: +1 (312) 626-6799 📱️. Meeting ID: 835 8160 5488. Passcode: 182630. Florida Outreach Center for the Blind, Inc. is a nonprofit /training facility where we offer FREE classes, in English, Spanish, Creole and French. Email: info_blind@bellsouth.net 📧️. Website: http://blindfocb.org
The World Health Organization, in collaboration with UNICEF, hosts the fourth GATE Summit to drive global efforts in expanding equitable access to assistive technology. This hybrid event at WHO headquarters in Geneva will bring together key stakeholders to develop a consensus-driven global roadmap for investment and action, leveraging the WHO-GATE 5P framework and the ten recommendations from the WHO and UNICEF Global Report on Assistive Technology.
The 14th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) encourages conversations about digital access and inclusion for over one billion people with disabilities. The GAAD Foundation, launched in 2021, aims to integrate accessibility as a core requirement in technology and digital product development. Participants can attend in-person and virtual events, host their own initiatives, or engage in accessibility-focused activities.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Join the University of Minnesota for this virtual Global Accessibility Awareness Day gathering focused on the theme “Committing to Change,” featuring a keynote from Dr. Ludmila Praslova, author of *The Canary Code*, and breakout sessions exploring accessibility in higher education, disability culture and justice, and universal design.
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.
Available online and free for all developers, WWDC25 runs from June 9 to 13 and showcases the latest Apple software innovations. The week includes a keynote, video sessions, online labs with Apple experts, and an exclusive in-person event at Apple Park on June 9 for select attendees.
Join the 8th Annual Accessibility Summer Camp, a one-day digital conference dedicated to advancing accessibility in education and professional spaces. Experts will lead sessions on digital accessibility, inclusive teaching practices, software tutorials, and creating a culture of accessibility. Live captions and ASL interpretation will be available, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees. Registration is now open, with a $15 attendance fee.
Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH Career Connect present a weeklong immersive experience designed for transition-age young adults who are blind or have low vision. Hosted at the Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy, Oregon, this free program explores career options, networking, mobility strategies, vocational resources, and hands-on experiences with guide dogs. Participants will engage in engaging learning opportunities while making new connections and enjoying the scenic Pacific Northwest. Applications are DUE on or before March 31, 2025. Applications received after this date will be put on a waitlist. We recommend you apply early as summer programs are popular and fill up quickly.
➜ Directories 📝️
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads 🎯️
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.
The New Year is already in full swing, and we're kicking things off with exciting updates to Scribe for Documents! These enhancements are designed to make your documents even more accessible, inclusive, and easy to navigate — at no extra cost.
Here's what's new in this release:
Our improved image description model delivers more accurate and concise descriptions, making visual content clearer and more accessible.
Next-generation text-to-speech voices provide a more natural, lifelike listening experience.
The new AI-powered OCR engine ensures greater accuracy when recognizing text.
Enhanced detection of headings, lists, and tables improves document organization and navigation.
Math Accessibility Revolutionized!
Scribe for Documents is now the world's first end-to-end automated remediation package to offer math remediation! Mathematical notation is now detected and converted to MathML, making it fully navigable through speech and Braille!
Visit https://scribeit.io to check out the new features!
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: 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.
Call 1-855-SHOP-GPT (1-855-746-7478)
Shopping online can be hard if you're blind, visually impaired, or not tech-savvy. That's why Innosearch AI created Shop by Phone — a 100% free, voice-only service.
Just call and say what you need:
👉 “Find me a phone charger.”
👉 “Add it to my cart.”
👉 “Check out.”
No apps, no websites — just easy, hands-free shopping from over 500,000 stores.
- ✔ Free to use
- ✔ Works anywhere, anytime
- ✔ Perfect for seniors, blind, and low-vision users
Available in:
Call now and shop with ease!
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 Supercharge Your Bottom Line Through Disability Inclusion With Dr. Kirk Adams!
📅️ Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
🕛️ Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
📍️ Where: LinkedIn 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, 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/supercharge-your-bottom-line/. We post each show here shortly after it airs live.
To attend this, or a future show, please send your request for information to: kirkadams@drkirkadams.com 📧️.
#DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #Innovation #SYBL #SYBLTDI
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.
In keeping with a vital need, we are proud to introduce our "Transitioning to a New World" program. This initiative is designed to empower those preparing to leave high school and young adults entering the workforce. Our program equips participants with the essential skills needed to become indispensable assets to companies of all sizes. By teaching effective strategies to attract core clientele—including seniors and individuals with disabilities, who often serve as the bread-and-butter customers—we pave the way for sustainable success. Our comprehensive approach builds confidence and fosters independence in ways participants 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 📧️
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 38,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the most recent issues here.
➜ Access Information News Supporters 🤝️
We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!
Why: Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.
Benefits: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.
In addition, all Access Information News Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.
One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.
Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.
Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.
1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter Since: December 5, 2022
2.) Donna Jodhan
Platinum Supporter Since: March 24, 2023
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Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.
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One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News Publication.
Become an Access Information News One Time Supporter today.
1.) Sharyn Sobel
One Time Supporter on November 28, 2023
2.) Amanda Lee
One Time Supporter on July 31, 2023
3.) Gaylen Kapperman
One Time Supporter on June 4, 2024
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➜ Access Information News Team 🗞️
Distribution Since: 2022
As of November 7, 2022 the distribution of Access Information News is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
Any time the Access Information News Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more about the benefits of Sponsorship today.
Publisher Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Cleveland, 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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