Picture a clear spring sky, a base rooted firmly on the mat, and Chris Jeckel, blind since childhood, spiraling upward, arms outstretched, trusting hands he cannot see. The whoosh of lift, the crowd's quiet gasp, the pulse of sudden freedom: it's a far cry from the lonely corner of the grade-school gym where he once sat listening to basketballs echo without ever catching a pass. That moment of flight is more than acrobatics; it is the physical proof that connection can replace isolation and that courage can trump circumstance.
Touching the Sky captures this transformation with honesty and joy, showing how Acro Yoga (partner yoga that adds simple acrobatic lifts, with one person balancing or flying the other in the air) turns strangers into partners and spectators into allies. On May 30, 2025 the filmmakers will stream the first 20 minutes online, fully audio-described and open to anyone with a screen and a heartbeat. I'm inviting you to watch, invest, and share, because every ticket sold and every dollar pledged accelerates a bigger mission: demonstrating, once again, that inclusion isn't charity, it's strategy. Join me under the virtual big top, and let's feel the lift together.
Wheelchair users described long repair wait times as a crisis undermining independence and equity, urging lawmakers to support legislation aimed at improving the reliability and accessibility of essential mobility devices.
The Trump administration announced it will halt $1 billion in federal grants used to hire school mental health professionals, claiming the Biden-era funding violated civil rights law under the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Independent research by nuom reveals that while disabled people are open to using technology in healthcare, there is deep skepticism about AI-powered solutions unless accessibility is prioritized.
Double Tap, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., Aflalo Communications, Inc., and Top Tech Tidbits have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing global access to information through innovative technologies and collaborative initiatives.
Here Dr. Kirk Adams outlines how supporting the film 'Curveball' unlocks the $13 trillion disability market, enhances ESG scores, and fosters inclusive talent pipelines, positioning brands at the forefront of authentic inclusion.
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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.
Join ISDI's May 14, 2025 NWDLS workshop and debunk the 'immigrants take our jobs' myth with data-driven insights, Better Arguments skills, and SHRM/HRCI credits — register now.
Donna Jodhan introduces the Transitioning to a New World (TNW) program, designed to equip young adults with real-world skills like communication, career planning, and self-awareness, fostering confidence and purpose as they step into leadership roles and shape a brighter future.
Here Mike Calvo addresses the erosion of accessibility commitments across government and corporate sectors, emphasizing that accessibility is a right, not a trend, and introduces the enhanced Scribe for Documents platform, enabling blind users to independently and affordably remediate documents with improved speed, browser integration, and multilingual text-to-speech capabilities.
Sound engineer Michelle Guadalupe Felix Garcia's journey from determination to global recognition fuels Clair Global's backing of the Audio Accessibility Alliance, which aims to address accessibility in live event and entertainment technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed persistent vulnerabilities in emergency healthcare planning, prompting New York City to re-evaluate strategies for populations with limited English proficiency, vision, and hearing impairments.
Nova Scotia has unveiled its 2025-2028 Government Accessibility Plan, the third roadmap since the 2017 Accessibility Act, aiming to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities and build on previous efforts like the accessibility upgrades at Peggy's Cove.
Here Equalentry.com features accessibility expert Nicolas Steenhout, who critiques Canada's accessibility laws, arguing that both the Accessible Canada Act and provincial regulations like the AODA suffer from weak enforcement and limited scope, often failing to deliver meaningful improvements for people with disabilities.
A new study reveals that while life expectancy has significantly increased in Northeastern and West Coast states, Southern states like Mississippi and Oklahoma have seen minimal gains since 1900, highlighting a stark regional disparity.
Touch2See is expanding to the U.S. with its fifth-generation accessible tablets, enhancing sports experiences for blind and visually impaired fans at venues like San Diego FC and in partnership with collegiate teams.
A new report from the National Disability Center for Student Success finds that despite institutional access to assistive tech, many college students with disabilities face significant usability barriers in classroom tools.
TransitCare, a major Australian transport provider for the elderly and disabled, is turning away new clients due to overwhelming demand, citing capacity limits despite delivering over 300,000 trips last year.
A study by the University of Cambridge and the British Society of Audiology found that most deaf or hard-of-hearing patients miss critical information in NHS appointments due to communication barriers.
Motivated by their blind daughter Maeve, two Utah parents have launched a mission to improve accessibility in gaming for visually impaired children, transforming a personal challenge into a broader community initiative.
Devin Sisak, former chair of Cambridge's accessibility committee, claims a workplace harassment investigation is retaliation for his public criticism of the city, raising concerns about volunteer participation.
UK's publicly-owned train operators are enhancing accessibility for Deaf passengers with British Sign Language and tech solutions during Deaf Awareness Week, supported by DFTO and key national rail services.
Here Authority Magazine features Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, who shares his journey from childhood blindness to becoming a leader in disability inclusion, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and advocating for systemic change to empower individuals with disabilities.
Here Convergeaccessibility.com reviews April 2025's notable digital accessibility cases, including Erika Randolph's lawsuit against Dillard's for website inaccessibility, highlighting ongoing legal challenges in ensuring web accessibility compliance.
Ari Ne'eman condemned recent derogatory remarks about autism by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., comparing them to outdated rhetoric and calling attention to the persistent stigmatization of autistic individuals in public discourse.
Todd Gladfelter and a team of advocates biked through Connellsville to raise awareness for accessible trails, highlighting efforts by River House PA to connect disabled individuals, including veterans, with healing outdoor experiences.
Lloydminster is working to meet Saskatchewan's accessibility legislation by developing a plan under the Accessible Saskatchewan Act, with deadlines approaching amid a broader push for public sector compliance.
Here Esmé Weijun Wang recounts how her disability benefits were terminated after an insurance-hired private investigator documented her smiling and walking unaided, despite her severe chronic illness, highlighting the invasive tactics insurers use to challenge disability claims.
Here Deque.com reports that on April 11, 2025, Texas and 16 other states withdrew their claim challenging the constitutionality of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit, preserving critical disability rights protections while the case continues to examine the scope of recent regulatory updates.
Despite increased awareness and advocacy, students and faculty with disabilities at Stony Brook University continue to face significant accessibility barriers, as illustrated by the daily struggles of student Alexa Zuckerman navigating campus infrastructure.
Disability rights advocates and Minnesota lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol to protest proposed federal cuts to disability services, warning of serious threats to housing, healthcare, and education access.
The Boston Renegades play beep baseball, an adaptive sport for the blind featuring beeping balls and bases, showcasing the determination and unity of visually impaired athletes through America's favorite pastime.
Disability advocate and former para-athlete Ali France defeated opposition leader Peter Dutton in a landmark election win, following a personal journey of loss and resilience after the death of her son.
Despite dozens of elevators being consistently out of service in New York subways, the MTA has spent over $3 million and eight years fighting a class-action lawsuit from disability advocates instead of repairing the equipment.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 2, creating one of the largest school voucher programs in the country, allowing public funds to be used for private school tuition and other educational expenses.
A major conference at Taxiarchae Greek Orthodox Church in Watertown launched the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America's new initiative on parish accessibility, gathering clergy, theologians, and disability advocates to discuss inclusion.
Liz Venendaal, a woman with cerebral palsy, described feeling helpless after airline staff at Atlanta's airport failed to provide requested wheelchair assistance, prompting widespread support following her viral Facebook post.
David Packard, a lifelong wheelchair user, was left disappointed after discovering a lack of accessible seating options at a Colchester rock concert, highlighting ongoing challenges for disabled music fans.
Spinal Life Australia is urging the government to declare 2026 the National Year of Accessible Tourism and invest $354 million to improve accessibility, as people with disabilities contribute significantly to the domestic tourism economy.
Here, Converge Accessibility's Ken Nakata analyzes Colorado's Office of Information Technology's amended rulemaking, highlighting the shift from WCAG 2.0 to 2.1 standards and the implications for state agencies and vendors in meeting enhanced digital accessibility requirements.
The United States has filed a False Claims Act lawsuit against major insurers including Aetna, Elevance Health, and Humana, along with brokers eHealth, GoHealth, and SelectQuote, alleging they exchanged illegal kickbacks for Medicare Advantage enrollments from 2016 to 2021.
Australians with disabilities face significant barriers to voting, including limited wheelchair-accessible polling locations, as illustrated by one voter's 50-kilometre journey to an inaccessible site in regional Western Australia.
Here Government Technology reports that state and local governments must meet new ADA Title II digital accessibility regulations by April 2026 or 2027, depending on population size, requiring compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for websites and mobile apps, prompting officials to address longstanding accessibility barriers and allocate resources for compliance efforts.
Here Accessibility.com reports that digital accessibility lawsuits are increasingly targeting mobile apps, videos, PDFs, and virtual events, emphasizing that compliance efforts must extend beyond websites to encompass all digital touchpoints.
Here, NPR reports that federal judges in Maryland, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C., ruled that the Trump administration overstepped its authority by ordering schools to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, blocking enforcement of the directive and preserving federal funding for noncompliant districts.
Here, Access Ability challenges prevalent misconceptions about digital accessibility, emphasizing that accessibility is an ongoing commitment requiring proactive design, continuous testing, and organizational accountability, rather than a one-time project or reliance on automated tools.
Here Daniel Devesa Derksen-Staats shares insights from his experience as an accessibility engineer, emphasizing the importance of embedding accessibility habits into organizational processes to create a sustainable, user-centric culture rather than focusing solely on compliance goals.
Here Accessibility.com explains that while the DOJ's withdrawal of 11 ADA guidance documents removes certain clarifications, the legal obligations for digital accessibility remain unchanged, emphasizing the continued importance of adhering to standards like WCAG to ensure compliance and inclusivity.
Here the DLF Digital Accessibility Working Group compiles key resources to help libraries navigate recent ADA Title II updates, including webinars, licensing guides, and accessibility compliance tools tailored to academic institutions and digital content providers.
Here TPGi outlines the Department of Justice's final rule under ADA Title II, mandating that state and local government digital content and mobile apps meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by 2026 or 2027, depending on organization size, with specified exceptions for certain legacy and third-party content.
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Join Peter Tucic and Andrew Flatres for an insightful session on TactileView, the leading tactile design software included with HumanWare's Romeo 60 and Juliet 120 embossers. They'll walk you through its key features and demonstrate how to create high-quality tactile graphics effortlessly.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Using sample tables in Acrobat Pro, Rachel Reeves provides a step-by-step demonstration on remediating tables to ensure they are fully accessible with assistive technologies.
1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this Global Accessibility Awareness Day webinar from TPGi, Matt Ater leads a fireside chat with Jennison Asuncion exploring the 30-year evolution of JAWS and the breakthroughs that have defined assistive technology. From early DOS systems to today's AI-driven features, the session examines key innovations, historical milestones, and the future of digital accessibility.
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.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this Global Accessibility Awareness Day webinar from TPGi, Mark Miller and Amanda Roper explore how intrapreneurs can lead accessibility change by forging cross-functional partnerships, empowering colleagues, and navigating organizational dynamics to foster lasting impact beyond compliance.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this live webinar from Freedom Scientific, attendees will learn ten practical tips for managing tasks and settings in Windows 11 using JAWS. The session covers setting notifications, managing files, using Focus sessions, customizing app defaults, and earning ACVREP credits for live participation.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Join the Lighthouse Career Webinar in May for a presentation “the ABCs of Interviewing” and the celebration of our 1 year anniversary. Interviewing whether in-person or virtual is still an essential part of getting hired. In this webinar we will discuss actions to take before, during and after an interview.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this community call hosted by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Seniors Division, participants are invited to learn and share information about recreational activities like camping, swimming, dancing, and games that support independence and well-being for older adults living with low vision or blindness. For more information about this event or the NFB of Maryland Seniors Division, please contact Marguerite Woods at: +1 (443) 271-1668 📱️ or mwoods719@gmail.com 📧️
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Marisa Church explores essential tools and settings in JAWS for navigating and editing Word documents to create accessible, well-structured content.
AccessNow transforms David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto into a buzzing, barrier-free hub of activity with AccessFest, a one-day celebration of disability inclusion featuring mainstage performances, real talks, immersive art installations, and accessibility-first community experiences.
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 show how to pair JAWS Convenient OCR with the portable PEARL camera to streamline workflow. TVIs attending are eligible for ACVREP continuing-education credit.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Michael Parker outlines key practices for accessible video publishing across platforms, focusing on captions, audio descriptions, and descriptive text transcripts.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves covers foundational techniques for building accessible Word documents that convert more cleanly to PDFs, including structure, headings, lists, and styles.
The National Federation of the Blind hosts its 2025 National Convention from July 8 — 13 in New Orleans, offering a week of networking, informative sessions, and advocacy. In-person and virtual registration options are available, with programming that includes a career fair, childcare, and volunteer opportunities such as ambassador and support service provider roles.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos leads a virtual tour of the newest Envision Glasses capabilities, including GPT-4-powered features designed for natural-language interaction.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves details the steps for converting accessible Word files into fully accessible PDFs, including manual tag cleanup and final fixes in Adobe Acrobat.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Marisa Church and Ian Ramos walk through essential file-management tasks using JAWS, including navigating File Explorer and accessing cloud storage services like OneDrive, SharePoint, and Google Drive.
Our Transitioning to a New World program empowers participants to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self. Designed to elevate both personal and professional profiles, the program provides practical tools, mentorship, and real-world strategies to help individuals stand out and lead with impact. Participants learn how to position themselves as influencers—capable of inspiring and influencing organizations of all sizes. Whether stepping into a new career, evolving within an industry, or pursuing entrepreneurial goals, this program fosters the mindset and presence needed to thrive in today's dynamic world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
About: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 40,000 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 40,000 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 refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Access Information News is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.
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Article abstracts are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular article brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
