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Access Information News for Monday, June 9, 2025 - Volume 1018
♿️ The Week's News in Access Information
Access Information News. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
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News 📰️
1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
President Trump suggested that the rise in autism diagnoses is due to external, artificial causes, citing statistical increases and emphasizing the need for the MAHA Commission to investigate the public health implications.
US-based contractor Maximus, responsible for conducting disability benefit assessments in the UK, reported a 23% increase in profits amid growing revenues and remains the largest provider of functional assessment services for the Department for Work and Pensions.
People with disability face significantly higher cancer mortality due to reduced access to early detection and screening programs. A review of 73 studies reveals systemic inequities in cancer care and highlights the urgent need for inclusive screening services.
In this episode of Supercharge Your Bottom Line Through Disability Inclusion, Dr. Kirk Adams dives deep into the mind-set and mechanics of building a flourishing life and career without sight. Blending scholarship, lived experience and laugh-out-loud storytelling, the trio unpack what really moves the employment needle for blind talent, and how every company's bottom line can grow in the process.
Michael Taylor shares his personal journey navigating the digital world as a blind screen reader user. He reflects on the challenges posed by inaccessible technology and the importance of digital accessibility for inclusion in social, educational, and shopping experiences.
June 9, 2025 📅️
Skylar Covich, Ph.D. is an educator, researcher and program manager experienced in disability advocacy, access technology (with a recent focus on AI), and political research. Skylar is seeking a remote position in AI training, outreach, or research with special interests in policy, advocacy, and work with blind professionals. Seeking a salary of at least $75K a year or $40 an hour. Connect with Skylar on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylar-covich-ph-d-a0b7ab17a/ or reach out to him via email at: covich7@gmail.com 📧️. Download his resume in Word format here: https://accessinformationnews.com/documents/Skylar-Covich-Resume-06-05-2025.docx.
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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.
Title II Today: Compliance & Accessibility Insights is the world's leading ADA Title II Compliance publication that reaches over 3,000 government officials, public sector employees, educators, public school administrators, accessibility & inclusion advocates, legal & policy experts, tech & UX professionals, nonprofits & advocacy organizations, all over the world, each week.
In this engaging episode of Remarkable World Commentary, host Donna J. Jodhan sits down with Dr. Alan Chase, founder of North Carolina's EYE Retreat, to trace the camp's evolution from a post-legislation idea into an 18-year-strong, peer-led summer program that equips blind and visually impaired teens for college, careers, and entrepreneurship. Their lively conversation explores the spark that legislation ignited, the importance of self-advocacy, the power of mentors with lived experience, and the retreat's hands-on curriculum — everything from classroom workshops to real-world transit, campus, and workplace visits — that helps students build confidence, networks, and practical skills to "retreat from no challenge."
June 6, 2025 📅️
Ellen Platt and Amy Young explore how care managers and occupational therapists collaborate to help individuals with vision loss remain independent at home through personalized care plans, resource coordination, and tailored home modifications.
Here Barrierfreecanada.org shares Donna Jodhan's reflections on navigating the digital world with screen readers, highlighting the inconsistencies across browsers and assistive technologies, and emphasizing the need for greater consistency and collaboration in tech accessibility.
June 5, 2025 📅️
New York City has reached its goal of making 50% of yellow taxis wheelchair-accessible, a milestone in a long-delayed legal commitment stemming from a 2013 federal class-action settlement.
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Marlean Ames, a straight woman from Ohio, can proceed with her job discrimination lawsuit, eliminating the higher burden previously imposed on majority-group plaintiffs and emphasizing that Title VII protections apply equally to all individuals regardless of group status.
Here Wired.com provides a comprehensive guide on disaster preparedness amid federal agency cutbacks, emphasizing the importance of local alerts, maintaining emergency supplies, safeguarding critical documents, and fostering community connections to navigate increasingly severe climate events.
Nova Scotia is developing a Quality of Life Index for Persons with Disabilities, featuring 82 indicators across multiple well-being areas to help track progress under the province's Accessibility Act.
Disability advocate Molly Burke led Australia's first accessible beauty summit, emphasizing that designing for accessibility should be standard business practice, not charity.
June 4, 2025 📅️
The Trump administration is at it again! A couple weeks ago Teen Vogue ran an op-ed arguing college students with disabilities are "being abandoned." Take a moment to read the article so we can debate it on equal footing.
Senator Markey and Representative Cohen reintroduced the Complete Streets Act, requiring states to allocate federal highway funds to enhance infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit, ensuring safer roads for vulnerable groups.
June 3, 2025 📅️
Public health researchers from Yale and the University of Pennsylvania warned that the House-passed federal budget could result in over 51,000 preventable deaths annually due to cuts to health protections and insurance coverage.
The South Carolina Supreme Court is reviewing a challenge to the state's 2016 law banning digital eye exams, with telehealth provider Visibly arguing that the restriction violates constitutional rights and limits access to care.
The City of Freeport plans to replace around 1,800 non-compliant ADA ramps as part of a long-term initiative to improve accessibility, with each ramp replacement estimated to cost $20,000.
A mother voices concern over changes to Canada's Wonderland's accessibility pass, fearing longer wait times could negatively impact her autistic daughter's experience at her favorite amusement park.
June 2, 2025 📅️
Here Convergeaccessibility.com examines the potential threats to the DOJ's web accessibility rule, highlighting concerns over possible delays or rollbacks and emphasizing the importance of public comments by June 16 to support the rule's implementation.
Here Lflegal.com highlights the U.S. Department of Energy's proposal to reverse decades-old accessibility regulations for federally funded buildings, urging public comments by June 16 to oppose the rollback and emphasizing its potential implications for both physical and digital accessibility standards.
Accessible Adirondack Tourism is assessing municipal parks in Saranac Lake for accessibility issues, aiming to improve facilities for individuals with disabilities.
A federal lawsuit claims Washington, D.C. violates the ADA by failing to provide adequate Accessible Pedestrian Signals, endangering blind residents and visitors at intersections.
The Arc of Monroe organized a voting accessibility tour to help individuals with disabilities navigate new electronic voting machines ahead of local primary elections. The initiative, supported by local government offices, included voter registration assistance and a mobile DMV for issuing IDs.
A federal court ordered Chicago to install thousands of accessible pedestrian signals over the next decade, marking a major legal victory for blind and low vision pedestrians seeking equitable access to city streets.
After two decades of advocacy, Saint John will upgrade the McAllister Drive and Westmorland Road intersection with features like audible pedestrian signals and sidewalk ramps to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Research by Transport for the North reveals widespread accessibility issues at rail stations across the region, prompting calls from local politicians for immediate improvements to support people with disabilities.
The LTA has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative to better support individuals with non-visible disabilities at major tennis events by training staff to recognize and assist Sunflower symbol wearers.
Isabelle Giard, a content creator with spina bifida, uses her YouTube channel Zaroule to highlight accessible destinations across Quebec and advocate for inclusion during Quebec Week for People with Disabilities.
Last Week 📅️
Sarah Lin, a Bronx Science senior, is leading a campaign to mandate closed captioning in New York movie theaters, advocating for better accessibility for the hearing impaired.
Kathy, who is terminally ill with metastatic cancer, struggles to care for her profoundly disabled son Steven after his NDIS support lapsed, exposing critical gaps in Australia's disability funding system.
Ronnie McKenzie, known as King Ron to over 2 million followers, uses social media to advocate for the deaf and blind communities and bridge communication gaps between the deaf and hearing worlds.
Jessica Slice, diagnosed with POTS after years of medical struggles, embraces her identity as a person with a disability and encourages parents to seek help without shame.
Melbourne's train network falls short of national accessibility standards, with steep ramps, lack of lifts, and inadequate boarding infrastructure making stations like Windsor challenging for wheelchair users like Andrew Bretherton.
FIFA is ensuring fans with disabilities have a world-class experience at the inaugural Club World Cup with services like accessible seating, sensory bags, and audio commentary across 63 matches featuring 32 top clubs.
Two sisters from Bronx High School of Science are advocating for legislation mandating open caption screenings in all state theaters, inspired by their mother's progressive hearing loss.
Recent FAA Reauthorization legislation includes bipartisan-backed disability provisions aimed at improving safety and dignity for air travelers with disabilities, marking major progress in accessible aviation.
Governor Gavin Newsom's budget proposal includes an 'asset test' that could disqualify Medi-Cal recipients with over $2,000 in assets, potentially affecting millions who rely on state healthcare services.
The Saskatchewan Soccer Association has launched the province's first power chair soccer program, offering a rare opportunity for athletes using power chairs and marking only the fifth such initiative in Canada.
Blind advocate Carol Magnan criticizes Sault Ste. Marie officials for ignoring safety concerns at intersections despite her detailed report, highlighting a broader neglect of accessible pedestrian signal implementation.
The NWT Disabilities Council has cancelled an accessible housing project in Yellowknife following a breakdown in negotiations with Housing NWT, despite years of planning, funding commitments, and assurances about land stability.
Building rapport with participants, especially those with disabilities, is essential in user research. The article outlines best practices for creating a respectful and trusting environment, such as providing clear communication, protecting personal information, and ensuring fair compensation for participants' time.
The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 aims to establish clear accessibility standards for digital platforms in order to include people with disabilities effectively. It intends to ensure that the ADA covers all websites and applications, promoting legal clarity and defining accessibility according to widely accepted principles.
Stewart Hay of Intopia speaks with accessibility leaders from Workday and Canva about scaling accessibility across organizations, covering topics like building internal capability, securing executive buy-in, fostering inclusive culture, and applying key lessons from their journeys.
This article emphasizes the importance of clearly defined roles in enhancing digital accessibility through a RACI matrix, which assigns responsibilities across team members. It discusses the need for early integration of accessibility into project phases and outlines common team structures and activities essential for achieving accessibility goals.
➜ Featured Events 📅️
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.
Wesley Martin invites all Apple enthusiasts to join a community Slack chat during Apple's WWDC keynote to explore announcements and speculations, followed by a Zoom meeting for deeper discussion. This independent session offers an informal, inclusive space for live reactions and insights.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this free, four-hour webinar from the National Federation of the Blind, Jonathan Mosen shares two decades of experience podcasting as a blind person, covering everything from podcast creation and equipment selection to editing and promotion. He'll be joined by Melissa Riccobono and Will Schwatka, who will provide additional insights into turning a passion for audio into a career and making informed gear choices.
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.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
Join Vispero for a one-hour webinar highlighting 50 years of Optelec innovation in assistive technology, featuring a live demonstration of the ClearView C Speech desktop video magnifier. Presenters Joseph McDaniel, Shelly Klure, and guest speaker Cory Hanosh will explore how this technology boosts independence and productivity for individuals with visual impairments.
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.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 2:00 PM GMT
ReBokeh CEO Rebecca Rosenberg introduces the See Your World app, which enhances real-time visual experiences for low vision users via smartphone cameras, followed by HumanWare's Michael Battista discussing Prodigi software for Windows, offering magnification, text-to-speech, and contrast adjustments.
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.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 AM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Discover how ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode empowers blind and low-vision users with real-time emotional AI, voice interaction, and visual grounding. Join Dr. Kirk Adams and Aaron Di Blasi for a groundbreaking demo and learn how this cutting-edge tech enhances accessibility, productivity, and inclusion.
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.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this in-person showcase hosted by Helen Keller Services, assistive technology vendors, innovators, and users come together for a day of interactive demonstrations, in-depth discussions, and community connection focused on advancing access and independence for the blind, DeafBlind, and low vision communities.
➜ Directories 📝️
➜ Sponsor Classified Ads 🎯️
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, June 25, 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.
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.
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 📧️.
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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.
Dear Sam Altman and Jony Ive:
As a community of passionate consumers and advocates, we are excited about the merger between OpenAI and io, Jony Ive's visionary company. This collaboration holds real promise for groundbreaking innovation. We want to make sure that the future you're building includes the millions of people with disabilities who can benefit from it.
We've seen what happens when companies overlook that foundation. The Humane AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 launched with high expectations, yet they failed to meaningfully include our community. These products were missed opportunities. They serve as reminders of why it's so important to involve disabled users from day one.
This is a chance to create something truly inclusive, to honor the accessibility legacy you've already helped shape, and to build a future where everyone benefits. We're here. We're ready to collaborate. Let's make sure this next chapter of innovation includes all of us.
Sincerely,
Mike Calvo
Pneuma Solutions
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.
Facebook | LinkedIn | Reddit | YouTube
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 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 News Supporters 🤝️
We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!
Why: Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.
Benefits: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.
In addition, all Access Information News Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.
One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.
Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.
Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.
1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter Since: December 5, 2022
2.) Donna Jodhan
Platinum Supporter Since: March 24, 2023
3.) Your name here.
Platinum Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Gold Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Silver Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Silver Supporter since ...
Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.
1.) Your name here.
Bronze Supporter since ...
One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News Publication.
Become an Access Information News One Time Supporter today.
1.) Sharyn Sobel
One Time Supporter on November 28, 2023
2.) Amanda Lee
One Time Supporter on July 31, 2023
3.) Gaylen Kapperman
One Time Supporter on June 4, 2024
4.) Your name here.
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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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