Exploring the complex realities of disability, this discussion delves into societal perceptions and the limitations of wealth in altering one's experience of being disabled. Advocates share insights on the intersections of privilege and access, encouraging a deeper understanding of inclusivity and support for people with disabilities.
Able News at The Viscardi Center
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Able News at The Viscardi Center is a news outlet and monthly digital publication that serves as a vital resource on disability and amplifies the perspectives of the diverse, vibrant disability community. The Viscardi Center is a Long Island-based network of non-profit organizations that educate, employ, and empower children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. Central to our mission is featuring original content by writers with disabilities on a range of important topics, from policy and legislative updates, to arts and culture, to community events.
Here Molly Burke addresses a disturbing TikTok trend in which parents encourage their children to pretend to be blind in order to win prizes or views. After a brief sponsor segment, Molly, who is blind herself, shares her outrage and deep concern about the ableism this perpetuates. She explains how the trend relies on harmful stereotypes about blindness, teaches children to mock disabilities, fosters pity-driven narratives, and trivializes the real experiences of blind people. Drawing on her own life and advocacy, Molly emphasizes that disability is not a costume or a punchline, but a lived reality deserving respect, representation, and empathy.
Despite ADA protections, many school facilities remain inaccessible for students using wheelchairs; innovations in assistive technology are helping bridge this gap and promote inclusive education.
The FDA has restricted COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for people under 65 to those with health risks while keeping full access for older adults, marking a shift from earlier universal eligibility.
A writer reflects on how ableist tropes in reality TV conflict with personal experiences of disability, revealing the need for more inclusive and respectful media representation.
Here a graduate student at the University of Limerick introduces AMY, a reusable saliva-based pregnancy test prototype offering results through touch, sight, and sound, while parallel tactile and vibration-based designs from RNIB and MIT aim to guide accessible reproductive experiences.
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Powered by Mind Vault Solutions, the new DonnaJodhan.com delivers mobile-first UX and lived-experience accessibility, organizes advocacy and podcasts, and launches a growing Projects hub to turn policy into everyday progress.
Molly Burke shares her candid perspective on the "Princess Treatment" trend circulating on TikTok, exploring its implications and why it doesn't resonate with her. Through personal anecdotes, she challenges societal norms and advocates for a more authentic expression of self-worth.
A new partnership between Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS) and Microsoft aims to enhance accessibility for blind and low-vision users. Through this collaboration, BITS members will provide feedback to influence the development of Microsoft's accessibility features, solidifying accessibility as a key innovation driver.
Mobile apps have revolutionized modern life, providing speed and convenience across various sectors, but they often overlook accessibility for persons with disabilities. The duality of apps brings empowerment for some while excluding others, highlighting the pressing need for better, inclusive designs that prioritize usability for all.
Losing vision is a loss. It often brings feelings of grief, anger, and sadness. It can help to know you're not alone and that there are things you can do to help you through the rough patches. In this episode, we talk about Hadley's Adjusting & Coping Together virtual support groups. These small groups offer a space to speak openly, connect with others who are also experiencing vision loss, and learn a few things you can do to cope and adjust.
Outdated case management systems are hampering disability services across the U.S., with experts calling for modern, tech-driven solutions to improve coordination, communication, and care delivery.
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Rainsville, Alabama, over claims the city violated federal laws by denying a Christian organization's application to operate a recovery facility.
An industry report warns that states failing to meet the 2026 ADA digital accessibility deadline may face increased legal action and reputational harm as lawsuits over web compliance continue to rise.
Veterans like Adan Montalvo are raising concerns after paying thousands to private firms like Trajector Medical to access disability benefits, prompting debate in California over whether such charges should be banned.
A critique of U.S. disability policy highlights how outdated and contradictory systems perpetuate poverty among disabled Americans, urging a fundamental rethinking of how government supports economic inclusion.
Families relying on Medicaid for children with severe disabilities fear looming cuts could threaten access to essential services, therapies, and support, placing additional stress on already overwhelmed caregivers.
Griffin McCarley, a 23-year-old with autism and other disabilities, transforms scrap metal into art through welding, using his creativity to inspire others and manage his own mental health challenges.
The U.S. Department of Education plans to end the collection of key data on racial disparities in special education, potentially undermining efforts to address disproportionate identification and disciplinary practices.
Jenna Sittler, who lives with chronic pain and other conditions, voices anxiety over public judgment and online shaming when using accessible parking, highlighting societal stigma faced by people with invisible disabilities.
A collaboration between the University of Houston College of Optometry and Sight Savers America provides cutting-edge devices to visually impaired children, enhancing their ability to read and write. This program aims to meet significant eyecare needs and is supported by various charitable foundations.
Dr. Kirk Adams invites participants to a complimentary workshop discussing meritocracy and the tools to operationalize fair systems in hiring and inclusion. The session aims to challenge the misconception that diversity undermines merit and emphasizes the importance of structured processes in organizational success.
Accessible fashion not only empowers disabled individuals but also promotes inclusivity and broader consumer choice. One disabled woman shares how modifying garments helps her express identity and overcome design limitations.
Blind content creator Lucy Edwards gained massive popularity on TikTok, eventually becoming the face of Pantene. Her rise underscores the growing impact of social media in promoting accessible beauty standards.
Exploring the complex realities of disability, this discussion delves into societal perceptions and the limitations of wealth in altering one's experience of being disabled. Advocates share insights on the intersections of privilege and access, encouraging a deeper understanding of inclusivity and support for people with disabilities.
The National Industries for the Blind helps visually impaired individuals secure employment by partnering with the federal government to offer contracts for producing goods and services.
The new location of the Brazos County Veteran Service Office offers improved accessibility for disabled veterans, addressing mobility challenges through enhanced parking, privacy, and transit access.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a three-minute EEG test that can identify memory issues linked to Alzheimer’s disease well before clinical diagnosis, potentially transforming early detection and treatment planning.
An NHS England review found that people with learning disabilities and autism die nearly 20 years younger than average, with a significant number of deaths deemed avoidable, prompting calls for improved early identification and care.
The DonnaJodhan.com website has been redesigned to prioritize mobile access and SEO, enhancing usability for blind and low-vision users while maintaining a commitment to accessibility. This update reflects the evolving needs of users and aims to connect them quickly with advocacy resources and collaboration opportunities.
Nine former CDC directors condemned Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions as Health Secretary, warning that his leadership undermines public trust and endangers national health by rejecting scientific guidance.
Despite being paralyzed from the chest down after an accident, Carol Weaver continues mountain biking on accessible trails in Maine, finding strength and community in adaptive cycling.
Labour MP Marie Tidball, who has a congenital disability, reveals the challenges she faces navigating the UK Parliament building, emphasizing the ongoing barriers disabled individuals encounter even at the highest levels of government.
The Keys for All study recommends policy changes and funding to improve accessibility in car clubs, including vehicle adaptations, flexible booking options, and more user-friendly digital platforms.
A mother criticized a newly opened play park in Wiltshire for failing to provide usable equipment for her daughter with cerebral palsy, calling attention to the disconnect between accessibility claims and real-world inclusivity.
This article examines the lack of ADA coverage within the federal judiciary, highlighting a significant gap in accessibility that affects disabled litigants and remains largely unaddressed in legal scholarship.
Abbie Hills, a talent agent with cerebral palsy, has grown her UK-based company from 10 to 60 clients, advocating for actors with disabilities and others underrepresented in entertainment. Her success illustrates broader efforts to improve accessibility and representation across the EU.
Rob Taylor, living with motor neuron disease, finds liberation in video games, using adaptive technology to connect socially and escape physical limitations. His experience highlights how digital tools can transform quality of life for those with disabilities.
Explore a curated selection of essential twin baby products, from innovative bottle washers to cozy moses baskets. Discover practical insights and recommendations to streamline your parenting journey, ensuring you focus on what truly matters.
The city of Irvine is deploying robots from Daxbot, coordinated by Bureau Veritas, to assess over 9,000 curb ramps and 950 miles of sidewalks for ADA compliance as part of a citywide accessibility initiative.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. frequently discusses mitochondrial function, despite displaying limited scientific understanding, raising concerns about his interpretations and focus on the topic.
Christina Applegate revealed that her multiple sclerosis diagnosis has deeply impacted her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, who struggles to cope with the drastic change from seeing her mother active and healthy to now often bedridden.
Here the author critiques the newly announced "America by Design" initiative, highlighting its poor website design, accessibility issues, and implications for marginalized individuals. The post draws connections between the initiative's aesthetics and a broader authoritarian agenda, warning against erasure of previous design efforts in government.
2:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM MT, 4:00 PM CT, 5:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM GMT
We have received multiple inquiries about if firmware 3.0 is released yet. It has not been released yet, but the anticipated release date is set to be before the end of this month! We are so grateful for your shared excitement! In this free webinar from Selvas BLV, participants will explore the major updates in BrailleSense 6 firmware version 3.0, including a redesigned Main Menu and Settings dialog, improved Word Processor, a new Braille Practice app, and the long-awaited Web Browser. A live Q&A session will follow the walkthrough.
6:00 AM PT, 7:00 AM MT, 8:00 AM CT, 9:00 AM ET, 1:00 PM GMT
In this two-day hybrid gathering, Gallaudet University's Technology Access Program showcases cutting-edge research on caption quality, hearing-technology accessibility and sign-language innovation, featuring keynotes, breakout discussions and student presentations aimed at advancing equitable communication tools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Disability advocate and civic leader Nico Meyering shares his lived experience with orphan disease and navigating inaccessible systems toward impactful leadership. Drawing from his work in reshaping civic institutions, Nico offers practical insights on building power, forging coalitions, and creating inclusive spaces where Disabled people lead, thrive, and belong.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT & 1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Nicole Demos shares her personal journey of trauma and healing in Finland, highlighting the importance of self-care, advocacy, and safe spaces. Later, Nancy Williams-Nettles examines how racism and ableism intersect, creating unique challenges for people of color with disabilities, and explores ways to foster inclusive, justice-driven approaches.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Panelists Nico Meyering, Nancy Williams-Nettles, and Jesse Schwartzman discuss practical ways to engage in community advocacy, both politically and non-politically. They share strategies for using personal experiences to drive change and highlight the power of active participation in shaping more inclusive communities.
1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Led by Dr. Joel Snyder, this five-day virtual training from the American Council of the Blind offers an in-depth introduction to the theory, techniques, and applications of audio description. Attendees will gain practical skills through lectures, discussions, and collaborative sessions, and receive a certificate of completion along with a training manual.
5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Nicole Demos guides participants through strategies for fostering belonging, equity, and empathy by using inclusive language and practicing genuine allyship. Attendees will explore how words and actions can work together to make accessibility and inclusivity an everyday reality.
1:30 AM PT, 2:30 AM MT, 3:30 AM CT, 4:30 AM ET, 8:30 AM GMT
This free webinar from Enviter introduces Project TACTICOS, an Erasmus+ initiative that promotes literacy and inclusion for visually impaired children through innovative tactile books. Attendees will explore practical guidelines, hands-on examples, and support tips for educators, parents, and professionals involved in accessible learning.
5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Margaux Sorenson examines how violence disproportionately impacts people with disabilities, the systemic barriers to reporting, and the historical roots of ableism. The session highlights advocacy efforts centering disabled survivors and explores ways to promote safety, equity, and justice for all.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
The New Jersey Council of the Blind presents its 2025 Virtual Convention, The Grassroots Revival, bringing together expert speakers, live Q&A sessions, assistive technology demonstrations, and community engagement. Running for the first time in over 15 years, this online gathering highlights advocacy, access, and connection with presentations on adaptive living, accessible technology, healthcare, and independent living resources.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
The Technology User Group (TUG) reveals the latest changes coming to the iPhone's operating system, iOS 26, and explores whether these updates will enhance accessibility or fall short of expectations.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this two-day, expert-led online program from WebAIM, participants will learn essential and advanced web accessibility practices to ensure compliance with international guidelines and legal requirements. Designed for developers, designers, and accessibility professionals, the training covers WCAG principles, assistive technology use, inclusive design for various disabilities, evaluation techniques, and offers a complimentary document accessibility course.
Doppler Labs offers audiologist-grade hearing aids and a patented at-home fitting platform designed to deliver fast, accessible hearing care at scale. The Netcapital raise aims to fund expansion, production, and a nonprofit arm targeting underserved regions, with clinical trials completed and pricing locked in for sustainable impact and global reach.
12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
The International Neurology Conference 2025 is a flagship hybrid event hosted by PubScholars Group on November 15-16, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando (5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL) and streamed online.
The conference explores "Mind-Brain Connection: Understanding Neuroscience through Mental Health," aiming to integrate cutting-edge science with clinical relevance. Who Should Attend: Neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, psychologists, rehabilitation professionals, engineers, industry leaders, students, and allied health practitioners. Important Dates & times: Abstract Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025. Registration Deadline: September 30, 2025. Event Timing: November 15, 2025 (8 AM start) - November 16, 2025 (6 PM close). Format: Hybrid Event (In-person & Virtual.) Contact Person: Richard A. Email: info@pubscholars.org 📧️. Phone: +91 7042134266 📱️. Venue: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA.
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.
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.
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 low-vision, 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.
Barrier Free Canada — Canada sans Barrières is proud to announce a bold new strategic investment aimed at advancing accessibility and inclusion in Canada's workforce. This initiative supports innovative training, education, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, helping to eliminate systemic barriers and foster a more equitable labor market. By partnering with key stakeholders across sectors, the investment will drive meaningful change, preparing a diverse and inclusive workforce to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This milestone reflects Barrier Free Canada's ongoing commitment to building a barrier-free nation where everyone can thrive and contribute fully to society.
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.
As the United States finishes celebrating Independence Day, regular attendees of the summer blindness conventions will prepare to begin activities centered around independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. IN light of this, we at Pneuma Solutions are lighting our own fireworks over a very unique and never-before-seen level of independence in the field of remote desktop access!
To a technician or trainer who is blind, nothing says independence quite like performing a remote session with a sighted end user's computer, regardless of platform, and being able to fully use it, despite the lack of an installed screen reader. Our Remote Incident Manager is the world's first application that allows this to happen. As such, To celebrate this exciting level of independence, we are proud to offer unlimited access to Remote Incident Manager for the next 14 days, completely free of charge!
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.
Able News at The Viscardi Center is a monthly periodical for, by, and about people with disabilities. It amplifies the perspective of a diverse disability community and reports on news, technology, sports, health and wellness, culture, travel, advocacy and opportunities to learn and connect. Visit Ablenews.com to sign up to receive Able News in your inbox monthly. Advertising opportunities in the digital edition and on the website are also available.
About:Able News at The Viscardi Center is a monthly periodical for, by, and about people with disabilities. It amplifies the perspective of a diverse disability community and reports on news, technology, sports, health and wellness, culture, travel, advocacy and opportunities to learn and connect. It is a valuable resource and brings readers disability news like no other source.
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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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.
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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.
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.
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 low-vision 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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Access Information News is released every Monday morning at 6:00 AM ET.
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Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Access Information Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link. You can also subscribe to receive the Access Information Newsletter on the Access Information News Website. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Access Information Newsletter. It's that easy.
Only Access Information News Premium Subscribers receive our special quarterly issue listing the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles of the Last 3 Months. Just $12 USD per year. This special quarterly issue is provided to Premium Subscribers as a native Microsoft Word document with full headings, links and abstracts to all 60 articles. There are no restrictions placed on these documents. Complete list of all back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. Join us today and begin receiving this incredibly informative issue every 3 months.
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If you would like to become 1 of only 24 Access Information News Sponsors whose ongoing support makes the distribution of Access Information News possible, we offer you the following advertising benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
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Access Information News offers a variety of one-time advertising options to both Sponsors and non-Sponsors alike. Here we offer a sample newsletter that provides a breakdown of exactly what those one-time advertising options are, where they appear, and what they cost per publication.
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QUESTIONS ❓️
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.
