Molly Burke, a fashion-loving advocate for the blind, explores the sensory world of ASMR through her collection of fidget toys. Join her as she shares unique experiences and insights, demonstrating how tactile engagement can enhance relaxation and mindfulness.
Walmart and Aira together provide free, on-demand visual interpreting so customers who are blind or have low vision can shop with confidence — in-store or online at https://Walmart.com.
With the Aira Explorer app, you can:
Connect instantly to a professional visual interpreter via live video call
Get help with navigation, locating items, and comparing products
Shop confidently in-store or online, including pickup, delivery, and promotions
Aira is available on demand 24/7. When you arrive at any Walmart store, the Access Offer automatically applies to your call — giving you free, unlimited access throughout your entire shopping experience. Online shoppers can also use Aira at no cost when navigating Walmart.com.
When a disabled person is simply living their life, going to work, shopping, exercising, or creating, it can sometimes be seen by others as “inspirational.” While that reaction often comes from a place of admiration, it can unintentionally turn everyday existence into a spectacle. What many non-disabled people perceive as extraordinary is, for the disabled person, just normal life, a series of adaptations made not for praise, but for survival and independence.
It's important to remember that disabled people don't have the luxury of choosing whether to “overcome” their challenges, they live with them every day. Their resilience is not a performance, but a reality. While appreciation and respect are always welcome, true inclusion means seeing disabled people not as symbols of courage or hope, but simply as people, capable, complex, and whole, with identities that go far beyond their disability.
With a federal web accessibility deadline looming, states like Arizona are identifying and fixing outdated website designs to comply with modern accessibility standards, aiming for more inclusive digital services.
Anne Marie Jones, a 72-year-old wheelchair user, continues to travel the world solo, proving that age and mobility challenges don't have to hinder one's passion for exploration.
Here, Aaron Di Blasi spotlights BrailleTeach, a multilingual, audio-guided handheld trainer built around six oversized toggles laid out like a Braille cell, as a practical answer to stalled early Braille literacy where teachers and budgets are scarce. Rooted in a 2016 encounter with a newly blind adult and focused on “dignity through literacy,” the device pairs touch with voice prompts across eight modes for letters, numbers, and symbols, adds one-minute challenges for speed, and aims to take learners through the basics in roughly three months. It's lightweight (~250 g) with speaker and headphone jack, recharges via micro-USB, ships today in US/UK English, German, Spanish, Azerbaijani, and Russian (Arabic and Turkish in development), and is meant to complement, not replace, teachers. The need is urgent, framed by large, under-served populations and constrained classroom realities.
The Blind Guide is driven by passion from Ed Henkler's life's work. For thirty plus years, I was proud of the work I did in the nuclear power Navy and subsequently at Merck biopharmaceuticals. But neither setting was my passion. That all changed after an early retirement from Merck. Helping people thrive with vision loss is my passion. And the scope includes people losing their vision, their caregivers, startups developing amazing new assistive technology, and employers that recognize the business benefit of employing people who are blind.
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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.
The most accessible beach in Australia is launching in Frankston this summer. Through a partnership with Frankston City Council, Accessible Beaches Australia and a robust community of private donors, Frankston Beach will launch a pilot to bring the Antibes, France accessible beach model to Australia so that all residents and visitors can enjoy the beach equally.
Here Donna critiques the common practice of involving persons with disabilities in research without meaningful compensation, highlighting ethical concerns and the structural imbalances inherent in the process. It advocates for better compensation policies and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities as co-creators of research.
As Kenneth lost most of his sight to glaucoma, he was feeling increasingly isolated and alone. Then he made a commitment, forcing himself to find ways to stay connected to the rest of the world.
A Church Times feature explores how churches can make practical modifications to enhance accessibility. It uses vivid examples to illustrate how small, thoughtful adaptations can create more inclusive spaces for worship and community life.
The Hunters Point Library in Queens will undergo extensive renovations after a class-action settlement required accessibility improvements, following years of criticism that the building excluded visitors with disabilities.
A Bristol man with multiple sclerosis was forced to sleep in his wheelchair for three nights after booking a supposedly accessible hotel room. The incident underscores ongoing shortcomings in accessibility compliance within the hospitality sector.
Level Access has been named a Leader by Forrester Research in its evaluation of digital accessibility platforms, recognized for its innovative solutions and strong customer service. The company's AI-driven tools aid organizations in developing accessible digital experiences compliant with regulations like the ADA.
Deque has been recognized as a leader in the Forrester Wave for Digital Accessibility Platforms, achieving top scores in several key criteria. The company emphasizes its commitment to preventing accessibility issues and actively innovating within the AI space, offering tools that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.
A reflection on accessibility in Canadian travel, recalling lessons from former Lieutenant Governor David Onley. The piece stresses the need for greater awareness and due diligence to ensure venues meet accessibility standards.
Indoor navigation is the missing link in the journey for people who are blind or visually impaired. It can also be a challenge for other people with disabilities, including neurodivergence and mobility impairment. How about being in a foreign country? Perhaps you think visual signage will cover you. Until some sign maker gets too clever with their signs.
The Department of Justice has withdrawn two significant rulemaking efforts regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, specifically related to digital accessibility, leaving businesses uncertain about compliance. Advocates were seeking clear guidelines for websites accessible to visually impaired users, leading to potential ongoing ADA lawsuits.
Despite a historic $2 billion investment in Idaho schools, many remain inaccessible to disabled students, leaving children unable to participate in basic activities like recess and lunch due to structural and design barriers.
Here, Donna Jodhan recounts receiving a full $7,500 scholarship to the Apex Program, marketed as an accessible, 12-week path to CompTIA Network+ and Security+, and her early optimism turning to frustration. The login for course materials was inaccessible to her screen reader and, despite assurances, Apex appeared to lack a usable LMS; she ultimately received Word docs that were dated and error-filled, with no guidance on nonvisual study strategies. With help from her sighted colleague Aaron Di Blasi, she built AI-generated “Flash Tests” to master all 21 chapters, effectively creating the accessibility and pedagogy she expected Apex to provide.
Molly Burke, a fashion-loving advocate for the blind, explores the sensory world of ASMR through her collection of fidget toys. Join her as she shares unique experiences and insights, demonstrating how tactile engagement can enhance relaxation and mindfulness.
Accessibility is crucial for over a billion people globally, serving as a vital component for independence and inclusion. The article emphasizes the legal urgency surrounding digital accessibility, detailing foundational laws and deadlines, while arguing against the mindset of delaying accessibility measures due to the potential for costly legal repercussions and brand damage.
Multiple news outlets report that most federal employees within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) received Reduction in Force (RIF) notices on Friday, October 10. The RIF is scheduled to take effect on December 9, 2025.
In this inspiring episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan sits down with community sport builder Alan Ma, widely credited with introducing blind and low-vision tennis to Canada, to trace how a brief BBC clip sparked a national movement. Alan recounts two years of knock-backs before a local church opened its doors, the values-first volunteer culture that kept the program resilient, and the eventual creation of Change Through Sport to house Toronto Blind Tennis alongside Rexdale Volleyball. He and Donna explore the nuts and bolts of sustainability, from $11 audio balls sourced from Japan to partnerships with the TDSB that secure accessible gym space, always with the goal of turning sport into a welcoming, barrier-busting community hub.
This episode of the Hadley Presents Podcast features Kester Nahen, CEO of Notal Vision, discussing ForeseeHome—an at-home device that helps individuals with intermediate-stage Macular Degeneration monitor their vision and share real-time data with their eye doctor to support early detection and treatment.
A coalition of disability rights organizations is warning against state and district waivers for student assessments, arguing that accountability standards are essential to maintaining high expectations for students with disabilities.
Ed Roberts, paralyzed by polio as a teenager, became a pioneer for disability rights and the independent living movement, advocating for equal access, community support, and personal autonomy for people with disabilities.
Philadelphia wheelchair users face major accessibility challenges due to blocked curb cuts and poor infrastructure, leaving residents like William Keiper trapped in their homes and calling for urgent improvements.
The Trump administration is preparing regulatory changes that could significantly reduce Social Security disability benefits, potentially preventing millions of older and disabled Americans from qualifying for essential support.
Advocates in South Carolina are pushing for greater accessibility across public spaces, highlighting how ADA-compliant facilities have become more common but emphasizing the ongoing need for inclusion in restaurants, theaters, and other venues.
Accessibility advocate Mike Adams highlighted the growing value of the UK's 'purple pound,' worth ÂŁ274 billion annually. He urged businesses to embrace inclusion, arguing that accessibility benefits both economic growth and quality of life.
Over half of disabled music fans in the UK skip live events because venues remain inaccessible. Survey respondents cited barriers such as overcrowding, restricted views, and poor access, calling for industry-wide improvements.
The author's experience attending an Arsenal women's match emphasizes the importance of accessibility in sports for disabled fans. Positive interactions with the club's Disability Liaison Team and the use of audio descriptive commentary significantly enhanced the matchday experience, making it feel inclusive and engaging.
The Find Me feature of .lumen glasses enhances navigation for blind users by combining spatial perception with visual understanding. Utilizing AI and six cameras, the glasses recognize numerous objects and guide users through vibrations and sound, facilitating greater independence in unfamiliar environments.
The latest NASCIO survey captures how state CIOs are navigating rapid changes in technology, from AI policy development to accessibility initiatives, reflecting a fast-evolving landscape for public-sector innovation.
Researchers at the Deaf Health Care and Biomedical Science Hub are developing automated external defibrillators that can better assist deaf users, improving survival chances for sudden cardiac arrest through inclusive emergency technology.
A group of mothers in Kewaskum is spearheading the creation of the county's largest all-abilities playground, honoring a local child who died from spinal muscular atrophy and ensuring every child can play without barriers.
The Trump administration has enacted deep cuts to the Department of Education's office overseeing special education, laying off dozens of employees responsible for $15 billion in funding and services for millions of students with disabilities.
Philadelphia officials have pledged that the city's 2026 semiquincentennial events will prioritize accessibility, with leaders emphasizing the need to improve inclusion for residents and visitors with disabilities.
North Little Rock is advancing efforts to make its government websites compliant with accessibility standards, collaborating with the National Federation of the Blind to enhance usability for residents with disabilities.
The Vergennes Opera House is undergoing a $2.2 million renovation to become fully ADA accessible, marking a milestone for the historic venue and improving access for all visitors by summer 2026.
Australia's Federal Government has opened consultations on major updates to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport, aiming to enhance independence and certainty for travellers with disabilities in their daily journeys.
NeuroAccess CEO Annie Crowe warns of the lasting harm caused by autism misinformation. She highlights the difficulty of reversing false narratives in public discourse, particularly when they intersect with disability and reproductive health issues.
Exploration of ableism within the Harry Potter franchise is presented, focusing on character representations and the implications of these narratives in society. The discussion also examines J.K. Rowling's political stance and its influence on the broader conversation around ableism in literature.
A Lancet study shows noncommunicable diseases like diabetes are surging globally, even as child and maternal health improves. The findings highlight both the progress of global health interventions and the growing challenge of chronic illnesses worldwide.
Wheel the World, a travel platform for people with disabilities, named Oregon the first state to earn its Accessibility Verified status after assessing over 750 locations, recognizing its commitment to inclusive travel experiences.
Fashion Nova will pay $5.15 million to settle claims that its website was inaccessible to blind users. The agreement compensates affected individuals and underscores the growing legal focus on digital accessibility compliance.
CEO Elizabeth Bamford embraces her identity as a “Disabled Warrior,” sharing how she continues leading and setting firm workplace standards despite her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
A Rockford neighborhood hosted an accessible Halloween event for children with disabilities, offering smooth sidewalks and inclusive activities so every child could enjoy trick-or-treating without barriers.
The Texas Ramp Project built a free wheelchair ramp for a blind woman in Angelina County, continuing its 40-year mission of providing accessible home modifications for Texans with mobility challenges.
The article highlights the experience of Rajab Mpilipili, a young man with disabilities, who overcame initial resistance from a bank manager to successfully open an account. This story underscores the potential economic benefits companies miss due to ableism and the importance of advocating for accessibility in financial institutions.
Workplace accessibility often focuses on physical barriers, yet mental health remains an overlooked dimension. Anxiety, depression, and trauma affect millions of employees, while AI and new cultural expectations are transforming how organizations approach inclusion and psychological safety.
Charleston County is launching an Accessibility Menu to help voters with disabilities during elections, offering tools like audio ballots and in-person assistance at polling sites to ensure all residents can vote independently and confidently.
Braided River Brewery in Mobile held an event to raise awareness about blindness and deafness, featuring artists with disabilities, braille menus, and interactive activities to help attendees experience sensory challenges firsthand.
A Gallagher report shows Canadian employers are revising short- and long-term disability benefits, extending coverage and improving policy transparency. Companies are balancing cost containment with employee well-being as disability claims increase nationwide.
Disabled passengers in the UK report humiliating experiences on the rail network, highlighting systemic accessibility failures. With rail nationalisation expanding, advocates are urging government reforms to make travel equitable for all users.
At Toronto's Elevate Festival, AccessNow founder Maayan Ziv and Google Canada's Natasha Walji discussed how AI is transforming accessibility. They emphasised technology's role in improving inclusion for the world's 1.3 billion people with disabilities.
The UK government faces criticism for excluding disabled people from its report on new towns across England. Despite recommending 12 potential sites, the 135-page report barely mentions accessibility and omits any focus on working-age disabled individuals.
In this wide-ranging episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan welcomes longtime friend and mentor Dr. Leo Bissonnette for a sweeping conversation about braille, family advocacy, and the craft of inclusion. Bissonnette traces how learning braille in Grade 3 and his mother's quiet, relentless problem-solving, securing a Perkins, scouring "Recordings for the Blind" catalogs, recruiting relatives to tape textbooks, even arranging weekly typing lessons, built the confidence and tools that carried him from student to sociology lecturer. He recalls early teaching years powered by human readers and five-by-eight braille index cards, the shift to digital files that let him grade independently, and the enduring value of a "toolbox" that mixes low-tech standbys with iPhones and modern braille displays.
In this conversation, Birdability's Jayme Boucher and Dr. Rachel Zoffness explore how chronic pain intersects with birding, and how scientific insight can help people live more connected, flourishing lives.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this monthly career webinar from The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., job seekers who are blind, low vision, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities will explore how platforms like EdX and Udemy can help close skill gaps and earn certifications across industries. Topics include writing, communication, interpersonal development, artificial intelligence, marketing, and project management.
Birdability Captains working in conservation will share stories, challenges, and successes in making outdoor spaces more accessible and inclusive for disabled visitors and colleagues.
This webinar reviews car birding techniques, useful equipment and software, and examples from Rhode Island and other states to help participants take their car-birding to the next level.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this exclusive webinar, Vispero and HumanWare showcase how Monarch and JAWS together unlock new possibilities for multiline and split braille, enhancing education, productivity, and independence. The session highlights intuitive navigation with multiline cursor routing and the seamless integration between JAWS and Monarch for braille users at every level.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Explore JAWS help tools such as Keyboard Help, Screen Sensitive Help, and other resources for beginners. Interactive session with Q&A.
Birdability's founder and geographically diverse Captains will discuss how to make birding accessible from a wheelchair, share barriers they've faced, and highlight creative solutions for inclusive participation.
This workshop raises awareness of social risks in outdoor fieldwork faced by marginalized individuals and offers strategies for creating safer, more inclusive field environments.
Organizers and participants in the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon will share stories of inclusion, community, and the impact of birding while blind, and discuss plans for future events.
Birdability Captains Emily Nichols and Cassandra Dean lead a one-hour journaling session, offering prompts and accessible tools so participants of all abilities can connect with nature through journaling.
Dexter Patterson (the Wisco Birder) leads a keynote celebrating the connections, joy, and shared belonging that birding can foster among diverse participants.
Join the Birdability community to celebrate the week, share participant submissions, and announce winners of the Birdability Week Photo & Video Contest.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Focused on desktop screen reader testing using JAWS and NVDA with Chrome on Windows 11. Covers navigation, form labeling, error handling, and accessibility barriers. Mapped to WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
12:30 PM PT, 1:30 PM MT, 2:30 PM CT, 3:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM GMT
Hosted by the Small Business Hub at National Disability Institute, this fully virtual, national convening empowers entrepreneurs with disabilities through sessions on leveraging AI, financial health, marketing, and accessible business growth. The free two-day event features expert panels and practical resources to help business owners seize opportunities and overcome challenges.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Covers mobile testing challenges, including use of VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android). Learn gestures, navigation, testing touch targets, and reflow issues.
Led by Paralympian and accessibility trailblazer Mike May, the Blind Travel Summit at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin features interactive, solutions-focused sessions designed to foster real connection among blind travelers, tech users, and advocates. Each session combines concise presentations with facilitated discussions to co-create better travel solutions.
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.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Presentation on OCR technology for the visually impaired. Open to all participants; TVIs can earn ACVREP continuing education credit.
Sight Tech Global returns for its sixth year as a free, virtual conference spotlighting how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping assistive tech and accessibility worldwide. Featuring expert panels, demos, and discussions with leaders from Google, Meta, and Microsoft, the conference explores innovations that empower independence and drive digital equity.
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.
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.
My Mom lost her sight to age-related macular degeneration in the early 1990's at a time when no treatments were available to slow or halt AMD's progression. We moved her from Ft. Myers, Florida to the Philly suburbs, near our home.
It was clearly a major adjustment for her but as someone who had no experience with someone who was blind, it was also a transition for me. Before it was all done, my mom learned to thrive with vision loss. She traveled outside the country for the first time in her life and it was after she lost her (central) vision. She also became a speaker for the Montgomery County Association for the Blind, the organization that helped restore her independence. Lastly, she became a confident user of Philly's public transportation systems.
About: The Blind Guide is passionate about helping people thrive with vision loss. My website includes many resources for people losing their vision and their caregivers. Register for my weekly blog post or read one or more of my eBook series, which cover the initial vision loss journey through education, entertainment, and home modifications.
Assistive technology is a key enabler of thriving with blindness. I've worked with emerging technologies to make everyday life more accessible and enjoyable, enabling independent travel, better access to sporting events, your inner musician, and so much more.
My ecosystem also includes resources for jobseekers and employers. The list of jobs someone who is blind cannot do is much shorter than the list of jobs they can do. Ask me about employment programs from cybersecurity to talent sourcing.
For employers, I can connect you with a hidden market of exceptional, resilient talent: people who are blind plus veterans and military spouses.
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.
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.
âś” Free to use
âś” Works anywhere, anytime
âś” 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.
About: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 41,000 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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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.
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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.
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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 41,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here. Access Information refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Access Information News is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.
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Article abstracts are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular article brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
