Molly Burke shares her personal journey as a blind individual navigating societal expectations around parenting. Through candid reflections, she explores the reasons behind her decision not to have children and challenges perceptions surrounding disability and family life.
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Molly Burke shares her personal journey of navigating life as a blind individual and the impact it has had on her tendency to please others. Through heartfelt anecdotes and reflections, she illustrates the complexities of her experiences and the importance of embracing individuality while fostering meaningful relationships.
Rose is non-verbal. Everything she says is from the heart. She is a skilled accessibility professional, a world traveler, and an accomplished, passionate author. Check out this blog on her fantastic new book of poetry — Soul of a Rose.
It's the most chaotic, and potentially magical, time of year. In this holiday episode of Driven by Purpose, the team unpacks how stressful mall visits can be for families of people with disabilities, especially when meeting Santa. They share heartfelt stories, hilarious mall mishaps, and practical tips for Santa's helpers and allies alike. From wheelchair jousting to grabbing Santa's beard, this one's both funny and full of purpose.
Here Dr. Kirk Adams uses the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as a global checkpoint to spotlight the lives, rights, and leadership of 1.3 billion disabled people worldwide. He explains how disability intersects with identity markers like race, gender, class, and geography, showing sharp contrasts between richer countries with more infrastructure and legal protections and the global South, where poverty, stigma, and limited access to education, employment, and assistive technology are common. Yet, he emphasizes that disabled leaders across the global South are driving innovation and change, from education and employment to digital accessibility, strengthening a truly global disability movement.
The Hadley team shares strategies for making holiday cards and gift giving easier for people with vision loss, offering practical advice on choosing cards, writing messages, selecting gifts, and staying organized while keeping the joy in the season.
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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.
Editor (Dr. Kirk Adams): The key takeaway from this report is that people with disabilities need to change employers more often than people without disabilities in order to advance in their careers. Disability: IN: Across seven countries and nearly ten million LinkedIn members with disabilities, new global research reveals a powerful workforce trend: professionals with disabilities are advancing, but often by switching firms to do so. This landmark analysis uncovers how talent with disabilities is driving new momentum across labor markets and what it means for today's most competitive organizations.
Here, Donna J. Jodhan continues her account of trying to earn the CompTIA Network+ certification as a blind woman in Canada through the Apex Program and Pearson VUE. She recaps that a $7,500 USD “scholarship” from Apex turned out to be roughly 21 outdated Word documents, no LMS, and no meaningful human support, which she and her sighted business partner were forced to work around on their own. After a year of study and approved accommodations from Pearson, she still could not take the exam on October 1, 2025 because key questions relied on diagrams with no validated alt text for the reader to convey, prompting her to leave and publish Part 1 of her story. In this follow-up, she describes how Apex's response focused on brand damage and asking her to “pause” her article rather than solving the underlying access problem, how she refused to alter a truthful published account, and how she experienced their behavior as bullying, gaslighting, and psychological pressure.
Listen in as we hear from members of the Hadley community share their experiences with our Peer-to-Peer program. Connecting with someone on a similar path can make a world of difference.
In this inspiring episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan welcomes blind sailors and leaders Karoline Bourdeau and Chris Jonas from Blind Sailing Canada to demystify what “blind sailing” really looks and feels like. Together they trace Karoline's journey from clinging nervously to the corner of a boat to becoming an avid racer, and Chris's perspective as both a competitive helm and long-time volunteer. They vividly describe the sensory world of sailing without sight, tracking the wind by how it hits your face and ears, listening for the changing sound of water on the hull, feeling heel through the tiller, and using the luffing of sails as an audio cue that something needs to be trimmed or adjusted. Along the way they dismantle the idea that sailing is only for the young or athletic, stressing that there's no real age limit so long as a person has enough strength and agility for the conditions at hand.
In this inspiring episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan sits down with Accessibility Commissioner Christopher Sutton to explore how his lived experience of deafness, foster care, isolation, and later receiving a cochlear implant has shaped his leadership and passion for system-wide change. He reflects on being told “no” throughout his childhood and how supportive parents, mentors, and his own determination pushed him to become a TV anchor, an entrepreneur, and a policy leader who now works to ensure that “other little Christophers and Donnas” grow up with fewer barriers and more role models. Drawing on his education at Gallaudet and the Ivey Business School, he explains how combining governance training, public policy expertise, and lived experience enables him to bridge communities, convene tough conversations, and embed human-centered accessibility into real-world decision-making.
In this far-reaching episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan welcomes retired U.S. diplomat and six-time U.S. blind chess champion Alex Barrasso for a conversation that spans childhood, global diplomacy, disability rights, and the power of persistence. Alex traces his journey from growing up blind in a tight-knit Italian immigrant family in multicultural New York, complete with daring solo bike rides, to the moment a State Department recruiter convinced him that a life in the Foreign Service was possible. He recounts postings in countries including Colombia, Singapore, Thailand, the Czech Republic, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, sharing stories of advocating for guide dog access in Singapore, connecting with schools for the blind abroad, helping secure a $13.1 billion defense sale that supported tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, and negotiating the release of a detained family in a foreign language on short notice. Along the way, he and Donna compare notes on inaccessible exams, the emotional toll of being told “no,” and the stubborn optimism it takes to keep pushing.
In this richly reflective episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan welcomes her longtime friend, mentor, and travel companion, Jilla Bond, for a conversation about a life lived as a “mosaic” of careers and caring. Jilla describes leaving school with little confidence and no clear path, then gradually building a portfolio of roles across politics, business, and design, from opening Margaret Thatcher's mail to directing a major international design conference in Montreal that transformed her understanding of design as something that can radically improve people's lives, like a child's wheelchair built to feel like a sports car. She explains how these experiences, along with later work in high-end Italian lighting and growing a company with very low staff turnover, shaped her people-first philosophy and her approach as a life coach: listening deeply, asking careful questions, and helping others find their own answers rather than imposing solutions.
This episode is all about taking the stress out of holiday cards and gift giving when vision loss makes things a little trickier. The Hadley team has some tips and tools on picking cards, writing messages, finding the right gifts, and keeping everything organized without losing your holiday cheer.
Molly Burke shares her personal journey as a blind individual navigating societal expectations around parenting. Through candid reflections, she explores the reasons behind her decision not to have children and challenges perceptions surrounding disability and family life.
In this insightful episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams sits down with Alyssa Dver, Founder and CEO of the ERG Leadership Alliance, to explore how employee resource groups (ERGs) can drive both inclusion and business performance. Alyssa breaks down what ERGs are, why they're different from social clubs, and how volunteer leaders navigate the paradox of doing “extra” work that still has to align with business goals. She and Dr. Adams discuss the current backlash against DEI, the recent U.S. executive order that both constrains and reinforces the importance of inclusive ERGs, and why organizations that were already committed to DEI are now doubling down on ERGs as engines of belonging, innovation, and retention. Throughout the conversation, they connect ERGs directly to disability inclusion, emphasizing that disability crosses all demographics and that every ERG can and should be disability-ready.
Starbucks has consistently prioritized accessibility, extending its inclusive philosophy from physical spaces to digital interfaces. The company has opened various Signing Stores tailored for Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers while continuously updating its mobile apps and website to improve user experience for individuals with disabilities.
A proposed settlement addresses a class action lawsuit alleging that Husqvarna Professional Products, Inc. did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding website accessibility for individuals with visual disabilities. The settlement requires Husqvarna to enhance the accessibility of its website and apps.
The publishing industry is gearing up to meet the digital accessibility requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice's revised ADA Title II regulations, impacting both U.S. and international publishers. Significant progress is noted in content accessibility integration, metadata enhancement for discoverability, and prioritizing accessible formats in both new and existing publications.
The latest version of SoundSource, version 6, introduces significant upgrades including grouped output devices, enhanced AirPlay support, and a new Audio Devices window for improved control. Other features like Quick Configs and improved interface customization make this release a notable advancement for audio management on Mac.
Lamar Hardwick's new book explores how racism and ableism intersect within church and society, urging more inclusive discussions around marginalized identities and their overlapping struggles.
New federal rules requiring high-level approval for disabled employees' remote work requests at the Department of Health and Human Services have sparked confusion and frustration among staff seeking accommodations.
This holiday season, APH encourages families to focus on experience gifting, combining meaningful tools with activities that foster connection, learning, and joy. Suggestions include family game nights and interactive science exploration, emphasizing shared experiences that enhance skills and strengthen family bonds.
Travel services often lack accessibility for individuals with disabilities, leading to delays and discomfort. The article highlights the collaboration between Be My Eyes and various businesses to enhance support for blind and low-vision travelers through innovative technology solutions.
A new report by the Autism Alliance of Michigan reveals major shortcomings in special education, showing that only 61% of students with disabilities graduate high school compared to 82.8% overall.
Molly Burke shares her innovative techniques for using AI and Braille to effectively organize her makeup, demonstrating a blend of technology and accessibility. Join her in a special giveaway that celebrates inclusivity and creativity in beauty.
A Florida-based company has charged military veterans as much as $20,000 for assistance with disability claims despite VA warnings that such charges may be illegal. Investigations reveal patterns of aggressive debt collection by the firm, which is not accredited by the VA, raising concerns about legal and ethical practices in the claims industry.
Fred Trump III, whose son has severe disabilities, condemned former President Donald Trump's use of a slur against people with disabilities, expressing disappointment and concern over his uncle's rhetoric.
Apple released a new accessibility-focused campaign directed by Kim Gehrig, showcasing how people with disabilities use the company's built-in tools as they celebrate milestones like college acceptance and campus life.
Perry County students unveiled sensory park designs after completing a 10-week accessibility initiative, showcasing inclusive community spaces to local leaders during a ceremony at the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health.
Commonwealth Bank is implementing a neuroinclusive model for everyday banking, offering tailored support for customers with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. Staff training focuses on creating more accessible and comfortable service experiences.
Concert pianist Grace Kim launched Sensory Concerts to make classical music more inclusive for neurodivergent audiences. The initiative challenges traditional performance norms, offering relaxed settings that embrace accessibility and inclusion.
Tom Gustafson, VP of HR at Dollar Tree Supply Chain, shares his transformative journey toward inclusive employment, advocating for disability hiring as a strategic advantage for businesses. His insights demonstrate how embracing diverse talent can lead to improved workforce culture, reduced turnover, and enhanced overall performance.
Clarivate outlines its commitment to accessibility in product design and development, including advancements in accessibility metadata for ebooks, transitioning to EPUB format, and integrating design improvements. The company is also focusing on enhancing its accessibility culture and partnerships to ensure more inclusive practices throughout its product lifecycle.
This month saw minimal new case developments regarding web accessibility, with a significant decision noted in the Central District of California highlighting federal courts' discretion in considering California's Unruh claims alongside ADA claims. The piece further discusses the implications of the ruling in conjunction with historical legal framework on supplemental jurisdiction.
A personal account of attending the Lionesses match at Wembley Stadium highlights the excitement and atmosphere of the game, along with the importance of accessibility features like audio descriptive commentary for blind fans. The experience is enriched by the detailed descriptions and emotional engagement during the match, especially during significant moments such as goals and player performances.
As the UK transitions to digital landline services, the importance of reliable telecare systems for disabled individuals is highlighted. Recent Ofcom findings reveal that poor migration processes left vulnerable users without essential telecare, resulting in fines for Virgin Media and reflecting the critical need for inclusive communication for visually impaired people.
Disability-rights associations in France have filed an emergency injunction against leading grocery retailers due to inaccessible online shopping experiences, marking a significant legal precedent for digital accessibility. This lawsuit emphasizes the urgent need for retailers to enhance their digital interfaces, given that millions of individuals with visual impairments rely on e-commerce for independence.
Wheelchair user Edie Perkins highlights the barriers to outdoor exploration and calls for greater accessibility in public trails, emphasizing that many able-bodied people overlook the challenges of accessing nature.
Blind singer and advocate Lachi uses her colorful, bedazzled 'glam cane' to travel the world independently, blending style and accessibility while raising awareness about inclusion for people with disabilities.
Rosa Parks' defiance inspired activists in the disability rights movement to demand equal access to public transportation, linking their struggle to the broader Civil Rights Movement and helping drive legislative progress for people with disabilities.
A new U.S. government website promoting the Trump Gold Card has drawn criticism for sloppy code and poor accessibility, reflecting broader concerns about Silicon Valley-inspired design projects under the Trump administration.
The Tactile Times has relaunched their fully-accessible, online advent calendar for braillists worldwide, featuring 24 surprises such as Christmas jokes and classic festive music. This screen reader-friendly calendar also includes a live countdown to Christmas day, spreading holiday cheer to all users.
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division is prioritizing accessibility, using data to strengthen support for students with diverse learning needs. The division's initiatives aim to create equitable educational experiences for all learners.
The article highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing digital ableism within product development processes. It emphasizes the responsibility of project managers to prioritize accessibility issues, manage them correctly in the backlog, and involve everyone in fostering an inclusive digital environment.
Advocates and lawmakers are urging the federal government to preserve special education programs as the Trump administration pursues plans to dismantle the Education Department, which oversees $15 billion in programs supporting students with disabilities.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry found that the government failed to provide accessible information to Deaf and disabled people during the early months of the pandemic. The report cites serious gaps in BSL interpretation and accessible communication, leaving many at greater risk.
Canada met its disability hiring goal ahead of schedule, but a key accessibility office faces uncertainty as gaps persist in workplace accommodations. Officials have not clarified plans for the office's future once current funding ends in 2026.
The European Parliament promotes an inclusive society that protects the rights of people with disabilities. Through the 2021-2030 Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the EU seeks to ensure equal opportunities and eliminate discrimination across member states.
An internal report reveals that Ottawa is lagging in providing supports for public servants with disabilities, particularly in mental health and neurodiversity. The Office of Public Service Accessibility faces uncertainty despite its role in addressing workplace barriers.
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc., which owns SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando, to determine whether the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against guests with disabilities.
The Office of Public Service Accessibility is in limbo after warning that the federal government is falling behind in supporting employees with disabilities. The report highlights delays in fulfilling accommodation plans despite meeting disability hiring goals.
A keynote at The Ohio State University emphasized the connection between accessibility and student belonging, highlighting barriers faced by students with disabilities. The importance of building an accessibility mindset together with students was a key takeaway to enhance retention and support for all students.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this webinar from Dot Incorporation, discover how the Dot Pad X revolutionizes digital Braille reading with its portable 320-cell tactile display. Learn how its eight lines of twenty cells bring context, formatting, and spatial layout to life, offering a truly immersive multiline Braille experience for students, professionals, and avid readers alike.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Level Access shares key insights from its annual accessibility survey, revealing what's preventing teams from scaling accessibility efforts and how leading organizations are closing these gaps for 2025.
This session underscores the importance of embedding accessibility from the design phase, showing how early inclusive decisions lead to more efficient, cost-effective, and equitable digital products.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
TUG is diving into the cutting-edge development of wearable technology in a dynamic Zoom session that promises to inform, inspire, and spark conversation. From smart glasses to safety-enhancing wearables, we'll explore: What's out there right now, and what's coming next. How these devices support information access, mobility, and personal safety. Whether wearable devices are budget-friendly or tend towards breaking the bank.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Design inclusive spaces for every brain! We're exploring various Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) criteria that support neurodiversity. Together, let's learn how conforming to WCAG helps support people who are neurodivergent navigate and understand your site or platform. Join us on December 18, 2025, at 2 PM EST for our last webinar of 2025: Plain and unambiguous language. Captioning. Setting expectations. Creation of low-stimulation digital environments. Flexible tools and settings. We hope to see you there to explore this topic, share your own personal experiences, and ask any accessibility questions.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
Join the NOAT Conference for NOAT 2025: educATe and integrATe, a three-day virtual event dedicated to advancing assistive technology education and integration. Held online via Zoom, this interactive experience includes live presentations, vendor demonstrations, and 1:1 networking opportunities designed to empower participants with innovative tools and strategies for inclusion.
12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year's program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.
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.
Join The GAAD Foundation on May 21, 2025, for the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a worldwide initiative designed to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion for more than one billion people with disabilities. The day encourages individuals, organizations, and developers to explore how technology can be designed and built to be accessible for all.
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.
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.
It's not too early to look ahead to Spring 2026. And Barrier Free Canada has the perfect way to get you started! Holiday season? Yes! Spring 2026? Definitely!
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.
About:Hector Del Valle, MSW, is a bilingual speaker, author, advocate, and certified charitable gifting real estate specialist who has turned more than four decades of life with a spinal cord injury into a mission of hope and empowerment. Paralyzed at 17 and having faced addiction, heartbreak, and cancer multiple times, Hector now uses his story, and his faith, to uplift people with disabilities, especially those who are newly injured, in major life transitions, or feeling stuck. Through his book 'Beyond the Chair: Thriving Through the Transition with God' and related resources, he helps individuals reclaim their purpose, build resilience, and see that their pain can become a powerful part of their calling.
HDV Speaks is Hector's speaking, coaching, and training platform where "faith meets action" to help individuals, organizations, and communities thrive through life's transitions. The organization offers a six-week Thriving Through the Transition course, one-on-one and group coaching, support-group memberships, faith-based workshops (including on disability, relationships, and advocacy), keynote speaking, and collaborative projects such as customized trainings and publishing or podcast partnerships.
You can engage with Hector by visiting HDVSpeaks.org to explore books, courses, services, and packages, or by using the site's contact form or phone number +1 (407) 907-3547 📱️ to inquire about coaching, workshops, speaking engagements, or strategic collaborations.
About: We're building more than a media company — we're cultivating a global movement where purpose drives progress.
What began as a mission to create employment for the 1 in 4 Americans living with disabilities has grown into a dynamic platform at the intersection of advocacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Our goal is simple: to amplify the voices, solutions, and stories that are driven by purpose.
At Driven by Purpose, we spotlight purpose-led businesses, breakthrough technologies, and human stories that challenge limits and redefine what's possible. From adaptive innovations to inspiring leaders, we explore how purpose fuels progress and unlocks potential.
But this isn't just about raising awareness — it's about taking action. Through powerful content, strategic partnerships, and accessible platforms, we're building bridges between those who need solutions and those creating them.
In the US, approximately one million people are blind and eight million are visually impaired. Significant numbers but doesn't really sound like the world's largest unmet disability, does it?
Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. Do you know the most staggering part of this statistic? For at least 1 billion of these individuals, their vision loss could have been prevented or has yet to be treated. Now those are some big numbers. And they qualify as the world's largest unmet disability.
Read to the end of the post to learn how to donate to this very worthy cause and reduce the incidence of treatable blindness.
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.
About: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 42,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here.
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As of November 7, 2022 the distribution of Access Information News is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
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.
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Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News John also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and 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 42,000 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.
