A significant portion of the American population expresses a profound fear of losing their vision, ranking it above concerns of serious illnesses and premature death. Various surveys and studies reveal that vision loss is viewed as one of the most detrimental health outcomes, sparking a deeper conversation about societal perceptions of disability and quality of life.
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Molly Burke shares her personal experiences as a blind individual, highlighting the everyday behaviors of sighted people that can be frustrating for those with visual impairments. This candid discussion aims to foster understanding and empathy towards the challenges faced by the visually impaired community.
In this inspiring episode of Driven By Purpose, hosts Evan Rosenblum and Isaac Shapiro sit down with Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, to explore his remarkable journey from childhood blindness to national leadership. As the successor to Helen Keller's iconic organization, Dr. Adams shares how purpose, resilience, and inclusion can transform both lives and workplaces. We explore: How losing his sight at age five shaped Dr. Adams's resilience and leadership journey. Lessons from Helen Keller's legacy and the impact of the American Foundation for the Blind. Why hiring people with disabilities strengthens companies and culture. The mission behind Innovative Impact and how it's driving employment inclusion. How empathy, purpose, and high expectations empower communities to thrive.
Hosts Allen Preston and Sylvia Stinson Perez bring together an exciting lineup of Super Bowl snacks, featuring Erica Sanchez-Kress's HOT Spinach Artichoke dip and Gabriel Lopez-Kafati's Dry Chicken Fajita Enchiladas with Pico de Gallo. These recipes are perfect for any gathering, whether you're celebrating the Super Bowl or enjoying a casual get-together.
Elon Musk announced that Neuralink's Blindsight implant is nearing its first human trial, designed to help people who are completely blind regain partial vision through brain signal stimulation, with resolution expected to improve over time.
A federal judge denied class certification in a lawsuit by retired NFL players alleging that the league's disability plans systematically denied benefits and concealed conflicts of interest, dealing a setback to efforts seeking justice for disabled athletes.
Our monthly Employee Spotlight series gives you a glimpse behind the scenes and brings you closer to the people behind the products at Vispero. This month, we are honoring Olga EspĂnola, a longtime Vispero team member whose work and advocacy have helped shape braille and math accessibility across our products. Olga retired this past year after a remarkable career dedicated to access, education, and mentorship. We sat down with Olga to reflect on her journey, her passion for accessibility, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Accessibility in education often fails to translate from policy to practice, leaving students with disabilities facing numerous barriers. Educators need to prioritize accessible learning from the outset, ensuring that all materials and systems are designed with inclusion in mind to promote true equality and participation.
In this thought-provoking episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams sits down with author, speaker, and boundary expert Sheryl Green for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about why boundaries matter, and why so many of us struggle to set them. Green shares her personal journey from forensic psychology and years of animal rescue work to a moment of burnout that became a turning point in her life. That experience led her to study, teach, and ultimately write about boundaries as a practical, compassionate tool for protecting our time, energy, relationships, and sense of self. Together, they unpack concepts like “yes-vomiting,” people-pleasing, and the hidden costs of failing to say no, especially when it comes to emotional and time boundaries.
The cost of applied behavior analysis therapy in Arizona has surged, with advocates warning that weak oversight and regulation are failing to protect children with autism and placing families under growing financial strain.
Harris County voters with disabilities filed a class action lawsuit alleging the county failed to provide accessible vote-by-mail options, forcing them to rely on paper ballots that compromised privacy and independence.
House Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Shreveport-based advocate Brian Patchett, who has a visual impairment, to the National Council on Disability, citing his leadership and lived experience as valuable assets.
Congress approved a spending package that rejected proposed cuts to major disability programs, preserving funding levels and enforcement authority after months of uncertainty and multiple government shutdowns.
A government watchdog report found that the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights dismissed nearly all discrimination complaints last year, citing staffing reductions that also drove up taxpayer costs.
Alton Towers plans a trial that will prevent people with autism, ADHD and anxiety from using disability fast-lane passes. The decision has raised concerns about how invisible disabilities are recognised within access policies.
Government-funded research finds disabled students continue to face significant barriers in education due to inadequate staff training and inconsistent support. The findings emerge as ministers prepare to release a long-awaited SEND white paper.
In this thought-provoking and deeply human episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan sits down with Aisling Redican, Communications Director and Fundraising Manager at the Xavier Society for the Blind, for an engaging conversation about faith, accessibility, and global inclusion. Aisling shares her personal journey into disability service work and explains how the Xavier Society has, for more than 125 years, quietly ensured that blind and low-vision Catholics around the world have free access to religious materials in Braille, large print, and audio formats. Together, Donna and Aisling unpack what true accessibility means, not as charity, but as dignity, participation, and belonging.
Accessible travel and rights should be rights for everyone. Unless you believe that someone with disabilities doesn't want to travel. Or doesn't want it to be easy. For many of us, the call of the open road, or the open sky, is a fundamental part of a life well-lived. But for people with disabilities and their caregivers, that call can often be drowned out by a chorus of logistical concerns. Will the hotel bed be too high? Will the airport staff understand how to assist a traveler who is blind? Is the "accessible" entrance actually accessible?
An investigation by Which? reveals stark differences in how UK banks serve disabled customers, with some improving accessibility while others lag behind. Disabled consumers report inconsistent service despite repeated industry reviews and longstanding recommendations.
In this thought-provoking episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Kirk sits down with Professor Samuel J. Levine, law professor at Touro Law Center, Director of the Jewish Law Institute, and founder of Touro's Disability Rights and Inclusion Project, to explore why advancing disability inclusion requires more than "laws on the books." Levine shares how his work blends legal analysis with broader cultural and human elements, compassion, storytelling, religion, the arts, and lived experience, because, as he and Kirk discuss, you can't "legislate compassion." Levine also describes the personal and scholarly path that led him to write Was Yosef on the Spectrum, viewing the biblical Joseph story through the lens of autism, and explains how community connections and shared purpose have helped the conference grow organically through relationships and advocacy.
Accessibility problems in St Peter Port are discouraging some people from visiting parts of the town centre. Broken lifts, poorly maintained facilities and steep cobbled streets are cited as barriers to independent movement.
Italy is expanding efforts to make its historic art and cultural sites more accessible to people with disabilities. Initiatives accelerated after 2021 focus on removing architectural barriers and improving access for visitors with visual and mobility impairments.
A former Starbucks employee filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was terminated the same day she returned from disability leave, raising questions about how employers handle ADA protections when conduct concerns arise.
Representative Sam Graves introduced legislation aimed at shielding small businesses from what he describes as predatory ADA website lawsuits, particularly those involving mass-produced demand letters over digital accessibility.
A federal court allowed a resort employee to move forward with disability discrimination claims after alleging he was denied permission to keep his diabetes-alert service dog in employer-provided housing and was later fired.
A significant portion of the American population expresses a profound fear of losing their vision, ranking it above concerns of serious illnesses and premature death. Various surveys and studies reveal that vision loss is viewed as one of the most detrimental health outcomes, sparking a deeper conversation about societal perceptions of disability and quality of life.
Kevin Mayer shares insights from his remarkable leadership journey at Disney and TikTok. He discusses the importance of brand value amid infinite choices and the necessity of self-disruption to maintain success in an evolving market.
Facing widespread primary care shortages, health systems are increasingly turning to AI-powered virtual care models as patients struggle to find in-person doctors accepting new patients.
Concerns are growing that relocating the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind could cut students off from a neighboring park specifically designed as an accessible outdoor learning space.
NASCIO released new guidance to help government IT leaders improve digital accessibility and comply with federal requirements, drawing on expertise from its IT Accessibility Working Group.
After a major winter storm in Washington, DC, a wheelchair user described how inadequate snow removal practices left curb cuts blocked and sidewalks impassable, highlighting how city infrastructure routinely fails people with mobility disabilities despite available resources.
This legal update covers significant developments in web accessibility laws, including Utah and Missouri's legislative actions against perceived abusive lawsuits, and Wisconsin court rulings affirming ADA coverage for online-only stores. It highlights how these changes may impact legitimate claims and discusses recent rulings affecting standing in ADA website cases.
The Department of Justice argued that a proposed settlement over an inaccessible retail website would provide minimal benefit to consumers with vision disabilities while disproportionately rewarding attorneys.
New research shows more than a third of blind and partially sighted people in the UK are unable to make necessary train journeys. The findings underscore ongoing challenges with station design, information access and passenger assistance.
Vice President JD Vance drew criticism after mocking Senator Tammy Duckworth, a disabled combat veteran, in a social media post following a tense Senate hearing exchange.
A deaf-run cafe in London encourages hearing customers to order using British Sign Language, creating an inclusive space that reverses typical communication barriers. The cafe uses everyday interactions like ordering coffee to promote understanding and accessibility.
Declining enrollment, rising tuition, and shrinking job prospects have already strained higher education, and the rise of AI has intensified concerns that traditional college degrees no longer provide reliable economic value.
Kevin Ortiz traveled to every NFL stadium during the season to document wheelchair accessibility, using his journey to highlight ongoing challenges and improvements in accommodating fans with disabilities.
Travel advisors Angela and Lee Alessi argue that accessible travel is often misunderstood as a binary issue, overlooking travelers with partial, temporary, or non-visible disabilities who face significant barriers that the industry frequently ignores.
A federal watchdog found that while assistive technology can support students with disabilities, schools struggle with funding, training, maintenance, and effective implementation needed to fully support inclusive education.
Toronto's supply of wheelchair-accessible taxis is shrinking rapidly as drivers say they receive little financial or policy support from the city despite high conversion and operating costs. Advocates warn the decline is limiting transportation options for people with disabilities.
A Quebec disability rights group is appealing a court decision that dismissed a class action alleging discrimination by regional transit agencies. The case highlights ongoing concerns about inadequate investment in accessible infrastructure and long waits for paratransit services.
Texas and eight other states renewed legal efforts challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and its integration mandate, which protects the right of people with disabilities to receive services in community settings rather than institutions.
Semi-finalists for the Blind Travel Foundation's 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant will be notified via email. Selected applicants will advance to the interview stage to discuss their travel project proposals in more detail.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Christopher Patnoe shares how Google partnered with Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities over 17 years to evolve captions, exploring how AI has shaped accuracy, scale, and the speed of iteration in this case study on building inclusive products with intention.
Semi-finalist interviews will be held virtually between February 10 and February 21. Applicants should ensure availability for a 30-minute interview to discuss their proposed travel projects and answer committee questions.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Join Marisa Church and Michael Vitagliano from Access Ingenuity for this free, one-hour webinar exploring methods and strategies to enhance your web browsing experience with JAWS, including how to navigate efficiently by headings, forms, buttons, and regions.
The Illinois AER Conference gathers professionals supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Attendees will engage in workshops, presentations, and discussions focused on education, advocacy, and accessibility best practices.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this live webinar from Allyant, accessibility professionals explore how to accurately interpret vendor VPATs and build sustainable, compliant technology procurement processes. Featuring insights from Jess Wissel of Disability:IN, the session covers current legal requirements, best practices for accessible procurement, and a six-step framework to strengthen internal compliance efforts.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this informative session from Maryland Libraries, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children highlights current trends in online child sexual exploitation and prevention, offering critical insights on issues such as online enticement, sextortion, and the influence of generative AI on child safety.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this live webinar from Allyant, experts outline six essential steps for ensuring accessibility in third-party product procurement. Attendees will learn about current compliance requirements, how to interpret VPATs, and best practices for accessible technology procurement. The session also includes guidance from Disability:IN's Procure Access toolkit to help organizations strengthen internal processes and meet accessibility standards.
2:30 PM PT, 3:30 PM MT, 4:30 PM CT, 5:30 PM ET, 10:30 PM GMT
Join the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland as it launches its 60th Annual State Convention at the Ashore Resort and Beach Club in Ocean City. The opening day includes early packet pickup, committee meetings, membership training, and the NFBMD Board of Directors meeting, setting the stage for four days of networking, learning, and celebration.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
NCMEC presents an overview of their programs while highlighting critical trends in online child sexual exploitation and prevention, covering topics including online enticement, sextortion, and Generative AI.
4:15 AM PT, 5:15 AM MT, 6:15 AM CT, 7:15 AM ET, 12:15 PM GMT
The convention's second day features a full slate of activities including the Scholarship Breakfast, chapter meetings, exhibit hall, and breakout seminars on technology, education, and advocacy. The evening concludes with the high-energy Friday Night General Session and the always-entertaining Crab Idol showcase.
4:00 AM PT, 5:00 AM MT, 6:00 AM CT, 7:00 AM ET, 12:00 PM GMT
Saturday brings the core of the convention with inspiring general sessions, leadership breakfasts, engaging luncheons, and seminars highlighting progress and innovation in blindness advocacy. The evening culminates in the grand 60th Annual Banquet, featuring keynote remarks from national leaders and recognition of outstanding achievements.
4:00 AM PT, 5:00 AM MT, 6:00 AM CT, 7:00 AM ET, 12:00 PM GMT
The final day of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland's 60th Annual Convention focuses on reflection and the future, featuring leadership discussions, elections, and closing ceremonies. Attendees depart inspired by the weekend's shared vision of empowerment and progress for blind individuals across Maryland and beyond.
The Launcher Pre-Accelerator Program from Remarkable, the venture arm of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, is a 12-week, part-time online program that helps founders test and validate ideas in disability, ageing, and health tech. Participants gain expert-led learning, strategic coaching, and connections to a global ecosystem of mentors and investors dedicated to inclusive innovation.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this engaging webinar from the American Printing House, educators will discover the best math learning tools for students who are blind or low vision, explore how these resources align with national standards, and learn how to design targeted instructional plans to maximize student success and Federal Quota resources.
The ILO Global Business and Disability Network brings together representatives from the business community, multinational enterprises, National Business and Disability Networks, public policy makers, United Nations entities, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to share, strategize, and act on the employment of persons with disabilities in Europe.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Michael Parker leads this interactive session building core web accessibility testing skills ahead of the DOJ Title II April 2026 deadline, demonstrating how to verify color contrast ratios, conduct keyboard accessibility analysis, and assess proper reflow and responsive design.
Running February 18-20, #ZeroCon26 will stream live content in an accessible manner via the conference platform and the Zero Project's YouTube channel, with session recordings available after the conference.
8:59 PM PT, 9:59 PM MT, 10:59 PM CT, 11:59 PM ET, 4:59 AM GMT
Deadline for semi-finalists to submit required materials for the next round of the Blind Travel Foundation's 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant. Ensure all documents and supplemental materials are complete before submission.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
This two-day virtual conference (February 24-25) features case studies from enterprise companies leading in large-scale accessibility efforts, along with best practices and updates from technology leaders around the world, covering accessibility in development, design, organizational success, and more.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos from Access Ingenuity introduces the Snow Pad, a lightweight magnification tool for K-12 and college students featuring ultra-high-definition optical zoom, split-screen mode, OCR with text-to-speech, and comfortable writing space for enhanced learning accessibility.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this Maryland Libraries presentation, NetSmartz provides parents, guardians, and community members with practical prevention tools and response strategies to help protect children from online risks and navigate digital safety challenges effectively.
8:00 AM PT, 9:00 AM MT, 10:00 AM CT, 11:00 AM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
Building on previous Creating Accessible Documents webinars from 2024, Hassell Inclusion explores what's new, what's changed, and what to prioritize in 2026 in the world of document accessibility using their scoped model.
Organized by the Arizona Technology Access Program, the AzTAP Conference delivers in-depth training and showcases innovation in assistive technology. It's an essential gathering for educators, service providers, and specialists seeking to expand their expertise.
Finalists for the 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant will be notified and invited to participate in interviews with the Application Committee. These interviews are the final stage before recipient selection.
The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim gathers accessibility professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the world. It offers cutting-edge presentations, product showcases, and insights into inclusive technology solutions.
Join Birdability and Scott Widensaul for an exploration of the astonishing journeys migratory birds undertake each year, revealing the science and mystery behind their navigation and remarkable physical adaptations.
Finalist interviews will take place between March 10 and March 20 with the Application Committee. Candidates will discuss their proposed travel projects and demonstrate alignment with the foundation's mission to support accessible travel for the blind and visually impaired.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Hosted by Professor Samuel J. Levine, this two-day hybrid conference from Touro Law brings together judges, lawyers, advocates, scholars, and community leaders to explore how disability rights and inclusion intersect with law, culture, faith, and policy. Attendees can participate in person or online to engage in sessions on employment, education, justice, neurodiversity, and accessibility, with up to 13.5 CLE credits available for full participation.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Hosted by Professor Samuel J. Levine, this two-day hybrid conference from Touro Law brings together judges, lawyers, advocates, scholars, and community leaders to explore how disability rights and inclusion intersect with law, culture, faith, and policy. Attendees can participate in person or online to engage in sessions on employment, education, justice, neurodiversity, and accessibility, with up to 13.5 CLE credits available for full participation.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
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.
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.
In this Birdability info session, blind and low-vision birders and their allies come together to learn about the global Bird-a-Thon, share tips for accessible birding by ear, and explore resources for inclusive participation.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.
Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.
Join The GAAD Foundation on May 21, 2026, 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.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting.
We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables.
Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/
Step One:Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time.
Step Two:Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works.
Step Three:Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it.
About:Dr. Kirk Adams is a visionary leader, transformative speaker, and lifelong advocate for disability inclusion. With over three decades of experience in advancing accessibility and creating opportunities for individuals who are blind or low-vision, Dr. Adams has become a powerful force for change in the areas of leadership, accessibility, and inclusion. His journey — from navigating vision loss as a young child to becoming a recognized thought leader in disability empowerment — uniquely equips him to help organizations understand, integrate, and champion inclusive practices that benefit all.
Dr. Adams is a highly sought-after speaker, known for his engaging and thought-provoking keynotes on disability inclusion, accessible leadership, and the power of resilience. He has spoken at numerous national and international conferences, including corporate seminars, public policy forums, and industry events, where his personal story and professional insights have inspired leaders to rethink their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His passion lies in empowering organizations to create environments where every individual — regardless of ability — can thrive.
As a speaker, Dr. Adams brings authenticity, warmth, and a depth of experience that resonates with audiences from all backgrounds. He understands that true leadership is about more than just policy; it's about creating cultural shifts that value each person's unique contributions. Whether he is addressing a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit, or a community group, Dr. Adams' message is clear: inclusion benefits everyone, and together we can build a world where opportunity is accessible to all.
Dr. Adams currently resides in Seattle, Washington, where he continues his advocacy work, builds strategic partnerships, and enjoys life with his family. He is proud to be a part of the movement towards a more inclusive future — one conversation at a time.
Barrier Free Canada is proud to announce the launch of disability legal support services led by renowned accessibility advocate Donna J. Jodhan.
Donna J. Jodhan brings decades of leadership and hands-on experience in accessibility and disability rights. Her work is uniquely enriched by lived experience and a proven record of success, including landmark achievements against the Canadian Government and several high-profile organizations.
With a deep understanding of legal, technical, and human dimensions of accessibility, Donna offers practical, credible, and authoritative support to lawyers seeking to strengthen their cases, mitigate risk, and advance inclusion. This new service reflects Barrier Free Canada's ongoing commitment to advancing equality, accessibility, and justice for all.
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 📧️
Recording remote sessions should not require multiple tools, complicated workflows, or inaccessible software. Until now, capturing a complete and usable recording of a remote support or training session often meant juggling screen sharing apps, audio tools, and manual setup.
Remote Incident Manager changes that. Remote Incident Manager now features built-in session recording that allows you, as the support provider, to conveniently record the audiovisual output and voice conversation during remote sessions. This feature is free for all users and ensures maximum privacy as recordings are processed locally on the device, giving users full control over their files.
Session recording is now available as an open beta, and we are actively seaking your feedback. Go give it a try on your PC or Mac today and tell us what you think!
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: The Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion (ISDI) is a Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2015 to help individuals and organizations build the capability to create workplaces, and communities, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are real, practical, and sustainable. ISDI's work is grounded in evidence-based approaches and a long-term, systems-change mindset that goes beyond one-off trainings or performative efforts.
ISDI is best known for stewarding the Northwest Diversity Learning Series (NWDLS), a respected DEI education program with more than 26 years of impact, offering virtual workshops, special events, and learning cohorts that equip leaders, HR/DEI practitioners, and employees with actionable skills for inclusive leadership and healthy dialogue across difference. In addition, ISDI provides consulting and curated resources to help organizations strengthen strategy, leadership accountability, and measurable progress toward more inclusive and equitable cultures.
About: The Blind Kitchen is an accessibility-driven culinary brand founded by legally blind chef and educator Debra Erickson. Built to help people with vision loss cook safely and confidently, The Blind Kitchen curates adaptive kitchen tools alongside clear, practical instruction, showing that losing sight doesn't mean losing your place in the kitchen.
Through an intentionally accessible online experience and a growing library of step-by-step demos, tips, and strategies, The Blind Kitchen empowers blind and low-vision cooks (and the people who support them) to reclaim independence, creativity, and joy around food, because independence belongs in every kitchen.
Designed with accessibility at its core, Cooking Without Looking goes beyond what's on the screen. Episodes emphasize clear, descriptive instruction and sensory cues, sound, texture, aroma, and timing, so viewers and listeners can truly follow along, and recipes are shared in ways that support independence. Produced through the Vision World Foundation, the show also connects audiences with resources and community, proving week after week that great cooking isn't about eyesight, it's about skill, curiosity, and the joy of making something wonderful.
At 17, my life changed in an instant. A spinal cord injury left me paralyzed, but it didn't take away my purpose. For over 43 years, I've lived, learned, and served within the disability community. I hold both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work, and my life's work has been centered on helping people navigate crisis, change, disability, and the deeply human questions that follow.
If you'd like to walk, or roll, with me, I'll be sharing short reflections on life, faith, disability, and purpose, drawn from my own journey and the lessons I continue to learn along the way.
This won't be noise or constant posting, just thoughtful encouragement as we navigate life together.
If this speaks to you, I'd love for you to join me here:
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.
Employing people with disabilities is often incorrectly viewed as altruism and that will seldom serve as an incentive for a public company. The correct viewpoint is that you will strengthen your team with cognitive diversity and quantifiable improvement in productivity, safety statistics, retention, and so much more. You will also engage a global audience with more than a trillion dollars in discretionary spending.
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.
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.
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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.
