Explore the complexities of driving as a legally blind individual, revealing personal stories of lost independence and moments of realization. This series aims to share the humorous and heartfelt experiences of those who have faced similar challenges, shedding light on the emotional impact of giving up driving.
Join Access Information News as a Sponsor today and begin reaching over 42,000 access information readers each week, all while supporting the ongoing distribution of Access Information News for those very same readers. Only $200 / month.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hello Innosearch Community. Today, Innosearch is making a permanent change to protect our future. We are transitioning from a private company to a non-profit organization. Why are we doing this? Innosearch now serves a global community of 10,000 users across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Every day, thousands of you use this tool to shop freely and independently. Maintaining this level of service costs money. Until now, the founders, Patrick Long and Bryan Vuong, have operated Innosearch at a loss, prioritizing your access over profit. We refused to extract value from our community or sell user data. Now, to keep the service sustainable without compromising our values, we are turning it over to you.
Molly Burke shares an inspiring and heartfelt story of her unexpected romance with a YouTube subscriber, shedding light on the unique connections formed in the digital age. This journey reflects the importance of love and support, regardless of the challenges faced.
Here, ISDI announces the launch of its 2026 NW Diversity Learning Series, beginning with a March 11 workshop titled “Navigating Conflicting Mindsets: Engaging Skillfully in Dialogue Across Divides,” which focuses on fostering inclusion, safety, belonging, and healthy workplace relationships amid uncertainty and differing viewpoints. The interactive session, led by dialogue and conflict resolution expert Dr. David Campt, will guide participants in building constructive dialogue skills, emphasizing connection before persuasion, exploring the values and experiences behind disagreements, recognizing trade-offs in deeply held beliefs, and using personal storytelling to transform confrontational exchanges into reflective conversations. The workshop invites attendees to co-create a meaningful dialogue space and offers multiple registration options, including sponsor, subscriber, and single-session access, with sliding scale pricing and accessibility accommodations available upon request.
It is not enough to assume that children will enter the world already knowing how to love. While they are born with the capacity for love, the understanding and expression of it must be shaped, nurtured, and modeled.
The Greater London Authority highlights the importance of designing London's transport network to better serve all residents, noting that some journeys remain challenging because the system does not fully account for the diverse needs of Londoners.
Research highlights the profound impact of feeling loved on overall happiness and wellbeing. It emphasizes that strong social connections can significantly enhance life satisfaction and emotional health.
In this mission-driven episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Kirk Adams sits down with Mark Miller, Founder and CEO of Inclusion Impact Accessibility, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to move accessibility from a one-time “fix” to a durable organizational capability. Mark shares his 13-year path into digital accessibility, from a technology career to learning the craft under early industry pioneers, before helping build the field through work on accessibility maturity models and large-scale consulting, then returning to a “boutique” approach with his own firm so he can meet clients where they are and build pragmatic, customized roadmaps.
Here I argue that the U.S. disability benefits system, though intended as a safety net, often operates as a trap. Because healthcare is largely tied to employment or permanent disability status, people with chronic illnesses are forced to prove they cannot work simply to access the care that keeps them alive. This is not about laziness or a lack of motivation; it is a structural design flaw. When someone with conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, cancer, or neurological disorders loses employer-sponsored insurance, the only stable path to treatment may be qualifying for SSDI or SSI, which requires demonstrating long-term inability to work. Once approved, attempting to re-enter the workforce becomes terrifying, as it can mean risking both income and healthcare, especially if a condition flares again. Protecting coverage becomes a rational act of survival.
As Philadelphia prepares to host more than a million visitors, advocates are urging businesses to prioritize accessibility alongside logistics and customer experience. With an estimated 150,000 neurodiverse visitors expected, organizations are highlighting the need for inclusive planning and accommodations.
A Virginia couple says they were unable to purchase accessible seating for a Pink Floyd tribute concert despite significant medical needs, prompting media involvement. The situation underscores ongoing barriers people with disabilities face when securing event accommodations.
Disabled campaigners and a Labour MP are urging significant amendments to the government's railways bill to strengthen disability rights and address longstanding accessibility shortcomings across the rail network.
Countries at the UN Human Rights Council are protesting cost-cutting measures that suspend accessibility and limit interpretation services, as ongoing financial difficulties disrupt meetings and operations in Geneva.
The journey of disability can be lonely and companionship is an integral element in navigating your way from surviving to thriving. When we face a life-altering diagnosis or a sudden change in physical ability, the world often feels like it's closing in. I saw it with my mother when macular degeneration began to steal her central vision. I've seen it in the eyes of veterans returning home with injuries that changed their career paths overnight. In those moments, the questions that surface aren't just practical, they are existential. "Am I still valuable?" "What can I still contribute now?"
A new toolkit outlines steps for states to implement the updated Section 504 rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in May 2024. The guidance also reflects evolving language preferences within the disability community while emphasizing enforcement and compliance.
Federal housing officials and a whistleblower allege the Chicago Housing Authority failed for years to comply with disability and civil rights laws, leaving residents without accessible housing. One family's struggle to secure a wheelchair-accessible unit underscores the alleged systemic shortcomings.
Researchers increasingly view gait speed as a key indicator of long-term health, mobility, and independence in older adults. Often described as a “functional vital sign,” walking speed reflects how well multiple bodily systems work together and may signal future health risks.
Blind scientist and inventor Josh Miele, a 2021 MacArthur fellow, reflects on his decades-long work advancing adaptive technology and accessibility. Drawing on personal experience navigating inaccessible environments, he emphasizes both practical innovation and raising awareness about the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Legendary producer Mike Uslan reveals the tenacity required to transform the seemingly impossible vision of bringing Batman to the big screen into a reality. Through candid reflections on rejection, creative isolation, and personal conviction, Uslan provides valuable insights for anyone daring to pursue their dreams against the odds.
In the inaugural episode of her interview series, Molly Burke connects with Cassidy Huff, a remarkable individual who is one of only 150 people globally with her rare diagnosis. Their candid conversation highlights Cassidy's extraordinary journey, filled with surgeries and resilience, setting the stage for an impactful series that uncovers unseen realities.
In this insightful episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan sits down with Freek van Welsenis, co-founder of Hable, for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about what it really takes to build assistive technology that people can rely on. Donna introduces Freek as a mission-driven innovator, and Freek traces his motivation back to growing up alongside two siblings with disabilities, learning early that technology can either empower people or frustrate them beyond belief.
Massachusetts has released a statewide digital accessibility and equity strategic plan aimed at ensuring executive agencies provide accessible digital services. The multi-year effort follows a 2023 executive order expanding the state's accessibility leadership and outlining goals, strategies, and oversight.
A new book by University of Connecticut professor Laura Mauldin examines the emotional and structural challenges faced by spouses caring for disabled or chronically ill partners. It explores how systemic gaps in U.S. policy make unpaid caregiving a defining and often overwhelming feature of many relationships.
Advocates and people with disabilities are urging state lawmakers to support higher wages for care workers, expanded affordable housing, and broader employment access. Leaders say presenting a unified message is critical to securing meaningful policy investments.
Disability advocates say accessibility was overlooked at this year's Winterlude festival, with mobility barriers preventing some attendees from accessing key attractions like the Crystal Garden ice sculpture exhibit.
Evan Rosenblum and Isaac Shapiro explore the complexities of accidental offensiveness within the disability community, sharing personal stories and insights on navigating sensitive conversations. Through their discussion, they highlight the importance of respectful engagement, education, and nurturing genuine connections while addressing harmful language and misconceptions.
Explore the complexities of driving as a legally blind individual, revealing personal stories of lost independence and moments of realization. This series aims to share the humorous and heartfelt experiences of those who have faced similar challenges, shedding light on the emotional impact of giving up driving.
Here, Dr. Kirk Adams argues that "meritocracy" has become a weaponized buzzword, and that most organizations don't truly have a meritocracy problem or a DEI problem first, they have a definition and measurement problem. He contends that real meritocracy isn't a slogan, it's the cumulative result of clear standards and consistent systems that tie hiring, promotions, pay, and access to opportunity to observable skills and effort. From his employment-focused lens, he emphasizes that when workplaces are inconsistent, or when tools and processes (including accessibility) create avoidable friction, organizations don't get meritocracy; they get hidden performance losses through disengagement, lower productivity, and attrition.
An early skeptic of walk-in tubs learned that designing products for people with disabilities can unlock significant market demand and drive innovation. The story underscores how inclusive design principles can lead to both social impact and commercial success.
New teachers in Ontario classrooms are questioning whether they are adequately prepared to support students with disabilities such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, highlighting the need for stronger training and inclusive education practices.
After an unsuccessful two-year search for a suitable wheelchair-accessible home, Fiona Campbell chose to build a custom property tailored to her needs when buying agents and conversion options failed to deliver an appropriate solution.
I'm writing this because veteran suicide prevention can't stop at crisis response. The VA's latest suicide prevention report shows 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, and most of them weren't even connected to VA care or benefits, meaning too many people are still slipping through the cracks. Calls to protect resources and address staffing shortages are necessary, but if we only intervene at the point of crisis, we're ignoring the system failures that create the crisis.
As new federal rules enforcing web and mobile accessibility under Title II of the ADA approach, most school districts report they are not prepared to comply. A recent survey found only 14% have completed or nearly completed the required digital accessibility updates.
A middle school student who uses a wheelchair describes the daily stress of navigating inaccessible spaces without help from friends. The experience highlights how physical barriers at school can limit independence and create ongoing challenges for students with disabilities.
A growing share of Americans age 50 and older are returning to the workforce to offset high living costs, with 7% of retirees reentering the labor force in the past six months, according to an AARP survey of more than 2,000 adults. Financial pressures remain the primary driver behind the rise in “unretirement.”
Most organizations start accessibility efforts for a single reason, usually compliance, altruism, or ROI, and those efforts eventually stall because the motivation never evolves. Just like a gym membership that fizzles when the initial goal fades, accessibility collapses when the organization stays zoomed in on one narrow purpose.
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.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Join Freedom Scientific for this live Zoom webinar focused on navigating and managing files in OneDrive Online using JAWS. Learn how to search, sort, and filter files, upload and download content, create folders, and more, with ACVREP credits available for live attendees.
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.
Freedom Scientific demonstrates how to use the JAWS Dictionary Manager to control pronunciation of words, phrases, abbreviations, and symbols. Discover how to customize entries, assign sounds, and configure JAWS to speak text in different languages or voices.
Celebrate 30 years of JAWS with this recorded training session exploring how to use Voice Assistant to interact with JAWS through speech. Learn how to access the feature, request the time, adjust speech settings, and perform other tasks using voice commands.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Exclusively for Leadership Council members, this Zoom webinar delivers practical guidance on crafting effective alt text that can be immediately applied in everyday work. Strengthen accessibility skills and enhance inclusive communication across your organization.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Senior leaders are invited to connect with Disability Inclusion Specialists and explore how Leadership Council membership strengthens workplace disability inclusion efforts. Learn about practical support, exclusive resources, new membership levels, and strategies for advancing culture, talent pipelines, and leadership accountability.
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, 4:00 PM GMT
Launch the 2026 NW Diversity Learning Series with this interactive workshop led by Dr. David Campt, focused on building skills for engaging constructively across differences in the workplace. Participants will explore dialogue techniques that foster connection, navigate deep disagreements, and strengthen inclusion, belonging, and healthy professional relationships.
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.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
This Zoom webinar explores neurodiversity in the workplace, equipping participants with strategies to foster inclusion, understanding, and meaningful support. Leave prepared to build environments where all minds can thrive.
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.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
Designed to close the gap between talent and opportunity, this virtual meeting connects hiring employers with students and recent graduates with disabilities seeking to launch their careers. Leadership Council members can participate free of charge.
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.
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: 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.
Researchers at the Tangent Lab of Simon Fraser University are seeking participants for a study on Robotic Guide Dogs. The goal of this project is to understand the expectations and needs of the blind and visually impaired community when using robotic assistants in public spaces.
Who can participate?
Adults who are blind or visually impaired.
What is involved?
Part 1: Online Surveys (~ 30 minutes) and follow-up interviews (~ 1 hour).
Part 2 (Optional): If you live in the Metro Vancouver area, you may be invited to an in-person session to interact with the robot and help design its interface.
Compensation: If selected and you complete a survey, you will receive an Amazon gift card (calculated at a local hourly rate) as a token of appreciation for your time.
How to Register: If you are interested in participating, please provide your contact details and location via this registration link.
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.
Access Information News Supporters 🤝️
We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!
Why: Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.
Benefits: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the "Our Supporters" section of the Access Information News website.
One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.
Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.
As of November 7, 2022 the distribution of Access Information News is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
Any time the Access Information News Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more about the benefits of Sponsorship today.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News John also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and low-vision persons.
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and runs her own advocacy foundation.
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News David also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present) Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
IIn addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Vicki also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Vicki Walton
Editor (2024-Present) Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 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.
RELEASE SCHEDULE 📅️
Access Information News is released every Monday morning at 6:00 AM ET.
SUBSCRIBE 📧️
Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Access Information Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link. You can also subscribe to receive the Access Information Newsletter on the Access Information News Website. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Access Information Newsletter. It's that easy.
Only Access Information News Premium Subscribers receive our special quarterly issue listing the Top 60 Most Clicked News Articles of the Last 3 Months. Just $12 USD per year. This special quarterly issue is provided to Premium Subscribers as a native Microsoft Word document with full headings, links and abstracts to all 60 articles. There are no restrictions placed on these documents. Complete list of all back issues available. Premium Subscribers are entitled to all back issues, anytime they sign up. Join us today and begin receiving this incredibly informative issue every 3 months.
SPONSOR 🏅️
If you would like to become 1 of only 24 Access Information News Sponsors whose ongoing support makes the distribution of Access Information News possible, we offer you the following advertising benefits, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.
ADVERTISE 🎯️
Access Information News offers a variety of one-time advertising options to both Sponsors and non-Sponsors alike. Here we offer a sample newsletter that provides a breakdown of exactly what those one-time advertising options are, where they appear, and what they cost per publication.
DONATE ❤️
If you would like to become an Access Information News Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your support.
Are you on X? Follow Access Information News on X to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Information as part of your X News Feed.
MASTODON 💬️
Are you on Mastodon? Follow Access Information News on Mastodon to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Information as part of your Mastodon News Feed or by searching for @news@mastodon.accessinformationnews.com on your server today.
Do you prefer RSS? Follow Access Information News via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Information using your choice of news aggregator.
QUESTIONS ❓️
Article abstracts are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular article brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
