July is Disability Pride Month, and Easterseals Redwood hosted a "Carnival of Abilities" with games, food, Cincinnati Reds mascot appearances and more.
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Disability Pride Month takes place every July to honor the achievements of the disability community and raise awareness about ableism. This year's celebrations highlight the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emphasizing the importance of equality and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Navigating conversations about accessibility can be challenging, especially when faced with questions for which you lack answers. This article provides practical guidance on how to respond effectively and engage in meaningful discussions about accessibility.
Mastercard has developed tactile payment cards to assist visually impaired individuals in identifying their card type. The new Touch Card and credit card designs feature distinct notches, facilitating correct orientation and aiming to enhance payment experiences for approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide who live with sight issues.
Planning a wedding that accommodates guests with disabilities is crucial for ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience. Inclusive considerations can range from accessible venues to dietary accommodations, making a significant difference for guests with varying needs.
Title II Today: Compliance & Accessibility Insights is the world's leading ADA Title II Compliance publication that reaches over 4,000 government officials, public sector employees, educators, public school administrators, accessibility & inclusion advocates, legal & policy experts, tech & UX professionals, nonprofits & advocacy organizations, all over the world, each month.
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This article will outline, step-by-step, how you can get free website traffic reporting on any link to your domain (AKA domain name, website or web address) that has been published by Access Information News since January 22, 2024, when we launched this feature.
Each year the U-S government deploys roughly two trillion dollars in purchasing power, yet scarcely three percent of those contracts land with disability-owned, women-owned, and other diverse enterprises. I have watched too many talented founders, people whose lived experience breeds resilience and innovation, stand outside that flow. On July 28, 2025 I'm bringing one of the nation's sharpest funding strategists, Patrice Davis, CEO of Grants Works, onto America's Heart of Supplier Diversity as a co-host, to help change that math.
Here Donna Jodhan evaluates the current state of commitments to disability inclusion, highlighting the challenges faced by organizations under economic and social pressures. She emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement and proactive measures to ensure lasting accessibility reforms.
Dr. Kirk Adams and Margaux Joffe discuss Joffe's journey as a neurodivergent professional, her work advocating for neurodiversity, and the establishment of her LLC, Minds of All Kinds. The conversation explores the importance of accessibility in the workplace, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, and the creation of supportive resources and community initiatives.
This episode features an interview with Shannon Greene from the Toronto District School Board, discussing innovative educational strategies and challenges faced by modern schools. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability in teaching methods and the role of community engagement in education.
A new report from Amtrak's Office of Inspector General acknowledges the company's good intentions to improve accessibility, but highlights that efforts remain inconsistent and often inadequate for disabled passengers.
Starting September 12, the Department of Energy will no longer require new or renovated buildings receiving federal funds to meet accessibility standards, citing overlap with other regulations—a move that has drawn concern from disability rights advocates.
The post critiques the effectiveness and ethical implications of the ARTY accessibility overlay tool, emphasizing that it may expose users to legal risks and introduce new accessibility violations. It argues against the notion that such overlays can replace comprehensive accessibility efforts, advocating instead for solutions that prioritize user needs and ethical considerations.
The Chicago White Sox conducted a sensory-friendly tour of Rate Field for visually impaired teenagers, allowing them to engage with the ballpark in a unique, hands-on way. Campers, part of a program funded by the White Sox, experienced various tactile aspects of the game, fostering inclusive participation in sports.
A report from the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group outlines 19 recommendations to improve air travel for disabled passengers, emphasizing that meaningful change depends on the industry's commitment to implementation.
At a Seattle City Council candidate forum, disability advocates criticized the lack of proactive accessibility planning and urged future leaders to prioritize disability rights from the outset rather than as an afterthought.
This episode features an interview with Keri-Anne Wilson, who discusses her role and insights as the leader of the Air Canada Accessibility Advisory Group. Listeners can expect to gain valuable perspectives on accessibility initiatives in the airline industry.
Dr. Laura Miller, a low vision optometrist, discusses how she helps patients maximize their remaining vision using tools like high-power lenses, magnifiers, and task-specific lighting recommendations.
Houston Dynamo FC has become the first professional sports venue in North America to adopt the RightHear Accessibility system, enhancing inclusivity for blind and visually impaired visitors. This partnership will integrate a smartphone-based navigation aid, providing real-time audio guidance to help users navigate the stadium independently.
Nearly 1,400 layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education, enabled by a Supreme Court order, are raising concerns among advocates about the long-term impact on students with disabilities and special education services.
Disability Pride Month is officially recognized by CTA starting in July 2025, promoting awareness of disability issues and the importance of integrating individuals with disabilities into all aspects of society. This initiative coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and seeks to educate about ableism and enhance inclusion in education.
In this podcast, Dr. Kirk Adams interviews John Robinson, founder of Our Ability, discussing the importance of technology in improving employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores entrepreneurial journeys, challenges in the disability community, and future initiatives to enhance contracting opportunities for disability-owned businesses.
The Supreme Court granted a request from the Trump administration to pause a lower court ruling that would have reinstated 1,400 Department of Education employees, enabling continued efforts to significantly reduce the agency's workforce.
Rachel Wiesbrock's experiences navigating architectural barriers in college highlight Chicago's evolving approach to accessibility and the importance of inclusive design informed by real-world disability challenges.
Linda Disney, who has been blind since birth, collaborates with the Utah Department of Transportation to enhance safety through accessible crosswalk buttons, following her vision loss and retraining through a state blindness services program.
Betty Siegel, Director of Accessibility Education at the Kennedy Center, champions disability rights through a civil rights lens, emphasizing global cultural participation and the organization's duty to uphold accessibility.
Despite decades of progress since the ADA, disabled parents like Kelly and Larry Peterson still encounter bias in adoption services due to persistent misconceptions about disabilities such as spina bifida.
Sassy Outwater-Wright, a passionate advocate for disability rights, died on July 12, 2025, after battling cancer. Known for her fierce advocacy and expertise in accessibility as a blind woman, she employed strategies from Structured Negotiation to inspire change and was recognized for her impactful contributions to the disability community.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) faces a funding crisis that threatens interlibrary loan (ILL) services vital for accessing a wealth of resources. Libraries nationwide are bracing for potential cuts, with vital services at risk if federal support is eliminated.
Clare Edwards, a British Sign Language interpreter known as the Purple Interpreter, has gained acclaim for her expressive performances at major music events like Eurovision and Glastonbury, aiming to make live music accessible to deaf audiences.
Key discussions and outcomes from the General Session IV of the 2025 National Convention are presented, featuring influential speakers and critical topics relevant to the attendees. Insights into policy developments and the future direction of the organization are shared during this pivotal session.
After making controversial remarks about sharing a stage with a sign language interpreter, Minister Nahanni Fontaine issued an apology and committed to undergoing Deaf culture training to foster greater inclusion.
This piece explores the implications of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) beyond just visual impairments, highlighting the importance of inclusivity for people with diverse disabilities. It emphasizes the need for a broader understanding of accessibility in design and technology.
Kevin Puckett, a Kansas City attorney who has filed 90 ADA-related lawsuits against Missouri businesses, is under scrutiny after four of his own websites were found to have accessibility violations.
With the disabled population in the U.S. growing to 28.7% by 2022, states are leveraging new data to improve accessibility and meet a federal mandate for digital inclusivity by April 2026.
The Department of Justice updated Title II of the ADA, establishing clear rules for state and local government websites to comply with digital accessibility standards, specifically WCAG 2.1 AA. This ruling addresses previous ambiguities regarding digital barriers and outlines responsibilities for ensuring accessible online content.
Toni Gillen, a nurse and lifelong hockey enthusiast, has spent two decades developing inclusive hockey programs in Minnesota, benefiting thousands and promoting access to the sport for people with disabilities.
Carl Blake, CEO of Paralyzed Veterans of America, emphasized that while the ADA brought transformative change, persistent barriers still hinder accessibility for people with disabilities 35 years after the law's passage.
Ruth Faragher, a researcher with Down syndrome, is part of a University of Queensland project examining when protective measures become overly restrictive for intellectually disabled adults seeking independence.
Despite plans to introduce the Canada Disability Benefit, critics argue it falls short, citing complex applications and low payouts that fail to meet the financial needs of recipients like Leisa Muthra.
Digital accessibility lawsuits are projected to increase significantly in 2025, with over 2,000 cases already filed in the first half of the year. This report highlights key trends, including the shift towards state courts and the focus on e-commerce as a primary target for these lawsuits.
Auslan interpreters are increasingly present at live performances in Australia, helping Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals like Cheryl Wilhelm experience concerts more fully and inclusively.
In 2022, over two-thirds of Canadians with disabilities reported at least one unmet need related to healthcare, medications, assistive devices, or daily assistance, highlighting persistent gaps in support systems.
This article critiques Accesstive, an accessibility overlay provider, discussing its potential legal risks and shortcomings in aiding web accessibility. The review highlights numerous issues regarding Accesstive's claims about its product effectiveness and compliance standards, suggesting that users may face more accessibility challenges rather than solutions.
The post addresses misconceptions regarding WCAG 4.1.2 and user-modifiable properties in ARIA, explaining that only certain states and properties can be programmatically set by users. It clarifies that attributes not modifiable by the user are not failures of the WCAG criteria, emphasizing the importance of understanding accessibility standards.
Carol Taylor, a quadriplegic over 50, was denied a mammogram appointment by Lumus Imaging despite disclosing her wheelchair use, exposing gaps in healthcare accessibility for women with disabilities.
The Innovative Impact Newsletter offers practical strategies for workplace inclusion and leadership, delivering vital insights on disability inclusion and business strategy. With an expert focus on accessible innovation, this issue addresses current trends and actionable solutions for improving inclusiveness in professional environments.
A new report highlights the NYC Department of Transportation's efforts to significantly expand accessibility improvements across city streets and sidewalks from May 2024 to May 2025, enhancing mobility for people with disabilities and all commuters.
Valerie Hembruff, a longtime music fan with physical disabilities, is advocating for improved accessibility at London's summer festivals after facing repeated challenges in fully participating in major events.
Concerns are growing that the Labour Party may follow recent disability benefit cuts with policies affecting the educational rights of children with special needs, raising fears among parents and MPs alike about the party's direction.
The importance of providing descriptive alternative text for images is emphasized, especially in light of the EAA law. Many companies fail to adequately describe their images, impacting users who rely on assistive technologies.
Tim Adlam, a retired engineer living with Multiple System Atrophy, is undertaking a 100-mile mobility scooter journey along the South Downs Way to raise funds for three disability charities, demonstrating determination and community support.
A video project led by wheelchair user Matthew Wright highlights the many accessibility challenges in Moncton and Dieppe, from sidewalk dips to inadequate infrastructure, emphasizing the need for better consultation with the disability community in urban planning.
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget reconciliation bill that cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid, potentially endangering health coverage for 17 million Americans, prompting strong criticism from the American Association of People with Disabilities.
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Innosearch invites players to a fully accessible audio escape room where teams collaborate to solve challenges and race the clock for rewards and recognition. Full details here. Questions? Email us at support@innosearch.ai 📧️.
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Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. and Carrie Morales from Carrie on Accessibility for a dynamic showdown between iOS and Android, comparing their accessibility features, usability, and tools for blind and visually impaired users. The session includes an extended Q&A where participants can explore every aspect of mobile accessibility across both platforms.
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Rachel Reeves details the steps for converting accessible Word files into fully accessible PDFs, including manual tag cleanup and final fixes in Adobe Acrobat.
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This free, 90-minute workshop from Braille Institute explores the fundamentals of Braille Music, highlighting its history, educational significance, structural nuances, and offering practical resources for teaching and learning music notation developed by Louis Braille.
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In this free, two-hour webinar, Region 8 - Rocky Mountain ADA Center reviews the history and protections of the ADA, explains how to request accommodations, and outlines steps to take when facing discrimination. The session includes a live Q&A and guidance on where to find additional resources and support.
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Hosted by the Facebook group AI For The Blind, this free Zoom hangout introduces blind and low-vision users to AI fundamentals, featuring live demos with popular screen readers, music, and a lively open Q&A. Tech experts will share how AI can enhance accessibility in work, school, and everyday life.
Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH Career Connect present a weeklong immersive experience designed for transition-age young adults who are blind or have low vision. Hosted at the Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy, Oregon, this free program explores career options, networking, mobility strategies, vocational resources, and hands-on experiences with guide dogs. Participants will engage in engaging learning opportunities while making new connections and enjoying the scenic Pacific Northwest. Applications are DUE on or before March 31, 2025. Applications received after this date will be put on a waitlist. We recommend you apply early as summer programs are popular and fill up quickly.
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Join industry leaders from imageHOLDERS, Aptaero, and TPGi as they explore how integrating hardware, software, and accessibility expertise can transform self-service airline kiosks. This discussion highlights design-first strategies, dispels common myths, and offers actionable insights to deliver inclusive and compliant travel experiences.
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Marisa Church and Ian Ramos walk through essential file-management tasks using JAWS, including navigating File Explorer and accessing cloud storage services like OneDrive, SharePoint, and Google Drive.
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In this follow-up trivia session from Innosearch, participants answer questions on tools, food, and tech, competing for points, prizes, and a chance to lead the leaderboard. Full details here. Questions? Email us at support@innosearch.ai 📧️.
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Presented by the Seniors Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, this interactive session invites older adults who are blind or have low vision to share and explore favorite ways to enjoy arts and entertainment, from movies and concerts to board games and crafts. Where: NFB of Maryland Conference Call +1 (339) 209-4083 📱️.
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Innosearch wraps up the Game Nights series with a surprise finale challenge, rewarding top performers, most referrals, and consistent attendees with bonus credits and cash prizes. Full details here. Questions? Email us at support@innosearch.ai 📧️.
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Think AI is just hype? Think again — it's already shaping disability access, often without your voice. Join Mai Ling Chan, CCC-SLP, for a candid, interactive 1-hour session that will challenge what you think you know about AI and disability advocacy. Discover where AI is getting it wrong, how biased data and inaccessible tools are creeping into hiring, healthcare, and education, and — most importantly — how you can take back control. You'll learn practical ways to influence AI, protect yourself and your clients, and stop being sidelined by systems built without your input. Perfect for disability professionals, educators, content creators, and advocates ready to lead, not follow. Don't let AI create a future without you — step up, get informed, and be part of the solution. Reserve your spot now — and be a part of this epic event!
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In this in-person showcase hosted by Helen Keller Services, assistive technology vendors, innovators, and users come together for a day of interactive demonstrations, in-depth discussions, and community connection focused on advancing access and independence for the blind, DeafBlind, and low vision communities.
Learn the basics of NVDA. From getting started with the program to customizing the speech to learning helpful shortcuts, Hadley's workshops have you covered.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs.
About: The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities.
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who "get it." And you don't need to come to Hadley. Hadley's help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail.
Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 70,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 200,000 workshop interactions. And our workshops have 98% satisfaction ratings. We reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.
About: This half-hour weekly podcast and radio program discusses products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across North America, via several internet streaming services, and to everyone else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries on all the inhabited continents. Eyes On Success is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey.
Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people's accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to achieve things. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and others. In all cases, the focus is on success.
Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was ViewPoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.
Listening To Eyes On Success
You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying “play the Eyes On Success podcast”, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).
Connecting with Eyes On Success
Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net 📧️.
Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic "announcements only" list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️.
Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you've heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
As the United States finishes celebrating Independence Day, regular attendees of the summer blindness conventions will prepare to begin activities centered around independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. IN light of this, we at Pneuma Solutions are lighting our own fireworks over a very unique and never-before-seen level of independence in the field of remote desktop access!
To a technician or trainer who is blind, nothing says independence quite like performing a remote session with a sighted end user's computer, regardless of platform, and being able to fully use it, despite the lack of an installed screen reader. Our Remote Incident Manager is the world's first application that allows this to happen. As such, To celebrate this exciting level of independence, we are proud to offer unlimited access to Remote Incident Manager for the next 14 days, completely free of charge!
About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?
Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.
Digital subscription just $15 a year with promo code ACCESS.
We share news for, by, and about people with disabilities. As a subscriber, you'll have 24/7 full access and be the first to read about news, community resources, culture, technology, advocacy, health/wellness, and stories from the disability community. You'll also receive our bi-weekly newsletter. Subscribe today!
About:Able News at The Viscardi Center is a news outlet and monthly digital publication that serves as a vital resource on disability and amplifies the perspectives of the diverse, vibrant disability community. The Viscardi Center is a Long Island-based network of non-profit organizations that educate, employ, and empower children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. Central to our mission is featuring original content by writers with disabilities on a range of important topics, from policy and legislative updates, to arts and culture, to community events.
The BrailleDoodle is a groundbreaking, affordable, two-sided tablet designed to empower individuals of all ages and skill levels with Braille literacy and tactile exploration. One side is dedicated to Braille learning, featuring practice spaces for letters, numbers, and words, making it perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. The other side offers a tactile refreshable surface, ideal for creating art, exploring STEM concepts like math and graphing, and expressing creativity in limitless ways.
With its easy-to-use magnetic stylus, users can write and create tactile designs, feel their progress as they go, and erase effortlessly, making learning and creativity interactive and engaging. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or individual learner, the BrailleDoodle is a versatile tool that combines education, creativity, and fun. Priced at just $149.00 USD, it is an affordable solution to enhance accessibility and opportunity for blind and low-vision individuals. Order now and take the first step in transforming education and creativity! Visit A.T. Guys today to learn more.
About: The TouchPad Pro Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals through Braille literacy, STEM, and art education.
Founded by educators and innovators passionate about accessibility, TPPF strives to address the critical gaps in resources and tools for the visually impaired community. With a mission to promote equality and unleash human potential, the foundation provides innovative solutions that make education inclusive, engaging, and affordable.
Their initiatives include offering free devices to under-served communities and providing training to maximize the impact of their groundbreaking tools.
At the heart of their mission is the BrailleDoodle, a dual-sided, tactile learning tablet designed to make education and creativity accessible to all.
One side focuses on Braille literacy, offering interactive learning spaces for letters, numbers, and words, while the other provides a refreshable surface for tactile drawing, STEM exploration, and artistic expression.
Affordable and versatile, the BrailleDoodle empowers individuals of all ages and skill levels to develop essential literacy and creative skills.
By fostering independence and encouraging innovation, TPPF and the BrailleDoodle are transforming the lives of blind and low-vision learners worldwide.
Accessible Web is on a mission to help eliminate online barriers and make the digital space more inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability. Our accessibility testing software, RAMP, allows organizations of any size to discover, understand, and remediate barriers. We offer tools to integrate with existing sites and workflows so businesses with a digital presence can start making their sites more accessible quickly.
Plans start at $49 a month. Plus, we have a 14-day free trial with no credit card needed. We believe any organization can start making progress with Accessible Web RAMP.
About: At Accessible Web, our mission is to make the internet accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
We offer a comprehensive suite of accessibility testing software tools and educational resources to help organizations achieve and maintain web accessibility in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and comply with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
➜︎ Services:
⚫️ WCAG Audits: Our certified specialists conduct thorough analyses of websites and applications, identifying accessibility issues and providing detailed recommendations for remediation.
⚫️ VPAT Preparation: We prepare Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), offering industry-standard reports that demonstrate a product's accessibility compliance, which can be crucial for sales and contractual obligations.
⚫️ Accessibility Testing: Our team of individuals with disabilities tests websites and web applications using assistive technologies, providing actionable feedback to enhance user experience and accessibility.
⚫️ Remediation Support: Our certified specialists offer coaching and support to assist organizations in implementing accessibility improvements effectively, ensuring that digital assets meet accessibility standards.
⚫️ Accessibility Certification: Through a comprehensive process of auditing, remediation, and verification, we provide WCAG certifications that validate a company's conformance and commitment to accessibility best practices.
➜︎ Tools:
⚫️ Accessible Web RAMP:Our digital accessibility platform that enables teams to discover, monitor, and remediate web accessibility violations. RAMP offers continuous monitoring, prioritized workflows, and progress reporting to facilitate ongoing compliance efforts.
⚫️ Accessible Web Helper Extension: An accessibility browser extension that allows users to scan web pages, highlight accessibility violations, and check color contrast ratios directly from their browser, streamlining the auditing process.
➜︎ Education:
⚫️ Accessible Web Academy: We offer self-guided online courses tailored to various organizational roles, promoting a culture of inclusivity and equipping teams with the knowledge to implement accessible design from the outset.
⚫️ Knowledge Base and Blog: Our resources include articles on assistive technologies, remediation tutorials, and answers to common web accessibility questions, supporting continuous learning and awareness. We host webinars most Thursdays on various accessibility topics.
We emphasize a proactive approach to web accessibility, advocating for integrating accessible design principles early in the development process to enhance user experience, attract new customers, and mitigate legal risks associated with non-compliance.
For more information or to explore our services and resources, visit our website.
About: Magnifiers & More, established in 2002 by Deborah Kogler, is Northeast Ohio's only retail store dedicated to providing products and consultations for individuals with low vision, blindness, and vision disabilities. With over forty years of experience in eye care, Deborah founded the company to create a one-stop shop for vision aids, including specialized tools for managing conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
The store offers a wide range of over seventy-five magnifiers, talking items, large print products, special lights, electronic aids, Braille items, glare control solutions and More.
A key figure in the company's story is Murphy, Deborah's Golden Retriever and original CEO, "Canine Executive Officer," who was the store's mascot and greeter for 15 years. Today, Jeffrey, another Golden Retriever trained as a service dog, serves as the CFO, "Canine Fun Officer," delighting customers and supporting Deborah.
Deborah's journey into vision rehabilitation was inspired by her grandmother's experience with macular degeneration, sparking her passion to make vision aids accessible. She continues to advocate for and educate those living with vision disabilities, both locally and internationally.
Magnifiers & More is committed to helping people improve their quality of life through practical solutions and compassionate support.
Shopping online can be hard if you're blind, visually impaired, or not tech-savvy. That's why Innosearch AI created Shop by Phone — a 100% free, voice-only service.
Just call and say what you need:
👉 “Find me a phone charger.”
👉 “Add it to my cart.”
👉 “Check out.”
No apps, no websites — just easy, hands-free shopping from over 500,000 stores.
âś” Free to use
âś” Works anywhere, anytime
âś” Perfect for seniors, blind, and low-vision users
About: Innosearch is an all-in-one shopping platform augmented with a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping assistant. This innovative feature mimics the experience of shopping in real life by allowing you to interact with the assistant using natural language. It aggregates millions of products from top US online retailers, bringing them directly to you. With this advanced generative AI, Innosearch offers personalized product recommendations, highlights the best deals, and provides comprehensive information including reviews, total prices, shipping options, and more. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers.
Key Features: Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:
➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.
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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.
Our Transitioning to a New World program empowers participants to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self. Designed to elevate both personal and professional profiles, the program provides practical tools, mentorship, and real-world strategies to help individuals stand out and lead with impact. Participants learn how to position themselves as influencers—capable of inspiring and influencing organizations of all sizes. Whether stepping into a new career, evolving within an industry, or pursuing entrepreneurial goals, this program fosters the mindset and presence needed to thrive in today's dynamic world.
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.
About: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 41,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here.
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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 41,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here. Access Information refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Access Information News is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.
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Article abstracts are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular article brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
