When a disabled person is simply living their life, going to work, shopping, exercising, or creating, it can sometimes be seen by others as “inspirational.” While that reaction often comes from a place of admiration, it can unintentionally turn everyday existence into a spectacle. What many non-disabled people perceive as extraordinary is, for the disabled person, just normal life, a series of adaptations made not for praise, but for survival and independence.
It's important to remember that disabled people don't have the luxury of choosing whether to “overcome” their challenges, they live with them every day. Their resilience is not a performance, but a reality. While appreciation and respect are always welcome, true inclusion means seeing disabled people not as symbols of courage or hope, but simply as people, capable, complex, and whole, with identities that go far beyond their disability.
Today is the 250th birthday of the United States Navy. That's quite a milestone and a big day for me as a veteran of the Navy nuclear power program.
Serving at the end of the Vietnam era, when the military wasn't always appreciated, it is gratifying to me to hear so many people thank veterans for their service. The words are great but actions speak even more loudly. Don't just thank a veteran for their service. Help them thrive. On this 250th birthday, please consider ways to help veterans thrive:
Register on The Blind Guide https://theblindguide.com/subscribe/ (resources and many free services for people with disabilities, including veterans and military spouses.)
Employ people with disabilities (especially blindness), veterans, and military spouses - a great way to say thank you.
Introduce The Blind Guide to employers who want to hire these same groups to strengthen their team.
Engage us to help you thrive - free resources for people losing their vision and their caregivers.
A DOJ lawsuit against Uber highlights ongoing accessibility issues, citing blind and wheelchair-using passengers who were routinely denied rides despite the platform's promise of inclusive transit.
A study using data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey highlights the link between visual impairment in children and increased rates of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Results show that visually impaired children face greater difficulties in learning and recall, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive support for their wellbeing.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is pioneering an innovative camp experience for visually impaired students, facilitating adapted astronaut training and simulated space missions. Through this initiative, participants engage in hands-on activities designed to inspire and empower the next generation of space enthusiasts.
Here, Vicki Walton turns a family gathering into a multigenerational reflection on how technology both empowers and excludes. A web accessibility specialist and IT QA tester, Walton evaluates digital tools with assistive tech like screen readers and voice navigation yet admits even "computer people" can feel overwhelmed by the pace of change. This personal vantage point frames perspectives from their pre-internet mother, Gen Z daughter, and boomer-age sister and wife, contrasting technology's efficiency with the frictions and anxieties it creates in everyday life.
Join a remarkable journey as 21 individuals with disabilities embark on an extraordinary trip together. Experience the beauty of accessible travel, featuring breathtaking destinations and heartwarming moments that celebrate inclusion and adventure.
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A common question is whether emergency procedures in Canada include persons with disabilities, and how Canada fares in protecting their needs during crises like natural disasters and pandemics. The short answer is: yes, emergency procedures do consider persons with disabilities, but experiences and implementation vary. Here's a structured overview with examples.
Be My Eyes has partnered with Tesco to enhance accessibility for blind and partially sighted customers during in-store shopping. Through the Be My Eyes app, users can connect with trained Tesco staff for real-time assistance with product identification, checking offers, and using self-service checkouts.
The Urban Trail Committee in Grand Junction conducted walk audits to assess sidewalk accessibility, aiming to identify infrastructure gaps and improve pedestrian routes for people with disabilities.
Critics of Tennessee's Education Freedom Scholarships argue that the program may exclude students with disabilities, as private schools are not obligated to admit or accommodate them under the voucher system.
Bolton-based Tyrers Coaches must compensate activist Doug Paulley after a driver falsely accused him of threatening behavior during an access dispute, with the fabricated claims impacting his reputation and shared with regulators and other operators.
The 2025 AccessAbility Awards recognize five organizations for their dedication to advancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Honorees include ADP, The Heckscher Museum of Art, Polara Enterprises, Tatum Robotics, and Teach Access, highlighting their innovative approaches to inclusivity and accessibility in various sectors.
We talk with the CEO of Notal Vision about a home-based monitoring tool that alerts your eyecare provider to potential disease progression. This device can help you stay on top of your eye health between doctor visits.
Here, Aaron Di Blasi spotlights BrailleTeach, a multilingual, audio-guided handheld trainer built around six oversized toggles laid out like a Braille cell, as a practical answer to stalled early Braille literacy where teachers and budgets are scarce. Rooted in a 2016 encounter with a newly blind adult and focused on “dignity through literacy,” the device pairs touch with voice prompts across eight modes for letters, numbers, and symbols, adds one-minute challenges for speed, and aims to take learners through the basics in roughly three months. It's lightweight (~250 g) with speaker and headphone jack, recharges via micro-USB, ships today in US/UK English, German, Spanish, Azerbaijani, and Russian (Arabic and Turkish in development), and is meant to complement, not replace, teachers. The need is urgent, framed by large, under-served populations and constrained classroom realities.
The Blind Guide is driven by passion from Ed Henkler's life's work. For thirty plus years, I was proud of the work I did in the nuclear power Navy and subsequently at Merck biopharmaceuticals. But neither setting was my passion. That all changed after an early retirement from Merck. Helping people thrive with vision loss is my passion. And the scope includes people losing their vision, their caregivers, startups developing amazing new assistive technology, and employers that recognize the business benefit of employing people who are blind.
Artists with disabilities who rely on Medicaid-funded programs in California may lose access to critical services, as proposed budget cuts threaten support for creative and therapeutic outlets.
Anne Marie Jones, a 72-year-old wheelchair user, continues to travel the world solo, proving that age and mobility challenges don't have to hinder one's passion for exploration.
Philadelphia disability advocates are calling on the city to ensure full accessibility for upcoming 2026 events, including the FIFA World Cup and U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations.
Federal funding cuts under the Trump administration have deeply impacted early-career researchers, including those with disabilities, threatening their access to critical resources and mental health support.
With a federal web accessibility deadline looming, states like Arizona are identifying and fixing outdated website designs to comply with modern accessibility standards, aiming for more inclusive digital services.
The Adapt/Evolve exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Technology highlights over 60 accessible design objects that support people with disabilities, promoting empathy and innovation across disciplines.
Phoenix's Strategic Workgroup on Accessibility presented a final report showcasing improved mobility, aging-in-place initiatives, and community engagement technology, aligning with Mayor Kate Gallego's vision for an inclusive city.
A new study reveals that over half of viewers use subtitles when watching TV, with usage particularly high among certain generations, reshaping how audiences experience entertainment.
Jersey's annual diversity report highlights progress in disability inclusion from 2023-2024, including better accessible parking, digital services, and education and work opportunities, as well as the success of the Embrace Our Difference campaign.
Three Cedar Rapids middle schools were disqualified as early voting sites due to non-compliance with ADA standards, prompting officials to choose an alternative accessible location at Kennedy High School.
In this candid, forward-looking episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan welcomes longtime friend and mentor Larry L. Lewis, Jr., tracing his path from the “Olympic-sized pool” of CSUN 1998 to helping bring the BrailleNote to market at HumanWare, leading sales at Optelec, founding Flying Blind and publishing Top Tech Tidbits, shaping Section 508 mobile testing at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and now guiding a roughly forty-person accessibility team as Senior Lead Technologist at Booz Allen Hamilton. Larry explains how his dual grounding in English and blind rehabilitation forged a communication-first approach, recalls the breakthrough of internet browsing on the BrailleNote that unlocked Bookshare and NLS for readers, and revisits personal moments, from teaching Donna her first iPhone to opening professional doors, that anchor their decades-long mentorship.
This investigation uncovers a significant issue within the Veterans Affairs system regarding fraudulent disability claims. It highlights systematic weaknesses that allow manipulation of the application process, potentially affecting the benefits of veterans.
Greyson Freed, a 19-year-old with Friedreich's ataxia, launched a business to promote accessibility awareness and address physical challenges faced by people with disabilities in everyday environments.
A report by Transreport found that over 50% of disabled people in the UK avoid live music events due to accessibility challenges, with many feeling unwelcome and believing venues are not adequately equipped to meet their needs.
While AI tools like text-to-speech benefit individuals with disabilities, institutional AI hiring tools risk reinforcing exclusion by filtering out candidates with non-standard speech or facial features, raising concerns about bias and fair access to employment.
The article explores the implications of the age threshold for disability benefits within the Social Security system. It highlights how changes could affect those with disabilities as they navigate financial support and employment opportunities, emphasizing the need for policy review.
Ahead of local elections, Lansing disability advocates hosted a forum to explore improvements in city accessibility, aiming to foster greater inclusion and community engagement for Michigan's 2.3 million adults with disabilities.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority approved a new accessible bridleway between Garsdale Station and Hawes along a disused railway, despite opposition from some landowners, promoting inclusive access for walkers, wheelchair users, and cyclists.
Stittsville's Treat Accessibly Halloween Village returned to offer a barrier-free trick-or-treating experience, drawing around 2,000 participants and emphasizing inclusive celebration for children with disabilities and their families.
Thousands of parents fear the rollback of disability protections in schools as the Trump administration cuts resources from the Education Department's civil rights office, potentially jeopardizing services for students like autistic twins Devon and Danielle Price.
Universal Orlando revised its accessibility guidelines following a tragic death, now requiring guests using mobility devices to walk independently for several major rides previously listed as accessible with wheelchair transfers.
After more than a decade without elevators following a $22 million renovation, the Middletown Road subway station in the North Bronx is finally set to become ADA compliant by fall 2027, following a federal lawsuit against the MTA.
The Dot Experience from the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville has entered its final construction phase, aiming to become the most accessible museum in the world by its planned opening in October 2026.
After experiencing a stroke at age 33, Lillian Angelle transformed her recovery into advocacy by creating an accessibility guide for music venues to help others with disabilities navigate Austin's entertainment scene.
Born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition affecting her arms and hands, one woman uses 3D printing to create custom adaptive tools, including devices to help care for her daughter with diabetes.
Liverpool City Region's £500 million new train fleet received a national award for best practice in diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility, thanks to a collaborative design process with disability groups that ensures level boarding and step-free access across the network.
In this deeply practical and compassionate episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan sits down with productivity catalyst and inclusivity advocate Clare Kumar to explore how inclusion and performance rise together when we design “hospitable containers” for work and life. Clare traces her journey through chronic illness and an autism diagnosis to the insight that “productivity is personal,” unpacks her Productivity CPR framework, and introduces “neurological safety” as the conditions that let our nervous systems relax so we can contribute at our best. The conversation gets concrete fast: negotiating shared home spaces, using close-miked headsets to curb noise, and taming light with warmer tones and screen dimming, all toward values-aligned, sustainable focus. Donna and Clare also chart the evolution of the Happy Space® Podcast from “where productivity meets inclusivity” to “where inclusion meets design,” underscoring why agendas, movement options, and participant agency are simple design choices that change how meetings feel.
Saanich council's resolution NR41 urges the B.C. government to adopt enhanced accessibility standards from CSA Group and Accessibility Standards Canada into the provincial building code, aiming for RHFAC Gold certification on all new government buildings.
A class action lawsuit against Fashion Nova concluded with a settlement of $5.15 million due to website accessibility barriers faced by blind users. Individuals who experienced difficulties accessing the site can file claims for up to $4,000 by October 20, 2025, with any remaining funds allocated to the American Foundation of the Blind.
In this illuminating episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan welcomes longtime mentor and accessibility leader Denis Boudreau for a wide-ranging conversation about how he “accidentally” found his calling. Denis traces his path from early-2000s web development to discovering W3C accessibility guidelines, then defining “inclusive communication” with a deliberate focus on disability, visible and invisible. He unpacks who gets left out when we design by assumption, explaining why accessibility benefits a far larger slice of the population than many leaders realize, from older adults to neurodivergent colleagues and people with color-vision differences.
Here Dr. Kirk Adams frames disability inclusion as a hiring advantage powered by one national door and local execution. He spotlights CSAVR's National Employment Team (NET), led by Kathleen West-Evans, as a single gateway into every state and territorial public VR agency, with TAP (the Talent Acquisition Portal) and on-the-ground VR specialists turning postings into interviews, OJT, accommodations, and retention. The article walks leaders through why inclusion breaks at the national-to-local seam, how the NET's “one company” model fixes it, and where the ROI shows up—shorter time-to-fill, stronger 90/180-day retention, and reduced compliance risk. Case patterns from Hyatt (1,000+ trainees), Microsoft (dozens of hires), CVS Health (hundreds of hires), and Kwik Trip (300+ hires across 600+ stores) demonstrate repeatable designs: employer-built curricula, alternative assessments, role redesign, and national agreements executed locally.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this two-day, expert-led online program from WebAIM, participants will learn essential and advanced web accessibility practices to ensure compliance with international guidelines and legal requirements. Designed for developers, designers, and accessibility professionals, the training covers WCAG principles, assistive technology use, inclusive design for various disabilities, evaluation techniques, and offers a complimentary document accessibility course.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this free webinar from Freedom Scientific, Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan demonstrate how to use Microsoft Editor in Word with JAWS to proof documents more effectively. Topics include accessing Editor with keyboard commands, reviewing and selecting suggested edits, and improving writing clarity and conciseness.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Learn the basics of structuring PowerPoint for accessibility, adding alternate text (especially for complex images like flowcharts), and best practices for screen reader compatibility.
In this conversation, Birdability's Jayme Boucher and Dr. Rachel Zoffness explore how chronic pain intersects with birding, and how scientific insight can help people live more connected, flourishing lives.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this monthly career webinar from The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., job seekers who are blind, low vision, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities will explore how platforms like EdX and Udemy can help close skill gaps and earn certifications across industries. Topics include writing, communication, interpersonal development, artificial intelligence, marketing, and project management.
Birdability Captains working in conservation will share stories, challenges, and successes in making outdoor spaces more accessible and inclusive for disabled visitors and colleagues.
This webinar reviews car birding techniques, useful equipment and software, and examples from Rhode Island and other states to help participants take their car-birding to the next level.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this exclusive webinar, Vispero and HumanWare showcase how Monarch and JAWS together unlock new possibilities for multiline and split braille, enhancing education, productivity, and independence. The session highlights intuitive navigation with multiline cursor routing and the seamless integration between JAWS and Monarch for braille users at every level.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Explore JAWS help tools such as Keyboard Help, Screen Sensitive Help, and other resources for beginners. Interactive session with Q&A.
Birdability's founder and geographically diverse Captains will discuss how to make birding accessible from a wheelchair, share barriers they've faced, and highlight creative solutions for inclusive participation.
This workshop raises awareness of social risks in outdoor fieldwork faced by marginalized individuals and offers strategies for creating safer, more inclusive field environments.
Organizers and participants in the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon will share stories of inclusion, community, and the impact of birding while blind, and discuss plans for future events.
Birdability Captains Emily Nichols and Cassandra Dean lead a one-hour journaling session, offering prompts and accessible tools so participants of all abilities can connect with nature through journaling.
Dexter Patterson (the Wisco Birder) leads a keynote celebrating the connections, joy, and shared belonging that birding can foster among diverse participants.
Join the Birdability community to celebrate the week, share participant submissions, and announce winners of the Birdability Week Photo & Video Contest.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Focused on desktop screen reader testing using JAWS and NVDA with Chrome on Windows 11. Covers navigation, form labeling, error handling, and accessibility barriers. Mapped to WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
12:30 PM PT, 1:30 PM MT, 2:30 PM CT, 3:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM GMT
Hosted by the Small Business Hub at National Disability Institute, this fully virtual, national convening empowers entrepreneurs with disabilities through sessions on leveraging AI, financial health, marketing, and accessible business growth. The free two-day event features expert panels and practical resources to help business owners seize opportunities and overcome challenges.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Covers mobile testing challenges, including use of VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android). Learn gestures, navigation, testing touch targets, and reflow issues.
Led by Paralympian and accessibility trailblazer Mike May, the Blind Travel Summit at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin features interactive, solutions-focused sessions designed to foster real connection among blind travelers, tech users, and advocates. Each session combines concise presentations with facilitated discussions to co-create better travel solutions.
Doppler Labs offers audiologist-grade hearing aids and a patented at-home fitting platform designed to deliver fast, accessible hearing care at scale. The Netcapital raise aims to fund expansion, production, and a nonprofit arm targeting underserved regions, with clinical trials completed and pricing locked in for sustainable impact and global reach.
12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
The International Neurology Conference 2025 is a flagship hybrid event hosted by PubScholars Group on November 15-16, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando (5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL) and streamed online.
The conference explores "Mind-Brain Connection: Understanding Neuroscience through Mental Health," aiming to integrate cutting-edge science with clinical relevance. Who Should Attend: Neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, psychologists, rehabilitation professionals, engineers, industry leaders, students, and allied health practitioners. Important Dates & times: Abstract Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025. Registration Deadline: September 30, 2025. Event Timing: November 15, 2025 (8 AM start) - November 16, 2025 (6 PM close). Format: Hybrid Event (In-person & Virtual.) Contact Person: Richard A. Email: info@pubscholars.org 📧️. Phone: +91 7042134266 📱️. Venue: Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA.
10 AM PT, 11 AM MT, 12 PM CT, 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT
Presentation on OCR technology for the visually impaired. Open to all participants; TVIs can earn ACVREP continuing education credit.
Sight Tech Global returns for its sixth year as a free, virtual conference spotlighting how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping assistive tech and accessibility worldwide. Featuring expert panels, demos, and discussions with leaders from Google, Meta, and Microsoft, the conference explores innovations that empower independence and drive digital equity.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this in-person showcase hosted by Helen Keller Services, assistive technology vendors, innovators, and users come together for a day of interactive demonstrations, in-depth discussions, and community connection focused on advancing access and independence for the blind, DeafBlind, and low vision communities.
Learn the basics of NVDA. From getting started with the program to customizing the speech to learning helpful shortcuts, Hadley's workshops have you covered.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs.
About: The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities.
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who "get it." And you don't need to come to Hadley. Hadley's help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail.
Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 70,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 200,000 workshop interactions. And our workshops have 98% satisfaction ratings. We reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.
About: This half-hour weekly podcast and radio program discusses products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across North America, via several internet streaming services, and to everyone else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries on all the inhabited continents. Eyes On Success is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey.
Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people's accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to achieve things. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and others. In all cases, the focus is on success.
Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was ViewPoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.
Listening To Eyes On Success
You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying “play the Eyes On Success podcast”, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).
Connecting with Eyes On Success
Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net 📧️.
Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic "announcements only" list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️.
Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you've heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
As the United States finishes celebrating Independence Day, regular attendees of the summer blindness conventions will prepare to begin activities centered around independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. IN light of this, we at Pneuma Solutions are lighting our own fireworks over a very unique and never-before-seen level of independence in the field of remote desktop access!
To a technician or trainer who is blind, nothing says independence quite like performing a remote session with a sighted end user's computer, regardless of platform, and being able to fully use it, despite the lack of an installed screen reader. Our Remote Incident Manager is the world's first application that allows this to happen. As such, To celebrate this exciting level of independence, we are proud to offer unlimited access to Remote Incident Manager for the next 14 days, completely free of charge!
About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?
Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.
My Mom lost her sight to age-related macular degeneration in the early 1990's at a time when no treatments were available to slow or halt AMD's progression. We moved her from Ft. Myers, Florida to the Philly suburbs, near our home.
It was clearly a major adjustment for her but as someone who had no experience with someone who was blind, it was also a transition for me. Before it was all done, my mom learned to thrive with vision loss. She traveled outside the country for the first time in her life and it was after she lost her (central) vision. She also became a speaker for the Montgomery County Association for the Blind, the organization that helped restore her independence. Lastly, she became a confident user of Philly's public transportation systems.
About: The Blind Guide is passionate about helping people thrive with vision loss. My website includes many resources for people losing their vision and their caregivers. Register for my weekly blog post or read one or more of my eBook series, which cover the initial vision loss journey through education, entertainment, and home modifications.
Assistive technology is a key enabler of thriving with blindness. I've worked with emerging technologies to make everyday life more accessible and enjoyable, enabling independent travel, better access to sporting events, your inner musician, and so much more.
My ecosystem also includes resources for jobseekers and employers. The list of jobs someone who is blind cannot do is much shorter than the list of jobs they can do. Ask me about employment programs from cybersecurity to talent sourcing.
For employers, I can connect you with a hidden market of exceptional, resilient talent: people who are blind plus veterans and military spouses.
Able News at The Viscardi Center is a monthly periodical for, by, and about people with disabilities. It amplifies the perspective of a diverse disability community and reports on news, technology, sports, health and wellness, culture, travel, advocacy and opportunities to learn and connect. Visit Ablenews.com to sign up to receive Able News in your inbox monthly. Advertising opportunities in the digital edition and on the website are also available.
About:Able News at The Viscardi Center is a monthly periodical for, by, and about people with disabilities. It amplifies the perspective of a diverse disability community and reports on news, technology, sports, health and wellness, culture, travel, advocacy and opportunities to learn and connect. It is a valuable resource and brings readers disability news like no other source.
The BrailleDoodle is a groundbreaking, affordable, two-sided tablet designed to empower individuals of all ages and skill levels with Braille literacy and tactile exploration. One side is dedicated to Braille learning, featuring practice spaces for letters, numbers, and words, making it perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their skills. The other side offers a tactile refreshable surface, ideal for creating art, exploring STEM concepts like math and graphing, and expressing creativity in limitless ways.
With its easy-to-use magnetic stylus, users can write and create tactile designs, feel their progress as they go, and erase effortlessly, making learning and creativity interactive and engaging. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or individual learner, the BrailleDoodle is a versatile tool that combines education, creativity, and fun. Priced at just $149.00 USD, it is an affordable solution to enhance accessibility and opportunity for blind and low-vision individuals. Order now and take the first step in transforming education and creativity! Visit A.T. Guys today to learn more.
About: The TouchPad Pro Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals through Braille literacy, STEM, and art education.
Founded by educators and innovators passionate about accessibility, TPPF strives to address the critical gaps in resources and tools for the visually impaired community. With a mission to promote equality and unleash human potential, the foundation provides innovative solutions that make education inclusive, engaging, and affordable.
Their initiatives include offering free devices to under-served communities and providing training to maximize the impact of their groundbreaking tools.
At the heart of their mission is the BrailleDoodle, a dual-sided, tactile learning tablet designed to make education and creativity accessible to all.
One side focuses on Braille literacy, offering interactive learning spaces for letters, numbers, and words, while the other provides a refreshable surface for tactile drawing, STEM exploration, and artistic expression.
Affordable and versatile, the BrailleDoodle empowers individuals of all ages and skill levels to develop essential literacy and creative skills.
By fostering independence and encouraging innovation, TPPF and the BrailleDoodle are transforming the lives of blind and low-vision learners worldwide.
Accessible Web is on a mission to help eliminate online barriers and make the digital space more inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability. Our accessibility testing software, RAMP, allows organizations of any size to discover, understand, and remediate barriers. We offer tools to integrate with existing sites and workflows so businesses with a digital presence can start making their sites more accessible quickly.
Plans start at $49 a month. Plus, we have a 14-day free trial with no credit card needed. We believe any organization can start making progress with Accessible Web RAMP.
About: At Accessible Web, our mission is to make the internet accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
We offer a comprehensive suite of accessibility testing software tools and educational resources to help organizations achieve and maintain web accessibility in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and comply with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
➜︎ Services:
⚫️ WCAG Audits: Our certified specialists conduct thorough analyses of websites and applications, identifying accessibility issues and providing detailed recommendations for remediation.
⚫️ VPAT Preparation: We prepare Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), offering industry-standard reports that demonstrate a product's accessibility compliance, which can be crucial for sales and contractual obligations.
⚫️ Accessibility Testing: Our team of individuals with disabilities tests websites and web applications using assistive technologies, providing actionable feedback to enhance user experience and accessibility.
⚫️ Remediation Support: Our certified specialists offer coaching and support to assist organizations in implementing accessibility improvements effectively, ensuring that digital assets meet accessibility standards.
⚫️ Accessibility Certification: Through a comprehensive process of auditing, remediation, and verification, we provide WCAG certifications that validate a company's conformance and commitment to accessibility best practices.
➜︎ Tools:
⚫️ Accessible Web RAMP:Our digital accessibility platform that enables teams to discover, monitor, and remediate web accessibility violations. RAMP offers continuous monitoring, prioritized workflows, and progress reporting to facilitate ongoing compliance efforts.
⚫️ Accessible Web Helper Extension: An accessibility browser extension that allows users to scan web pages, highlight accessibility violations, and check color contrast ratios directly from their browser, streamlining the auditing process.
➜︎ Education:
⚫️ Accessible Web Academy: We offer self-guided online courses tailored to various organizational roles, promoting a culture of inclusivity and equipping teams with the knowledge to implement accessible design from the outset.
⚫️ Knowledge Base and Blog: Our resources include articles on assistive technologies, remediation tutorials, and answers to common web accessibility questions, supporting continuous learning and awareness. We host webinars most Thursdays on various accessibility topics.
We emphasize a proactive approach to web accessibility, advocating for integrating accessible design principles early in the development process to enhance user experience, attract new customers, and mitigate legal risks associated with non-compliance.
For more information or to explore our services and resources, visit our website.
About: Magnifiers & More, established in 2002 by Deborah Kogler, is Northeast Ohio's only retail store dedicated to providing products and consultations for individuals with low vision, blindness, and vision disabilities. With over forty years of experience in eye care, Deborah founded the company to create a one-stop shop for vision aids, including specialized tools for managing conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
The store offers a wide range of over seventy-five magnifiers, talking items, large print products, special lights, electronic aids, Braille items, glare control solutions and More.
A key figure in the company's story is Murphy, Deborah's Golden Retriever and original CEO, "Canine Executive Officer," who was the store's mascot and greeter for 15 years. Today, Jeffrey, another Golden Retriever trained as a service dog, serves as the CFO, "Canine Fun Officer," delighting customers and supporting Deborah.
Deborah's journey into vision rehabilitation was inspired by her grandmother's experience with macular degeneration, sparking her passion to make vision aids accessible. She continues to advocate for and educate those living with vision disabilities, both locally and internationally.
Magnifiers & More is committed to helping people improve their quality of life through practical solutions and compassionate support.
Shopping online can be hard if you're blind, visually impaired, or not tech-savvy. That's why Innosearch AI created Shop by Phone — a 100% free, voice-only service.
Just call and say what you need:
👉 “Find me a phone charger.”
👉 “Add it to my cart.”
👉 “Check out.”
No apps, no websites — just easy, hands-free shopping from over 500,000 stores.
✔ Free to use
✔ Works anywhere, anytime
✔ Perfect for seniors, blind, and low-vision users
About: Innosearch is an all-in-one shopping platform augmented with a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping assistant. This innovative feature mimics the experience of shopping in real life by allowing you to interact with the assistant using natural language. It aggregates millions of products from top US online retailers, bringing them directly to you. With this advanced generative AI, Innosearch offers personalized product recommendations, highlights the best deals, and provides comprehensive information including reviews, total prices, shipping options, and more. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers.
Key Features: Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:
➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.
➜ Uncover the Best Deals: Never miss a door buster, coupon, or clearance sale again. Get notified about the best prices and offers.
➜ AI Summarized Trusted Reviews: See what others are saying and make confident purchases.
➜ All in One: Innosearch brings millions of products from top online retailers directly to you, allowing you to shop the best deals with easy checkout and personalized AI assistance.
➜ Shop with Confidence: Rest assured, Innosearch has you covered with free shipping and returns on every purchase.
➜ Know Before You Buy: Innosearch equips you with expert buying guides, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
About: Aira's mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting.
We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone's device of 'choice', a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera's view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating - just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables.
Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free. https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/
Step One:Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time.
Step Two:Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works.
Step Three:Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it.
About:Dr. Kirk Adams is a visionary leader, transformative speaker, and lifelong advocate for disability inclusion. With over three decades of experience in advancing accessibility and creating opportunities for individuals who are blind or low-vision, Dr. Adams has become a powerful force for change in the areas of leadership, accessibility, and inclusion. His journey — from navigating vision loss as a young child to becoming a recognized thought leader in disability empowerment — uniquely equips him to help organizations understand, integrate, and champion inclusive practices that benefit all.
Dr. Adams is a highly sought-after speaker, known for his engaging and thought-provoking keynotes on disability inclusion, accessible leadership, and the power of resilience. He has spoken at numerous national and international conferences, including corporate seminars, public policy forums, and industry events, where his personal story and professional insights have inspired leaders to rethink their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His passion lies in empowering organizations to create environments where every individual — regardless of ability — can thrive.
As a speaker, Dr. Adams brings authenticity, warmth, and a depth of experience that resonates with audiences from all backgrounds. He understands that true leadership is about more than just policy; it's about creating cultural shifts that value each person's unique contributions. Whether he is addressing a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit, or a community group, Dr. Adams' message is clear: inclusion benefits everyone, and together we can build a world where opportunity is accessible to all.
Dr. Adams currently resides in Seattle, Washington, where he continues his advocacy work, builds strategic partnerships, and enjoys life with his family. He is proud to be a part of the movement towards a more inclusive future — one conversation at a time.
Barrier Free Canada — Canada sans Barrières is proud to announce a bold new strategic investment aimed at advancing accessibility and inclusion in Canada's workforce. This initiative supports innovative training, education, and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, helping to eliminate systemic barriers and foster a more equitable labor market. By partnering with key stakeholders across sectors, the investment will drive meaningful change, preparing a diverse and inclusive workforce to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This milestone reflects Barrier Free Canada's ongoing commitment to building a barrier-free nation where everyone can thrive and contribute fully to society.
About: Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrieres (BFC/CSB) advocates for the Canadian Parliament to enact a strong and effective Canadians with Disabilities Act (CDA) to achieve a barrier-free Canada for all persons with disabilities.
To this end, BFC/CSB is seeking endorsements from national disability organizations to build a non-partisan community coalition. BFC/CSB would also like to identify point persons from these organizations to act as key contacts.
The steering committee of BFC/CSB has drafted a set of principles concerning a CDA that are drawn from the principles that underpin the provincial disability legislation in Ontario and Manitoba. A CDA is not meant to replace provincial disability legislation. It will complement such legislation and benefit Canadians living in provinces with and without provincial disability legislation. At this point in time, CNIB, March of Dimes Canada, Canadian Hearing Society and MS Society of Canada have endorsed the BFC/CSB principles and confirmed their support for the movement to enact a CDA. There is no individual or organizational charge for membership in BFC/CSB.
Please contact Donna Jodhan, Founder of Barrier-Free Canada, at info@barrierfreecanada.org 📧️ with any questions or to express your organization's support and identify a key contact.
About: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 41,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here.
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In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
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In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News John also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and low-vision persons.
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In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and runs her own advocacy foundation.
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News David also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present) Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
IIn addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Vicki also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Vicki Walton
Editor (2024-Present) Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 41,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here. Access Information refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Access Information News is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.
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Article abstracts are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular article brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
