1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
A wave of ADA lawsuits targeting Central Florida businesses has sparked debate over accessibility standards and the financial strain of compliance, with many owners opting to settle rather than risk costly court battles.
Elite universities are reporting record numbers of students receiving disability accommodations such as extended exam time and classroom assistance, raising questions about fairness, academic standards, and potential system abuse.
Delving into the financial and emotional burdens of caregiving for children with disabilities, Evan, Mike, and Isaac reveal the often unseen costs that families endure. The discussion highlights the immense financial investments, emotional challenges, and systemic barriers that caregivers face in pursuit of basic support.
Navigate the complexities of love and relationships as a visually impaired individual. Cory and his wife share personal stories that highlight the importance of connection, understanding, and the journey of dating with a disability.
In this uplifting episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan sits down with Carol Trapani to explore the “why” behind ConnectAlt, a community-driven, fully accessible hub designed to help blind and low-vision people quickly find events, programs, and resources in one place. Carol shares how the idea grew out of her family's lived experience as the mother of Lucy (born blind and determined to do everything), and the frustration of having to hunt across countless separate calendars and websites, an insight validated through extensive conversations with the community. She also describes the platform's early momentum, including its launch at the National Federation of the Blind convention in New Orleans, where strong sign-ups and real stories of connection underscored just how needed this kind of central resource is.
December 22, 2025 📅️
It's official. Membership in the PWD Media Co-op is now a Sponsor benefit. Learn more today.
December 20, 2025 📅️
In this encore episode, Pastor Scott Himel, who himself has low vision, shares practical tips for participating in religious services, no matter your level of vision.
December 19, 2025 📅️
An examination of how a recent children's movie prioritized accessibility features, shedding light on the broader implications for media representation. This case prompts a discussion on why the industry has lagged behind in making inclusive content for all audiences.
Hosts Allen Preston and Sylvia Stinson-Perez welcome Chef Riq from Unseen Cuisine to showcase the delicious preparation of Bronx Street Shish Kabobs. Sylvia and Erica Sanchez-Kress provide swift and festive tips to enhance your holiday culinary celebrations.
Here, Donna Jodhan reflects on how "being social" has increasingly been replaced by "being social online," arguing that while social media can connect us across distance, it often displaces the warmth and emotional nourishment of face-to-face time, shared space, spontaneous laughter, hugs, and the empathy that's harder to sustain behind screens. She notes that virtual socialising can fuel loneliness, shorten attention spans, and intensify comparison and anxiety as self-worth becomes tied to likes and notifications, even as these platforms also offer real benefits like self-expression and community mobilization. For seniors and persons with disabilities, she emphasizes a more nuanced reality: social media can be liberating by reducing barriers and isolation, but it can also deepen disconnection when it replaces real-world contact or when accessibility and tech intimidation get in the way. Her conclusion is a call for balance, treat social media as a bridge rather than a wall, remembering that "likes" aren't love and "followers" aren't friends, and building an inclusive world where accessible digital spaces complement, not substitute for, genuine human connection.
December 18, 2025 📅️
The Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI) announces two major leadership additions: Dr. Kirk Adams has joined as Executive Director, and Dr. Joseph Marth has joined the Board. Framing these appointments as the "spark" for what comes next, ISDI positions this moment as the start of a larger push to protect and expand justice, access, and opportunity across sectors.
The Society for Human Resource Management faces a lawsuit from a job applicant with Type 1 diabetes who alleges ADA violations after being denied accommodation to have her service dog at work for medical safety reasons.
In this deeply moving episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams speaks with Sheldon Guy, Director of Women's Athletics with Improve Her Game and, by his account, one of the only blind basketball coaches, about the sudden, life-altering loss of his vision and the raw, real-time process of rebuilding a life. Sheldon recounts how quickly his world shifted, the heartbreak of what that meant for his son, and the moment he reached a breaking point, only to find a reason to keep going through messages of love and belief from his son and the players he coached. From there, he made a conscious decision to “pivot,” return to the gym, and keep his commitments, launching a story of resilience that later drew major media attention and led to documentary coverage of his journey.
Sharon O'Shea recounts her inspirational journey through blindness and the therapeutic role cooking played in her transition. With resilience and creativity, she shares her delightful recipe for a Bavarian Pear Tart, encouraging others facing similar challenges to embrace their capabilities.
Disabled travelers describe the uneven accessibility experiences they face in hotels across the U.S., praising ADA-driven progress while calling for more thoughtful, consistent design that genuinely accommodates diverse mobility needs.
Canada's Chief Accessibility Officer, Stephanie Cadieux, outlined progress and challenges in making air travel more inclusive. Her recent commentary highlights ongoing efforts among airlines and transport agencies to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities across the country.
December 17, 2025 📅️
Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano made history by being the first Social Security Administration Commissioner to visit the National Federation of the Blind's headquarters. The meeting focused on how the SSA can enhance its support for the blind community, emphasizing employment opportunities and improving service accessibility.
The article reflects on the precarious position of a Black journalist in the era of diminishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. It examines the challenges faced in the industry as DEI initiatives decline, looking at how this impacts Black professionals and the broader implications for corporate America.
The White Mountain Fair and Rodeo's Exceptional Kids Rodeo offers children with special needs a hands-on rodeo experience, thanks to organizer Aletha “Shine” Burnette's efforts to make the event inclusive and community-driven.
A viral TikTok by influencers Shane and Hannah Burcaw praised Miami University's foot-operated elevators, highlighting accessibility innovations championed by the school's disability services director, Dan Darkow.
BDO Canada has expanded its diversity, equity and inclusion framework to formally include accessibility, rebranding it as DEIA. The firm's move reflects Canada's growing accessibility legislation and a nationwide shift toward integrating inclusion requirements into workplace and client practices.
December 16, 2025 📅️
Editor (Dr. Kirk Adams): I'm sharing an unforgettable episode of Unblinded with Sean Callagy featuring Mike Tyson: 'Discipline, Power, and the Cost of Greatness.' Before you press play, a word about Sean. I met Sean in January of 2019. We talked for five hours in his law offices in Paramus, New Jersey and committed to providing each other with active mutual support as we both sought to make the world a better place, with an emphasis on addressing the chronic employment issues encountered by people who are blind. In the summer of 2019, Sean made a $100,000 pledge to match gifts to the American Foundation for the Blind from lapsed donors. We raised the $100,000 and Sean matched. He was then recruited to join the AFB Board, where he was a dynamic force, instrumental in bringing in over $5,000,000 in additional donations. Sean shows up with heart, integrity, and action, and I'm grateful for his leadership and friendship. Now, the episode: this conversation with Mike Tyson goes far beyond boxing. It's about fear, discipline, mentorship, and the thin line between destruction and greatness, especially when the right guide disappears at the wrong time.
An incredible tale unfolds as a guide dog plays a pivotal role in saving a blind man's life during the tragic events of 9/11. Personal insights from a fellow guide dog user add depth to this remarkable story of courage and devotion.
The Xavier Society for the Blind marks its 125th anniversary with a Mass celebrating its mission to provide blind Catholics access to faith materials in braille, large print, and audio formats. Executive Director Malachy Fallon emphasizes the continuous need for accessibility, innovative partnerships, and the importance of braille literacy for intellectual development and equal opportunity.
Advocates warn that the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts and reassignments within the Justice Department could drastically reduce legal protections for Americans with disabilities, threatening decades of civil rights progress.
Pasadena's Accessibility and Disability Commission is reviewing event accessibility standards after a concertgoer's complaint revealed ADA compliance issues at a Chappell Roan concert, sparking a broader discussion on inclusive event practices.
At SYNC25, the world's first global accountability summit on disability inclusion, business leaders from over 25 countries gathered to focus on measurable action toward dismantling systemic barriers for disabled employees in the workplace.
Supplemental Security Income and Social Security beneficiaries will see payments rise by the end of December as an inflation-based cost-of-living adjustment raises the maximum SSI benefit to $994 per month.
Experts argue that emotional accessibility, not just policy, is the missing key to true neuroinclusive workplaces, urging leaders to address the deeper emotional experiences of neurodivergent employees to reduce burnout and improve retention.
Legally blind Air Force veteran Angela Woodard now works at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Accessible Media division, where she helps fellow veterans record their stories for the Library of Congress's Veterans History Project.
Focus Birmingham has created a sensory grotto designed for people with visual impairments and complex needs, offering calming lights, sounds, and textures. The initiative ensures an inclusive, safe environment where everyone can enjoy the magic of visiting Santa.
Football Supporters Europe criticized FIFA's ticketing structure for excluding disabled fans from affordable options at the 2026 World Cup. Accessibility tickets for national team fans are restricted to higher price categories, forcing many to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to attend matches.
December 15, 2025 📅️
Evan, Mike, and Isaac share their experiences of parenting children alongside a sibling with a disability, emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication within the family. They discuss how growing up in such an environment can shape emotional intelligence and resilience, turning perceived challenges into a profound connection that enriches family dynamics.
Angela Frederick's book 'Disabled Power' explores how Texas's 2021 winter storm exposed the vulnerabilities of disabled individuals reliant on electricity, revealing systemic inequities in disaster resilience.
A report highlights how restrictive voting laws and guardianship policies continue to disenfranchise disabled Americans, with new state laws limiting ballot assistance and proposals to restrict mail-in voting further compounding accessibility barriers.
Last Week 📅️
Tudor and Cashel Township council reviewed progress on its Accessibility Plan 2021-2025 and approved new updates extending the plan to 2030. Officials emphasized ongoing efforts to remove barriers and meet provincial requirements for accessible municipal services.
As more Americans retire earlier than planned due to disability, financial security is increasingly threatened, with many relying on limited savings and reduced Social Security benefits to sustain retirement.
Quemuel Arroyo, who uses a wheelchair, leads efforts to make New York City's subway system more accessible, drawing inspiration from his own daily commute challenges navigating limited elevator access.
Haben Girma's insightful keynote at the 2025 SHRM Linkage Institute highlights the pervasive issue of ableism in hiring practices, offering personal anecdotes that blend humor and critical lessons. As she empowers disabled job seekers to recognize their inherent value, Girma challenges organizations to foster inclusivity and invest in accessibility, ultimately enhancing workplace resilience and innovation.
The Trump administration argues in court that requiring American Sign Language interpreters at White House events would infringe on the president's control over his public image, reflecting broader efforts to roll back diversity and inclusion policies.
Milligan University's engineering students partnered with Go Baby Go Appalachia to adapt ride-on toys for children with disabilities, integrating custom controls to enhance accessibility and play opportunities.
A proposed New Hampshire bill would fund inclusive college programs for students with developmental disabilities, extending educational support and promoting accessibility at the university level starting in 2027.
Julie Taulman shares how her son's paralysis inspired her decades-long mission to expand adaptive outdoor sports programs, emphasizing continued progress toward inclusive recreation opportunities.
At the Cincinnati Art Museum, a team of designers is advancing accessibility in education and the arts through innovative technology that enhances engagement for people with disabilities.
Federal court filings reveal that Head Start programs were advised by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to remove nearly 200 terms, including 'disability,' 'Black,' and 'women,' from grant applications or risk funding denial, sparking lawsuits in multiple states.
A modified puck design is allowing visually impaired athletes to safely enjoy hockey, inspiring players like Long Island's Liam Gausman while making the sport more inclusive across the community.
Residents who rely on wheelchair-accessible taxis in Ottawa are reporting major improvements in wait times, thanks to a new city pilot project. The initiative has cut waits from up to two hours to less than 15 minutes, offering riders a faster, more reliable alternative to Para Transpo services.
Accessibility should not be an overwhelming challenge tackled by a small group of experts, but rather a shared responsibility among all team members involved in product development. By empowering designers, developers, product managers, and others to own their roles in accessibility, organizations can create lasting change without burnout, achieving continuous progress toward inclusive design.
Disability is frequently misunderstood, with many believing that all disabilities are visible or permanent. This article highlights common misconceptions, such as the idea that accessibility features are only for people with disabilities and the perception that all disabilities are socially driven challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in both design and business.
The author argues that true accessibility cannot be guaranteed for everyone due to varied human needs and contexts. Merely adhering to compliance standards like WCAG does not equate to actual usability for all users, emphasizing the importance of real-world user experience in accessibility efforts.
Lina Trifon, Senior Product Manager of Accessibility, shares strategies for developing sustainable accessibility programs that transition from awareness to integration using the W3C Accessibility Maturity Model. Key focuses include assessing organizational maturity, employing a dual-track strategy to manage accessibility efforts, and embedding accessibility practices into workflows.
The National Design Studio, part of Trump's digital service overhaul, faces criticism for its web projects that reportedly lack accessibility and could compromise personal data security. Experts warn that the emphasis on aesthetics may violate disability laws and expose sensitive information.
Rosa Parks' legacy continues to influence activists fighting for disability rights, demonstrating the ongoing struggles for access to public transportation. In a notable 1984 protest in Chicago, wheelchair-bound activists drew inspiration from Parks to demand accessible transit, further highlighting the intersection of civil rights and disability justice.
This update highlights a slow month in legal developments regarding web accessibility. A notable case from the Central District of California reaffirmed that federal courts are not obligated to consider Unruh claims alongside ADA claims, particularly for web accessibility cases.
Effective design must consider stressful situations and emergencies that users may face while interacting with digital products. This article provides practical guidelines for designing time-sensitive solutions that minimize cognitive load and enhance decision-making accuracy.
Sponsor Since: November 3, 2025 📅️
Website: https://thedrivenbypurposepodcast.com 🌐️
About: We're building more than a media company — we're cultivating a global movement where purpose drives progress.
What began as a mission to create employment for the 1 in 4 Americans living with disabilities has grown into a dynamic platform at the intersection of advocacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Our goal is simple: to amplify the voices, solutions, and stories that are driven by purpose.
At Driven by Purpose, we spotlight purpose-led businesses, breakthrough technologies, and human stories that challenge limits and redefine what's possible. From adaptive innovations to inspiring leaders, we explore how purpose fuels progress and unlocks potential.
But this isn't just about raising awareness — it's about taking action. Through powerful content, strategic partnerships, and accessible platforms, we're building bridges between those who need solutions and those creating them.
In the US, approximately one million people are blind and eight million are visually impaired. Significant numbers but doesn't really sound like the world's largest unmet disability, does it?
Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. Do you know the most staggering part of this statistic? For at least 1 billion of these individuals, their vision loss could have been prevented or has yet to be treated. Now those are some big numbers. And they qualify as the world's largest unmet disability.
Read to the end of the post to learn how to donate to this very worthy cause and reduce the incidence of treatable blindness.
Sponsor Since: October 6, 2025 📅️
Website: https://theblindguide.com 🌐️
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.
Sponsor Since: July 4, 2025 📅️
Website: https://ablenews.com 🌐️
Email: ablenews@viscardicenter.org 📧️
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.
Read Able News
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.
Sponsor Since: January 1, 2025 📅️
Website: https://touchpadprofoundation.org 🌐️
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.
For more information, visit the TouchPad Pro Foundation website.
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.
Sponsor Since: December 16, 2024 📅️
Website: https://accessibleweb.com 🌐️
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.
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Sponsor Since: October 25, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.magnifiersandmore.net 🌐️
Email: info@magnifiersandmore.net 📧️
Phone: (440) 946-3363 📱️
Fax: (440) 946-8899 📠️
Visit: 7775 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060, USA
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.
Sponsor Since: September 9, 2024 📅️
Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐️
Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/
Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️
Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📱️ | AU: +61.488.839.767 📱️ | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📱️
Email: support@aira.io 📧️
Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
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.
Sponsor Since: July 22, 2024 📅️
Website: https://drkirkadams.com 🌐️
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.
See how Donna J. Jodhan weaves 12 stories of how Santa Claus and his family and friends go about interacting with world leaders to bring Peace to the world. There is a lot more!
Santa and his coherts overcome evil forces to ensure that the tradition of Christmas is kept alive!
They are must listens to!
Sponsor Since: November 10, 2023 📅️
Website: https://barrierfreecanada.org/ 🌐️
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.
Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Mastodon (Search For: @news@mastodon.barrierfreecanada.org).
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.
Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023 📅️
Website: https://hadleyhelps.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@hadleyhelps.org 📧️
Phone: (800) 323-4238 📱️
Get Started: https://hadleyhelps.org/learn 🎓
What would you like to learn today?
Donate: https://hadleyhelps.org/donate/support-hadley ❤
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.
Hadley is a proud partner of the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program.
Hadley's help conveniently meets learners where they are. Free of wait lists. Free of office visits. Free of charge.
Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube
Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023 📅️
Website: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ 🌐️
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.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
Sponsor Since: December 1st 2022 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️
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.
Starting December 20th and going through January 2nd, 2026, Remote Incident Manager will be free for everyone to use. This is a great time for you and/or your organization to take Remote Incident Manager out for a test-drive and see what it has to offer.
Visit https://getrim.app, and download today!
Sponsor Since: November 7th 2022 📅️
Website: https://pneumasolutions.com/ 🌐️
Email Newsletter: Click here to receive periodic news via email concerning Pneuma Solutions products for business, consumers and education.
Sales: (866) 202-0520 📱️
Support: (650) 249-1000 📱️
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.
Sponsor Since: November 25, 2025 📅️
Website: https://hdvspeaks.org 🌐️
About: Hector Del Valle, MSW, is a bilingual speaker, author, advocate, and certified charitable gifting real estate specialist who has turned more than four decades of life with a spinal cord injury into a mission of hope and empowerment. Paralyzed at 17 and having faced addiction, heartbreak, and cancer multiple times, Hector now uses his story, and his faith, to uplift people with disabilities, especially those who are newly injured, in major life transitions, or feeling stuck. Through his book 'Beyond the Chair: Thriving Through the Transition with God' and related resources, he helps individuals reclaim their purpose, build resilience, and see that their pain can become a powerful part of their calling.
HDV Speaks is Hector's speaking, coaching, and training platform where "faith meets action" to help individuals, organizations, and communities thrive through life's transitions. The organization offers a six-week Thriving Through the Transition course, one-on-one and group coaching, support-group memberships, faith-based workshops (including on disability, relationships, and advocacy), keynote speaking, and collaborative projects such as customized trainings and publishing or podcast partnerships.
You can engage with Hector by visiting HDVSpeaks.org to explore books, courses, services, and packages, or by using the site's contact form or phone number +1 (407) 907-3547 📱️ to inquire about coaching, workshops, speaking engagements, or strategic collaborations.
Sponsor Since: Today 📅️
Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/dearsponsor 🌐️
Phone: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
Email: news@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
About: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 42,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here. Review the most recent issues here.
Distribution Since: 2022
As of November 7, 2022 the distribution of Access Information News is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
Any time the Access Information News Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more about the benefits of Sponsorship today.
Publisher Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Email: publisher@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
Toll-Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Toll Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
PR Director (2024-Present)
AT-Newswire 🌐
Access Technology's Digital Newswire
Publisher (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Certified:
Digital Marketing Associate
Meta Certified (2022 - Present)
Social Marketing Professional
Hootsuite Certified (2020 - Present)
Email Marketing Professional
Constant Contact Certified (2019 - Present)
Specializing in:
Digital Strategy and Content Marketing
Social Media Advertising
Online Fundraising
ADA, WCAG and Section 508 Compliance
Editor Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Boulder, Colorado
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.
John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
John Hanlin, Esq.
Editor (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Board of Trustees (2006 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Editor Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
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.
Jenna also serves as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Jenna's son was born blind and she is always seeking new and innovative ways to empower him through technology.
Jenna Lang, PMP
Editor (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Project Management Professional (2022 - Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor Since: February 6, 2023
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.
David Woodbridge
X (Formerly Twitter): @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
Editor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Editor (2023-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
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.
Editor Since: January 9, 2024
Location: Benton City, WA
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
Editor (2024-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week's News in Access Information
Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges 🌐
Better Jobs, Brighter Futures, a Stronger Washington
