In this inspiring episode of Driven By Purpose, hosts Evan Rosenblum and Isaac Shapiro sit down with Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, to explore his remarkable journey from childhood blindness to national leadership. As the successor to Helen Keller's iconic organization, Dr. Adams shares how purpose, resilience, and inclusion can transform both lives and workplaces. We explore: How losing his sight at age five shaped Dr. Adams's resilience and leadership journey. Lessons from Helen Keller's legacy and the impact of the American Foundation for the Blind. Why hiring people with disabilities strengthens companies and culture. The mission behind Innovative Impact and how it's driving employment inclusion. How empathy, purpose, and high expectations empower communities to thrive.
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This article critiques the growing trend of 'disability creep' in elite universities, where rising numbers of students claim disability accommodations, raising questions about fairness and the true purpose of support systems in higher education.
In a candid and motivational conversation, Sugar Ray Leonard shares insights on self-belief, mental resilience, and the transformative journey from a bullied youth to a sports legend. Highlighting his struggles beyond the boxing ring, he emphasizes the importance of humility, faith, and the right support system for achieving a meaningful life.
In this inspiring episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams talks with Jerred Mace of OneCourt about how haptic technology can make live sports dramatically more accessible for blind and low-vision fans. Adams shares his own “hands-on” encounters with the OneCourt device, feeling the raised layout of a basketball court and the vibrations of a synced, fast-moving play, and later experiencing baseball through touch by sensing pitch location, ball flight, and baserunners in real time alongside the radio broadcast.
After losing her accessible home and equipment in the Eaton Fire, para athlete Katherine Beattie is rebuilding with an emphasis on accessibility, independence, and adaptive design.
Please join me in giving a warm access welcome to ISDI, who has so very graciously agreed to support the ongoing distribution of Access Information News via Sponsorship. If you enjoy reading Access Information News for free each week, it is sponsors like ISDI that make it possible. The Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion (ISDI) is a Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2015 to help individuals and organizations build the capability to create workplaces, and communities, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are real, practical, and sustainable. ISDI's work is grounded in evidence-based approaches and a long-term, systems-change mindset that goes beyond one-off trainings or performative efforts. As many of you reading this may be aware, one of our Editors, Dr. Kirk Adams, recently joined the ISDI as Executive Director. ISDI is best known for stewarding the Northwest Diversity Learning Series (NWDLS), a respected DEI education program with more than 26 years of impact, offering virtual workshops, special events, and learning cohorts that equip leaders, HR/DEI practitioners, and employees with actionable skills for inclusive leadership and healthy dialogue across difference. In addition, ISDI provides consulting and curated resources to help organizations strengthen strategy, leadership accountability, and measurable progress toward more inclusive and equitable cultures. Learn more today.
In this inspiring episode of Driven By Purpose, hosts Evan Rosenblum and Isaac Shapiro sit down with Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, to explore his remarkable journey from childhood blindness to national leadership. As the successor to Helen Keller's iconic organization, Dr. Adams shares how purpose, resilience, and inclusion can transform both lives and workplaces. We explore: How losing his sight at age five shaped Dr. Adams's resilience and leadership journey. Lessons from Helen Keller's legacy and the impact of the American Foundation for the Blind. Why hiring people with disabilities strengthens companies and culture. The mission behind Innovative Impact and how it's driving employment inclusion. How empathy, purpose, and high expectations empower communities to thrive.
Shopping can be a challenge after vision loss. Even online options can be difficult to navigate. That's why the team at Innosearch AI created their platform. This free service, designed specifically for people facing vision loss, makes it much easier to shop for a wide range of items, whether online or even over the phone.
Here Donna reflects on how modern life, dominated by technology, has distanced humanity from its connection with nature. She advocates for a balanced approach to life where individuals can unplug from devices and reconnect with the natural world to restore well-being and creativity.
Hosts Allen Preston and Sylvia Stinson Perez bring together an exciting lineup of Super Bowl snacks, featuring Erica Sanchez-Kress's HOT Spinach Artichoke dip and Gabriel Lopez-Kafati's Dry Chicken Fajita Enchiladas with Pico de Gallo. These recipes are perfect for any gathering, whether you're celebrating the Super Bowl or enjoying a casual get-together.
The Dolphin Computer Access Board announces the passing of Noel Duffy, a foundational leader in the Assistive Technology industry. Noel's work and advocacy significantly improved accessibility for vision-impaired individuals, leaving a lasting legacy.
In this candid episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams talks with John B. Grimes about the life-altering night in 1998 when, as a 19-year-old Texas Tech student, Grimes contracted meningococcal disease and woke up in the hospital days later blind, disoriented, and relearning basic functions, walking, talking, swallowing, while also navigating lasting neurological impacts. Grimes explains why he once called himself “ambiguously blind,” describes the role the Texas Commission for the Blind played in reopening his world (from accessible coursework to practical support), and reflects on the fear and grief he initially resisted, until later counseling helped him begin processing the change.
Disability advocates are joining forces with the LGBTQ+ community to protect trans individuals under disability discrimination laws, marking a major shift from historical divisions within the movement.
Montgomery native Dr. Edwin “Ed” Stone has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine and received the 2025 Helen Keller Award for Vision Research, honoring his groundbreaking contributions to blindness research and his lifelong dedication to advancing eye health.
Elon Musk announced that Neuralink's Blindsight implant is nearing its first human trial, designed to help people who are completely blind regain partial vision through brain signal stimulation, with resolution expected to improve over time.
A federal judge denied class certification in a lawsuit by retired NFL players alleging that the league's disability plans systematically denied benefits and concealed conflicts of interest, dealing a setback to efforts seeking justice for disabled athletes.
Nine states, led by Texas and Florida, filed a lawsuit challenging federal requirements that states fund community-based care under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, arguing the Biden administration's update imposes unconstitutional obligations.
New research from Michigan challenges the belief that charter schools harm students with disabilities, showing instead that these students experience improved academic outcomes and attendance after transferring from traditional public schools.
A federal policy change under the ABLE Age Adjustment Act expands eligibility for disability savings accounts, allowing more adults diagnosed later in life to save money without jeopardizing government benefits, promoting greater financial independence.
Advocates warn that cuts to federal education funding threaten civil rights protections under IDEA, weakening public schools' ability to provide equitable education and support for students with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has restructured the federal autism advisory committee, appointing vaccine skeptics and altering its direction, prompting concerns that science-based autism research priorities could be undermined.
In this wide-ranging episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan sits down with her longtime friend, mentor, and fellow “barrier buster” Robin East for a candid conversation about advocacy, law, and the lived reality of navigating inaccessible systems. East traces his path back to Saskatchewan, describing how he became legally blind in 1982 at age 22 and how the struggle to access basic information, like textbooks and timely research, sparked his lifelong push for equal access. From there, he reflects on his 2007 tenure as national president of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians and explains why he insisted on a “rights-holder” approach (not “stakeholders”), including coalition-building across blindness organizations and backing Jodhan's landmark Charter challenge on inaccessible federal websites, an outcome he says proved that systemic change can be forced when communities organize and persist.
Managing grief is required any time you experience a significant loss. Death is the obvious example, but other losses include job loss, serious illness, and onset of disabilities. I remain intrigued that grief can also be associated with happy events. The easiest one to explain is a major promotion. You are excited about the new possibilities and higher compensation. At the same time, there is a sense of a loss associated with a changing relationship with former colleagues and a job you knew well. This post was originally published in 2020. I am republishing with one major addition. I recently read some beautiful thoughts on grief from a high school friend who lost her spouse far too early. Keep her thoughts in mind as you read the rest of the post.
Deaf Virginians are advocating for a bill requiring open-captioned movie screenings statewide, citing ongoing frustrations with unreliable assistive captioning devices currently used in theaters.
A group of women with disabilities won a major legal victory against Michigan and Detroit authorities over accessibility violations, leading to promised improvements in public buildings and services.
Nine states, including Texas, have renewed efforts to challenge Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, threatening the rights of people with disabilities to live in community settings rather than institutions.
A new report highlights the compounded discrimination faced by women with disabilities across the EU, revealing higher rates of violence and systemic abuse. It calls for integrated gender and disability rights policies to combat exclusion and end harmful practices such as forced sterilization and institutional violence.
Molly Burke shares her personal experiences as a blind individual, highlighting the everyday behaviors of sighted people that can be frustrating for those with visual impairments. This candid discussion aims to foster understanding and empathy towards the challenges faced by the visually impaired community.
Chevy Chase engages in an enlightening conversation about his profound impact on comedy, sharing insights from his breakthrough moments on Saturday Night Live to his cinematic achievements. Reflecting on the essence of humor, he delves into the interplay between perspective, surprise, and the joy of making people laugh, offering a personal glimpse into his creative journey and lasting legacy.
A seasoned cook reflects on how living with a chronic illness reshaped her relationship with food and her body, teaching her patience and adaptability in both the kitchen and life.
Accessibility advocate Mark Raymond highlights both the progress and challenges of navigating New Orleans as a wheelchair user, balancing the city's historic charm with the need for functional, inclusive design.
Toronto's record snowfall has amplified accessibility challenges for people with disabilities. Advocates like David Lepofsky say icy sidewalks and unplowed pathways make navigation dangerous, underscoring ongoing failures to prioritize accessibility in the city's snow-removal efforts.
Research shows that mastering 'The Knowledge'—the exhaustive street-learning test for London taxi drivers—alters brain structure and enhances memory. Neuroscientists suggest this cognitive training may protect against degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Swedish researchers have developed a gene therapy that restores hearing in individuals born with OTOF-related congenital deafness. The treatment successfully improved auditory function in toddlers and young adults, offering a less invasive alternative to cochlear implants.
In a thoughtful exploration, the complexities surrounding personal responsibility and addiction come to light as comments suggest Hannah's role in Shane's alcoholism due to her physical assistance with his drinking. This vulnerable discussion aims to shift perspectives on support and accountability within relationships.
Isaac, Evan, and Mike delve deeper into the complexities of leading a purpose-driven business, focusing on building teams aligned with core values and scaling impact while remaining true to one's mission. This engaging conversation reveals essential insights about the balance between visibility and vulnerability, the importance of storytelling for creating trust, and strategies for keeping founders grounded through growth.
A social media post using a slur for people with intellectual disabilities sparked outrage, particularly because it came from a Justice Department official responsible for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, reigniting debates over respect and accountability.
A Montreal family has voiced concerns about inadequate air travel accessibility after struggling to find a suitable flight for wheelchair user Sammy Cavallaro. Despite their efforts, airlines failed to provide appropriate aircraft accommodations ahead of their planned trip to San Francisco for Super Bowl coverage.
Michael Coss, a B.C. man who uses a wheelchair after a brain injury, says venues like Rogers Arena fail to enforce rules protecting accessible seating. He claims that seats are often occupied by people who do not need them, limiting access for individuals with disabilities seeking inclusive recreational opportunities.
The UK government has indicated plans for stronger regulation to improve the availability of wheelchair-accessible taxis and private hire vehicles. Ministers acknowledged widespread shortages and promised to include accessibility standards in upcoming national taxi and private hire licensing reforms.
Guam officials commemorated over 50 years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, emphasizing its role in ensuring educational access and civil rights for all students, despite ongoing challenges with school accessibility.
The foodservice industry is rapidly adopting inclusive dining technology to enhance accessibility and customer experience, making features like digital menus, mobile ordering, and self-service kiosks essential for modern restaurant operations.
The Queensland government has confirmed it will maintain existing building accessibility requirements despite a recommendation from the state's productivity commission to opt out of national guidelines. The standards, introduced under the National Construction Code, mandate step-free entries, wider doors, and accessible toilets in new homes.
Technological tools such as AI-assisted communication, telehealth, and online communities can expand independence and agency for people with disabilities when inclusively designed and implemented, as highlighted by speakers at New America's “Bridging the Gaps in Disability Policy” event.
Ted and Carrie Tahquechi have developed tactile photography to allow visually impaired individuals to experience images by feeling their contours. This innovative approach combines 3-D printing with traditional photography to create art that can be appreciated by all, making exhibitions more inclusive.
Traveling internationally with a service dog involves navigating complex regulations, especially when returning to the U.S. or traveling to specific locations such as Hawaii. Detailed preparation, including necessary vaccinations and inspections, is crucial for compliance and to avoid unexpected costs, often referred to as a "disability tax.”
Organizations are increasingly treating regulatory compliance as optional, viewing fines and settlements as manageable business costs rather than accountability measures. This shift leads to systemic risks and repeated harm, while the focus remains on short-term profitability instead of long-term safety and responsibility.
This article examines the implications of using the numeronym a11y for accessibility, highlighting confusion caused by its pronunciation. It argues for maintaining clarity by using 'accessibility' in verbal communication while still endorsing a11y as a written abbreviation.
5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 1:00 AM GMT
Join Remarkable for a live online Ask Me Anything session about the Launcher Pre-Accelerator Program, which supports early-stage startups creating inclusive solutions that improve the lives of people with disability. Participants can learn about the 12-week program structure, eligibility criteria, and opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and community connection.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
Join the NOAT Conference for NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe, a three-day virtual event dedicated to advancing assistive technology education and integration. Held online via Zoom, this interactive experience includes live presentations, vendor demonstrations, and 1:1 networking opportunities designed to empower participants with innovative tools and strategies for inclusion.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH ConnectCenter for an informational webinar about Careers & Canine Connections, a weeklong program designed for blind and low-vision young adults ages 18 to 26 to explore career opportunities and the guide dog lifestyle.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Join Vispero presenters Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan for a practical session on using Claude to enhance writing and organization workflows with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. This training covers navigating Claude via keyboard, managing multiple prompts, streamlining workflows, and building repeatable processes for research and content creation. ACVREP credits are available for live attendees.
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
TUG is proud to welcome Elizabeth Whitaker of Freedom Scientific for an in depth presentation you will not want to miss. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices behind the tools so many rely on every day. Elizabeth will walk us through the newest updates to JAWS and ZoomText, including: The redesigned login process that streamlines access and improves security. Page Explorer, a powerful feature that enhances navigation and efficiency and training resources and podcasts that are available to all users, offering ongoing learning and support. This session promises practical insights, expert guidance, and a firsthand look at features that can make a real difference in daily technology use. This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge tools, ask questions, and connect with others passionate about technology and its impact.
Semi-finalists for the Blind Travel Foundation's 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant will be notified via email. Selected applicants will advance to the interview stage to discuss their travel project proposals in more detail.
Semi-finalist interviews will be held virtually between February 10 and February 21. Applicants should ensure availability for a 30-minute interview to discuss their proposed travel projects and answer committee questions.
The Illinois AER Conference gathers professionals supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Attendees will engage in workshops, presentations, and discussions focused on education, advocacy, and accessibility best practices.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this informative session from Maryland Libraries, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children highlights current trends in online child sexual exploitation and prevention, offering critical insights on issues such as online enticement, sextortion, and the influence of generative AI on child safety.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this live webinar from Allyant, experts outline six essential steps for ensuring accessibility in third-party product procurement. Attendees will learn about current compliance requirements, how to interpret VPATs, and best practices for accessible technology procurement. The session also includes guidance from Disability:IN's Procure Access toolkit to help organizations strengthen internal processes and meet accessibility standards.
The Launcher Pre-Accelerator Program from Remarkable, the venture arm of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, is a 12-week, part-time online program that helps founders test and validate ideas in disability, ageing, and health tech. Participants gain expert-led learning, strategic coaching, and connections to a global ecosystem of mentors and investors dedicated to inclusive innovation.
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this engaging webinar from the American Printing House, educators will discover the best math learning tools for students who are blind or low vision, explore how these resources align with national standards, and learn how to design targeted instructional plans to maximize student success and Federal Quota resources.
8:59 PM PT, 9:59 PM MT, 10:59 PM CT, 11:59 PM ET, 4:59 AM GMT
Deadline for semi-finalists to submit required materials for the next round of the Blind Travel Foundation's 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant. Ensure all documents and supplemental materials are complete before submission.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this Maryland Libraries presentation, NetSmartz provides parents, guardians, and community members with practical prevention tools and response strategies to help protect children from online risks and navigate digital safety challenges effectively.
Organized by the Arizona Technology Access Program, the AzTAP Conference delivers in-depth training and showcases innovation in assistive technology. It's an essential gathering for educators, service providers, and specialists seeking to expand their expertise.
Finalists for the 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant will be notified and invited to participate in interviews with the Application Committee. These interviews are the final stage before recipient selection.
The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim gathers accessibility professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the world. It offers cutting-edge presentations, product showcases, and insights into inclusive technology solutions.
Finalist interviews will take place between March 10 and March 20 with the Application Committee. Candidates will discuss their proposed travel projects and demonstrate alignment with the foundation's mission to support accessible travel for the blind and visually impaired.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Hosted by Professor Samuel J. Levine, this two-day hybrid conference from Touro Law brings together judges, lawyers, advocates, scholars, and community leaders to explore how disability rights and inclusion intersect with law, culture, faith, and policy. Attendees can participate in person or online to engage in sessions on employment, education, justice, neurodiversity, and accessibility, with up to 13.5 CLE credits available for full participation.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Hosted by Professor Samuel J. Levine, this two-day hybrid conference from Touro Law brings together judges, lawyers, advocates, scholars, and community leaders to explore how disability rights and inclusion intersect with law, culture, faith, and policy. Attendees can participate in person or online to engage in sessions on employment, education, justice, neurodiversity, and accessibility, with up to 13.5 CLE credits available for full participation.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year's program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.
12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year's program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.
Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.
Join The GAAD Foundation on May 21, 2026, for the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a worldwide initiative designed to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion for more than one billion people with disabilities. The day encourages individuals, organizations, and developers to explore how technology can be designed and built to be accessible for all.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
About:Dr. Kirk Adams is a visionary leader, transformative speaker, and lifelong advocate for disability inclusion. With over three decades of experience in advancing accessibility and creating opportunities for individuals who are blind or low-vision, Dr. Adams has become a powerful force for change in the areas of leadership, accessibility, and inclusion. His journey — from navigating vision loss as a young child to becoming a recognized thought leader in disability empowerment — uniquely equips him to help organizations understand, integrate, and champion inclusive practices that benefit all.
Dr. Adams is a highly sought-after speaker, known for his engaging and thought-provoking keynotes on disability inclusion, accessible leadership, and the power of resilience. He has spoken at numerous national and international conferences, including corporate seminars, public policy forums, and industry events, where his personal story and professional insights have inspired leaders to rethink their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His passion lies in empowering organizations to create environments where every individual — regardless of ability — can thrive.
As a speaker, Dr. Adams brings authenticity, warmth, and a depth of experience that resonates with audiences from all backgrounds. He understands that true leadership is about more than just policy; it's about creating cultural shifts that value each person's unique contributions. Whether he is addressing a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit, or a community group, Dr. Adams' message is clear: inclusion benefits everyone, and together we can build a world where opportunity is accessible to all.
Dr. Adams currently resides in Seattle, Washington, where he continues his advocacy work, builds strategic partnerships, and enjoys life with his family. He is proud to be a part of the movement towards a more inclusive future — one conversation at a time.
Barrier Free Canada is proud to announce the launch of disability legal support services led by renowned accessibility advocate Donna J. Jodhan.
Donna J. Jodhan brings decades of leadership and hands-on experience in accessibility and disability rights. Her work is uniquely enriched by lived experience and a proven record of success, including landmark achievements against the Canadian Government and several high-profile organizations.
With a deep understanding of legal, technical, and human dimensions of accessibility, Donna offers practical, credible, and authoritative support to lawyers seeking to strengthen their cases, mitigate risk, and advance inclusion. This new service reflects Barrier Free Canada's ongoing commitment to advancing equality, accessibility, and justice for all.
About: Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrieres (BFC/CSB) advocates for the Canadian Parliament to enact a strong and effective Canadians with Disabilities Act (CDA) to achieve a barrier-free Canada for all persons with disabilities.
To this end, BFC/CSB is seeking endorsements from national disability organizations to build a non-partisan community coalition. BFC/CSB would also like to identify point persons from these organizations to act as key contacts.
The steering committee of BFC/CSB has drafted a set of principles concerning a CDA that are drawn from the principles that underpin the provincial disability legislation in Ontario and Manitoba. A CDA is not meant to replace provincial disability legislation. It will complement such legislation and benefit Canadians living in provinces with and without provincial disability legislation. At this point in time, CNIB, March of Dimes Canada, Canadian Hearing Society and MS Society of Canada have endorsed the BFC/CSB principles and confirmed their support for the movement to enact a CDA. There is no individual or organizational charge for membership in BFC/CSB.
Please contact Donna Jodhan, Founder of Barrier-Free Canada, at info@barrierfreecanada.org 📧️ with any questions or to express your organization's support and identify a key contact.
Learn the basics of NVDA. From getting started with the program to customizing the speech to learning helpful shortcuts, Hadley's workshops have you covered.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs.
About: The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities.
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who "get it." And you don't need to come to Hadley. Hadley's help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail.
Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 70,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 200,000 workshop interactions. And our workshops have 98% satisfaction ratings. We reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.
About: This half-hour weekly podcast and radio program discusses products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across North America, via several internet streaming services, and to everyone else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries on all the inhabited continents. Eyes On Success is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey.
Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people's accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to achieve things. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and others. In all cases, the focus is on success.
Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was ViewPoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.
Listening To Eyes On Success
You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying "play the Eyes On Success podcast", subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).
Connecting with Eyes On Success
Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net 📧️.
Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic "announcements only" list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️.
Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you've heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️
Happy New Year from all of us at Pneuma Solutions!
Welcome back to all returning readers, and if you're a first timer, a special welcome to you!
If this is your first time hearing about us, why not take a look at our product offerings, all especially designed by the visually impaired and with their needs in mind.
Have a hard-to-read inaccessible document? Let Scribe for Documents convert it into several accessible formats in seconds!
How about accessible meeting slides viewable in real-time? Scribe for Meetings is the way!
And Remote Incident Manager is always here to aid in providing the world's most accessible remote support to your Windows and Mac.
About: Backed by two decades of creating award-winning accessible cloud technologies for people with visual impairments, Pneuma Solutions is the global leader in accessible cloud-based solutions. Pneuma Solutions was founded by long-time accessibility developers Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell. For more information on their individual profiles, click on their respective bio pages. We're proud to be the first company to develop cloud-based accessibility at the network level. Our tools provide organizations, like yours, a way to deliver secure, accessible information right from your network or from our secure servers. You can provide your print disabled consumers, students, employees, and citizens with a multitude of accessible options. Additionally, we offer a suite of cloud-based applications to blind and print disabled consumers directly from our website. Our consumer products are designed to make the day-to-day lives of blind and print disabled individuals more accessible and simpler to manage. Access to information is not a privilege, it's a right. It's also your right to obtain affordable, accessible cloud solutions to serve your end user. When organizations like yours implement our tools, together we help make it a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Want to know more about how we can help you become more inclusive?
Contact us here. We'll be happy to discuss how our tools can help with your accessibility needs.
About: The Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion (ISDI) is a Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2015 to help individuals and organizations build the capability to create workplaces, and communities, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are real, practical, and sustainable. ISDI's work is grounded in evidence-based approaches and a long-term, systems-change mindset that goes beyond one-off trainings or performative efforts.
ISDI is best known for stewarding the Northwest Diversity Learning Series (NWDLS), a respected DEI education program with more than 26 years of impact, offering virtual workshops, special events, and learning cohorts that equip leaders, HR/DEI practitioners, and employees with actionable skills for inclusive leadership and healthy dialogue across difference. In addition, ISDI provides consulting and curated resources to help organizations strengthen strategy, leadership accountability, and measurable progress toward more inclusive and equitable cultures.
About: The Blind Kitchen is an accessibility-driven culinary brand founded by legally blind chef and educator Debra Erickson. Built to help people with vision loss cook safely and confidently, The Blind Kitchen curates adaptive kitchen tools alongside clear, practical instruction, showing that losing sight doesn't mean losing your place in the kitchen.
Through an intentionally accessible online experience and a growing library of step-by-step demos, tips, and strategies, The Blind Kitchen empowers blind and low-vision cooks (and the people who support them) to reclaim independence, creativity, and joy around food, because independence belongs in every kitchen.
Designed with accessibility at its core, Cooking Without Looking goes beyond what's on the screen. Episodes emphasize clear, descriptive instruction and sensory cues, sound, texture, aroma, and timing, so viewers and listeners can truly follow along, and recipes are shared in ways that support independence. Produced through the Vision World Foundation, the show also connects audiences with resources and community, proving week after week that great cooking isn't about eyesight, it's about skill, curiosity, and the joy of making something wonderful.
At 17, my life changed in an instant. A spinal cord injury left me paralyzed, but it didn't take away my purpose. For over 43 years, I've lived, learned, and served within the disability community. I hold both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work, and my life's work has been centered on helping people navigate crisis, change, disability, and the deeply human questions that follow.
If you'd like to walk, or roll, with me, I'll be sharing short reflections on life, faith, disability, and purpose, drawn from my own journey and the lessons I continue to learn along the way.
This won't be noise or constant posting, just thoughtful encouragement as we navigate life together.
If this speaks to you, I'd love for you to join me here:
About:Hector Del Valle, MSW, is a bilingual speaker, author, advocate, and certified charitable gifting real estate specialist who has turned more than four decades of life with a spinal cord injury into a mission of hope and empowerment. Paralyzed at 17 and having faced addiction, heartbreak, and cancer multiple times, Hector now uses his story, and his faith, to uplift people with disabilities, especially those who are newly injured, in major life transitions, or feeling stuck. Through his book 'Beyond the Chair: Thriving Through the Transition with God' and related resources, he helps individuals reclaim their purpose, build resilience, and see that their pain can become a powerful part of their calling.
HDV Speaks is Hector's speaking, coaching, and training platform where "faith meets action" to help individuals, organizations, and communities thrive through life's transitions. The organization offers a six-week Thriving Through the Transition course, one-on-one and group coaching, support-group memberships, faith-based workshops (including on disability, relationships, and advocacy), keynote speaking, and collaborative projects such as customized trainings and publishing or podcast partnerships.
You can engage with Hector by visiting HDVSpeaks.org to explore books, courses, services, and packages, or by using the site's contact form or phone number +1 (407) 907-3547 📱️ to inquire about coaching, workshops, speaking engagements, or strategic collaborations.
About: We're building more than a media company — we're cultivating a global movement where purpose drives progress.
What began as a mission to create employment for the 1 in 4 Americans living with disabilities has grown into a dynamic platform at the intersection of advocacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Our goal is simple: to amplify the voices, solutions, and stories that are driven by purpose.
At Driven by Purpose, we spotlight purpose-led businesses, breakthrough technologies, and human stories that challenge limits and redefine what's possible. From adaptive innovations to inspiring leaders, we explore how purpose fuels progress and unlocks potential.
But this isn't just about raising awareness — it's about taking action. Through powerful content, strategic partnerships, and accessible platforms, we're building bridges between those who need solutions and those creating them.
This is a republish of my first post about a radio show for people who are blind…or visually impaired. Why am I republishing now? The wonderful founder and host, Michael Golder, is expanding his reach via syndication and YouTube (Monday evenings for 3 hours). He is looking for an investment partner to share and help his vision grow. Interested? Reach out to me and I can share more.
A radio show specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired might seem like a natural. But the concept had never crossed my mind. Furthermore, I then learned my subject wasn't just radio, but it was talk radio. I have a lot of friends who love talk radio, especially sports radio. I'm not one of them. But then I had a poignant memory. My Mom loved listening to talk radio. More about this later ...
About: The Blind Guide is passionate about helping people thrive with vision loss. My website includes many resources for people losing their vision and their caregivers. Register for my weekly blog post or read one or more of my eBook series, which cover the initial vision loss journey through education, entertainment, and home modifications.
Assistive technology is a key enabler of thriving with blindness. I've worked with emerging technologies to make everyday life more accessible and enjoyable, enabling independent travel, better access to sporting events, your inner musician, and so much more.
My ecosystem also includes resources for jobseekers and employers. The list of jobs someone who is blind cannot do is much shorter than the list of jobs they can do. Ask me about employment programs from cybersecurity to talent sourcing.
For employers, I can connect you with a hidden market of exceptional, resilient talent: people who are blind plus veterans and military spouses.
Able News at The Viscardi Center is a monthly periodical for, by, and about people with disabilities. It amplifies the perspective of a diverse disability community and reports on news, technology, sports, health and wellness, culture, travel, advocacy and opportunities to learn and connect. Visit Ablenews.com to sign up to receive Able News in your inbox monthly. Advertising opportunities in the digital edition and on the website are also available.
About:Able News at The Viscardi Center is a monthly periodical for, by, and about people with disabilities. It amplifies the perspective of a diverse disability community and reports on news, technology, sports, health and wellness, culture, travel, advocacy and opportunities to learn and connect. It is a valuable resource and brings readers disability news like no other source.
About: 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: Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 42,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here.
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In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News John also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for blind and low-vision persons.
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters and runs her own advocacy foundation.
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News David also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)'s covering the range of Apple's Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present) Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
IIn addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News Vicki also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Vicki Walton
Editor (2024-Present) Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world's leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 42,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here. Access Information refers to informational topics that directly affect the lives of people with disabilities. Access Information includes any and all information related to bettering the lives of people who are blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled. Access Information News is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Access Information News is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.
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Article abstracts are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular article brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
