Access Information News for Monday, August 24, 2026 – Volume 1081

He Blindfolded His Sister For A Day To Show Her What His Life Is Like… | Molly Burke | YouTube.com | August 18, 2026

Showcasing a personal experiment, Molly Burke invites viewers to witness her sister navigating daily life blindfolded, offering direct insight into the realities of living with vision loss. The episode underscores everyday challenges and moments of empathy, highlighting Burke’s ongoing commitment to disability inclusion and awareness.

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1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️

A.) Recruiting College Talent With Disabilities: What Works, What Doesn’t, And Why | National Organization on Disability | YouTube.com | August 13, 2026

In this analytical framing, National Organization on Disability closely examines the persistent hurdles recruiters face when engaging college students with disabilities. Supported by recent NOD research, the session highlights concrete steps for improving campus connections and creating accessible environments where early-career professionals can succeed.

B.) Podcast: Remarkable World Commentary Episode #102: Interview with Aaron Di Blasi, Sr. PMP, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., Regarding Her Ongoing Attempt To Take The Apex Program’s CompTIA Network+ Exam at a Pearson Vue Testing Center As A Blind Woman in Canada | August 17, 2026

In this candid and unusually raw episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan hands the microphone to her friend, associate and longtime collaborator Aaron Di Blasi for what he calls a “reverse grilling”, a date-by-date walk through her two-year attempt to sit the CompTIA Network+ exam as a blind candidate. Beginning with the $7,500 Apex Program scholarship awarded in November 2024, they trace a scholarship that turned out to be 21 typo-riddled Word documents with no learning platform and no human support; a first exam abandoned in October 2025 when the reader said “I don’t know what to do here”; the articles Donna published and the scholarship Apex withdrew because of them, telling her “you’ve made us the enemy”; the CNIB stepping in twice; and a second exam in May 2026 where the diagrams were still undescribed, the reader and recorder were one person, and her printed results had to be read aloud to her by a friend in the parking lot.

C.) Young Disabled People Across Europe Face Toxicity and Hostility From Disability Movement Veterans, Says Book | DisabilityNewsService.com | August 13, 2026

Dr Miro Griffiths’ book, “Youth, Disability, and Resistance,” finds that young disabled activists across the UK and Europe frequently face dismissal and hostility from veteran members of the disability movement. Based on surveys and interviews with over 200 young disabled people, Griffiths documents widespread gatekeeping, ageism, and barriers such as inaccessible venues and lack of support. He argues their full inclusion is vital for the movement’s future impact.

D.) Airline Disability Rules Delayed Again | DisabilityScoop.com | August 14, 2026

Federal officials have postponed enforcement of key provisions in the 2024 Wheelchair Rule, which was set to strengthen protections for airline passengers with disabilities. The US Department of Transportation will continue not enforcing requirements on staff training frequency, airline liability, passenger notification, and reimbursement for higher fares until at least April 30, 2027, as it considers revisions.

E.) Doctors, Advocates Call Out Trump For Claims About Autism | DisabilityScoop.com | August 12, 2026

President Donald Trump signed an executive order recommending reductions and wider spacing in childhood vaccines, citing rising autism rates as justification. Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics and advocacy groups criticized the move, noting decades of research have found no link between vaccines and autism. The Autism Science Foundation highlighted genetic causes and said the science is settled.

August 24, 2026 📅️

2.) Access Information News Welcomes Derek Fine and Luna AI | Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher | August 24, 2026

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Derek Fine and Luna AI, 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 Derek Fine and Luna AI that make it possible. And as I always say, these are the people, businesses and organizations that deserve your attention. Because they are the ones paying attention to the needs of the disability community. Luna AI is a voice-first tutor you reach by making an ordinary telephone call. Dial +1 (231) 879-5862 📱️ from any phone anywhere in the world, or use WhatsApp at the same number, and a conversational AI answers and starts teaching: it explains a concept out loud, quizzes you on it, listens to your answer in your own words, and corrects you when you get it wrong. Load your own lecture notes, transcripts, PDFs or a Quizlet set into a Study Library first, and the session comes out of your material rather than out of whatever an AI happens to know. There is no app, no account, no smartphone requirement, and no screen anywhere in the process, which also means no screen reader dependency, because there is no screen in the loop at all. Calling is free and there is no paywall. Founded in January 2026 by Derek Fine, Luna AI is new, small and has no published accessibility audit yet, so our suggestion is simple: call it once and form your own opinion.

3.) Call Luna. Learn Anything: Meet Derek Fine and Luna AI, Now Sponsoring Access Information News | AccessInformationNews.com | August 24, 2026

Luna AI, founded by Derek Fine in January 2026, enables users to access an AI tutor by simply calling +1 (231) 879-5862, requiring no app, account, or screen interaction. The phone-based conversational AI offers spoken study sessions using both general and user-uploaded materials, and remains free to use as of August 2026. Fine, with a background in travel marketing, plans a paid Luna AI Pro tier in 2027 but currently operates Luna solo as an early-stage project.

4.) RESIST! We Have Inherited a Legacy. Now It Is Our Turn. | Dr. Kirk Adams | August 24, 2026

Here, Dr. Kirk Adams invites readers to the free livestreamed launch of the Community Coalition for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to noon Pacific (2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern), and argues that the Coalition is inheriting a legacy rather than inventing one. Writing from a visit to Oakland in the Black Panther Party’s sixtieth anniversary year, he looks past the iconography to the Party’s Community Survival Programs, the free breakfasts, health clinics, sickle-cell testing, legal services and support for seniors and disabled people, and draws out the line that anchors the piece: resistance isn’t only about what we stand against, it is about what we build together.

August 22, 2026 📅️

5.) Newsletter | August 2026 | InclusiveImagination.co | August 22, 2026

Inclusive Imagination launches Chasing Rainbows ICG, a $19.99 braille-accessible card game featuring UV tactile illustrations, and kicks off its first Tabletop RPG Pre-ETS group in partnership with Washington State’s Department of Services for the Blind. A 20% back-to-school discount is available until September 15 using code BACK2SCHOOL. Updates for the Access Arcade App are also announced.

August 21, 2026 📅️

6.) Cooking After Vision Loss | HadleyHelps.org | August 21, 2026

Hadley Presents host Ricky Enger interviews Dia Kraft and Don Pojman, who share practical techniques for maintaining independence and safety in the kitchen after vision loss. The discussion details their personal adaptation strategies, favorite kitchen tools, and approaches to organization, highlighting the importance of customized workflows and resilience.

7.) When Money Talks – No Shocker or Shaker | BarrierFreeCanada.org | August 21, 2026

Facing legal disputes against institutions or governments often reveals a major imbalance: organizations with significant resources can prolong proceedings, while individuals may be pressured into settlements by mounting costs and delays. The piece questions whether Canada’s justice system truly offers equal access when outcomes depend on financial stamina.

8.) Hikers Who Use Wheelchairs Explore the Outdoors, Watching Out for One Another | DisabilityScoop.com | August 21, 2026

Oregon Wheelchair Hiking, founded in 2020 by Franklin Ouchida, has grown from four friends to a Facebook community of more than 600, regularly traversing wheelchair-accessible trails around Portland. Members like Heidi Austin and Vanessa Rice cite the group as key in making outdoor adventures feasible, while Ouchida collaborates with local agencies to improve trail accessibility and safety for participants.

9.) Kids With Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed at Younger Ages, CDC Finds | DisabilityScoop.com | August 21, 2026

A CDC study found that children born in 2018 with cerebral palsy were more likely to be diagnosed by age 4 than those born in 2014, based on data from nearly 215,000 children across five states. Prevalence rates reached 2.4 per 1,000 at age 8 and 2.2 per 1,000 at age 4. Black children were more likely than white children to have cerebral palsy and less likely to walk independently.

10.) What It’s Really Like Being A Single Mom Of An Autistic Daughter With Moderate Support Needs | Molly Burke | YouTube.com | August 21, 2026

Sitting down for an unfiltered conversation, Molly Burke interviews Christine Romeo about the lived realities of raising Abbey, her autistic daughter featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Burke explores Christine’s journey from the initial diagnosis through to adulthood, highlighting the nuanced challenges and unexpected growth that shape their mother-daughter relationship.

August 20, 2026 📅️

11.) Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview With Tom Babinszki, Owner, Even Grounds | DrKirkAdams.com | August 20, 2026

Tom Babinszki, blind since birth and founder of Even Grounds, shares how his company delivers accessibility consulting and tactile 3D models to institutions like the Toledo Zoo, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and global schools for the blind. In conversation with Dr. Kirk Adams, Babinszki notes the impact of tactile restroom maps and advises never to accept inaccessibility as inevitable.

12.) Innovation for Access: AI and Its Use as Assistive Technology for People With Disabilities | AFB.org | August 20, 2026

A 2026 report from the American Foundation for the Blind presents survey data from 1,735 U.S. adults on how AI-powered visual descriptions, captions, and AAC tools are used as assistive technology. Key findings indicate high daily reliance on AI among blind, low-vision, and D/HH users, growing demand for greater accuracy, better privacy controls, and interface accessibility, and specific recommendations for inclusive AI development and responsible data practices.

13.) Beyond the Deadline: Counties Make Digital Accessibility an Everyday Practice | ConduitStreet.mdcounties.org | August 20, 2026

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Delegate Pamela Queen and panelists Emily Lucht and Marshall Haas emphasized that digital accessibility for counties is an ongoing process rather than a completed task. Lucht outlined the importance of meaningful alt text, captions, and accessible documents, while Haas described how Queen Anne’s County embeds accessibility in staff training and workflows. Both highlighted starting with high-profile content and building sustainable practices.

14.) Here’s Your Guide to Accessibility in OKC’s Arts Institutions | FreePressOkc.com | August 20, 2026

Oklahoma City arts organizations including Factory Obscura, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, First Americans Museum, Civic Center Foundation, and Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center are adopting new accessibility measures ranging from wheelchair availability and sensory kits to ASL interpretation and audio descriptions. Leaders such as Erin Schalk document how disability representation and direct engagement inform evolving practices aimed at making arts spaces more inclusive. Challenges persist, but ongoing efforts are prioritizing lived experience and continual adaptation.

15.) States Are Moving on Accessibility but Struggling, Say Digital Officers | StateScoop.com | August 20, 2026

A National Association of State Chief Information Officers survey of 36 state digital accessibility officers reveals that while digital accessibility leadership is becoming standard, most states lack the staff, authority, and funding to meet DOJ compliance deadlines. Only 17% of leads have oversight across all agencies, and 69% say they cannot remediate all sites and apps by next April.

16.) ‘We Have Nowhere to Go’: WV Handicap-Accessible Housing in Short Supply for Low-Income Residents | WestVirginiaWatch.com | August 20, 2026

Facing deteriorating living conditions, Sarah and Ricky Mathes are among many West Virginians with disabilities unable to secure accessible, affordable housing due to a severe shortage of suitable units. Public housing waiting lists can last up to six years, and only a small percentage of units are equipped for people with mobility needs. Local experts warn the situation is worsening as federally subsidized housing stock is projected to decline.

17.) NASCIO Looks In on State Digital Accessibility Officers | GovTech.com | August 20, 2026

A new NASCIO survey finds state digital accessibility officers are gaining traction but face persistent gaps in funding, staffing, and authority. Only 17 percent have authority across all agencies, and 67 percent of states lack a dedicated accessibility budget. AI use remains limited as executives mostly support accessibility efforts, but resource and process challenges hinder full compliance with DOJ rules.

18.) Bill Seeks to Increase Accessible LIHTC Developments | HousingFinance.com | August 20, 2026

Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act to expand accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities. The bill would increase state low-income housing tax credit allocations, add a basis boost for qualifying projects, and incentivize states to prioritize more accessible, walkable affordable housing. Companion legislation was also introduced in the House.

19.) Missing Elevator at Finch West Station Creates Uphill Battle for Transit Riders With Disabilities | InsideHalton.com | August 20, 2026

A newly opened Toronto light rail station lacks an elevator for riders with disabilities to transfer between intersecting lines, forcing them to use a 261-foot ramp that is longer than a 747 jet. Accessibility advocate David Lepofsky criticizes the Ontario government and Metrolinx, citing insufficient accessibility regulations and calling for an independent audit of transit designs.

20.) Contributor: Stop Shaming the Use of AI. For Some With Disabilities, It’s a Godsend | LATimes.com | August 20, 2026

Sharon Schindel challenges blanket condemnations of AI writing tools, arguing that for people with physical disabilities, AI can provide critical accessibility. She describes dictating her work due to severe arm pain and using AI only to clean up transcription debris, not to generate content. Schindel notes that 1 in 4 U.S. adults have a disability and stresses that universal prohibitions on AI risk excluding many voices.

21.) Poor Website Accessibility Could Exclude Persons With Disabilities From Essential Services | MyJoyOnline.com | August 20, 2026

At a workshop by Open Knowledge Ghana and the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, participants highlighted that poorly designed websites present significant barriers for persons with disabilities in Ghana, limiting access to essential services. Disability advocates and experts, including Sayena Susu and Ephraim Tetteh, urged developers to engage directly with disabled users and follow web accessibility guidelines as more government services move online.

22.) They Grew Up With Disability Rights. Now, They’re Fighting To Keep Them | NPR.org | August 20, 2026

Cody and Kaleigh Brendle, part of the ADA generation, are challenging federal shifts that threaten community-based disability services for more than 8 million Americans. A recent DOJ memo and the Texas v. Kennedy case signal a reversal in long-standing integration mandates, prompting activists like Kaleigh to mobilize against the potential rollback of disability rights protections.

23.) The DWP Is Not Accessible to Many – Defeating Its Own Purpose | TheCanary.co | August 20, 2026

Claimant Daniel Harvey details systemic accessibility failures at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), citing a July 2026 Timms Review finding that over 90% of Personal Independence Payment applicants reported negative experiences. An incident at Ipswich Job Centre underscored inadequate legal compliance and highlighted the impact of exclusionary practices on disabled individuals.

24.) Disability Advocates Worry About ‘Unintentional Harm’ in Bill to Protect Health Care Workers | WGBH.org | August 20, 2026

Disability advocates in Massachusetts caution that a bill aimed at protecting health care workers from violence may inadvertently criminalize common behaviors of people with autism and intellectual disabilities in group homes. Advocates, including Susan Senator and Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan, urge lawmakers to reconsider provisions allowing warrantless arrests in these settings, warning of serious unintended consequences.

25.) Justice Department Backs Off Disability Rights Enforcement | DisabilityScoop.com | August 20, 2026

Federal officials have reversed long-held positions in court cases on the rights of people with disabilities to access community-based services, raising concerns about a return to institutionalization. The DOJ pulled out of one key case and shifted its stance in another, following a June memo stating that the ADA and Section 504 do not require states to place disabled individuals in the most integrated settings.

26.) Handi-Link Adaptive Bodywork, ADW, Trauma Survivors | Cam Wells | CJAM 99.1 FM | August 20, 2026

This program focuses on disability issues. Host Cam Wells will explore all sides of this comparing and contrasting with able bodied life. This week Featuring: Linda Milenesi: ADW. John Sutherland Adaptive Bodywork. Abby Beerman Trauma Survivors Network.

August 19, 2026 📅️

27.) The Emergency Room Failed Me Because I’m Deaf. I’m Going to Do Something About It. | ProjectHearing.Substack.com | August 19, 2026

After spending eleven hours managing her own access in an emergency room, Mariella Paulino-Peralta describes systemic failures to accommodate patients with hearing disabilities, despite documented needs. She outlines how existing technology and protocols could provide accessible care, and announces the Hearing Access & Inclusion Unconference & Hackathon set for March 3, 2027, aimed at building lasting solutions.

28.) Deaf Patient Given Wrong Jab After ‘Completely Unacceptable’ Hospital Mix-Up | GBNews.com | August 19, 2026

A deaf woman received a Covid vaccine instead of a flu shot after NHS staff failed to provide a British Sign Language video, despite her written note specifying the correct jab. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found “profound impact” and cited this case among 623 investigations into NHS accessibility failures since 2020, urging systemic improvements in communication support.

29.) Virgin Australia Apologises to Disability Advocate Removed From Flight Over Wheelchair Motor | TheGuardian.com | August 19, 2026

Virgin Australia issued an apology to Shane Hryhorec after staff removed him from a Sydney flight over the storage of his wheelchair’s SmartDrive motor, despite prior flights without incident. Hryhorec, whose video of the event went viral with 16 million views, said he will maintain his complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission until the airline enacts change.

30.) MAHA’s Treatments for Autism: Camel’s Milk, Stem Cell Injections and Spelling Therapy | DisabilityScoop.com | August 19, 2026

MAHA, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is advocating for public funding of assisted spelling for nonspeaking people with autism, despite leading professional organizations calling the method unproven or fraudulent. Controversial treatments discussed by families and panel members include camel’s milk, stem cell injections, and restrictive diets, with critics warning about potential for abuse and diversion from evidence-based methods.

31.) Why Do Women Get Cancelled More Than Men? | Jessica Kellgren-Fozard | YouTube.com | August 19, 2026

Cutting through the hype around cancel culture, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard examines why women face harsher consequences and fewer redemption arcs than men. Drawing on cultural flashpoints from Chappell Roan to Serena Williams, she situates these disparities within broader conversations about accountability and media framing.

32.) Remarkable World Commentary Episode #106: Interview with Steve Barclay, Founder and President, Canadian Assistive Technology, and Co-Host, AT Banter Podcast | Donna J. Jodhan, LLB, ACSP, MBA | August 19, 2026

In this candid and unexpectedly personal episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan, LLB, ACSP, MBA sits down with Steve Barclay, founder of Canadian Assistive Technology and co-host of the AT Banter Podcast, for a career-length walk through Canadian assistive technology. Steve begins in November 1990 as Aroga Technologies’ very first employee, a bench technician repairing 40-pound CRT video magnifiers, Optacons, VersaBrailles and Prentke Romich Minspeak devices, and traces his climb to VP of Sales and Marketing and eventually part owner and chief operating officer. He then tells, in unsparing detail, how that 28-year run ended: his majority partner Grove Bennett diverted company money into a multi-level marketing scheme selling “quantum infused holograms,” ran Aroga into the ground, left behind an unpaid $300,000 tax bill, fled to Australia, and left Steve facing a TD Bank fraud charge and a consumer proposal before he rebuilt from his townhouse basement on his wife’s capital.

August 18, 2026 📅️

33.) Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview With Cazerny Bussey, Founder, Even Though I’m Blind Foundation | DrKirkAdams.com | August 18, 2026

Dr. Kirk Adams interviews Cazerny Bussey, founder of the Even Though I’m Blind Foundation, tracing Bussey’s journey from losing his vision as a Brooklyn high schooler to building a platform for blind artists and entrepreneurs. Bussey highlights the foundation’s radio station, podcast, and directory of blind-owned businesses, and discusses recent partnerships with Access Information News and the Persons with Disabilities Media Co-op.

34.) Hamilton Was on the Forefront of Improving Accessibility for Disability Community | BayObserver.ca | August 18, 2026

Hamilton’s early adoption of tactile paving in 1996, a collaboration between City Planning, Public Works, and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, marked it as a leader in accessibility improvements. The article outlines how the disability community’s advocacy led to the introduction of features like custom curb ramps and accessible transit, shaping inclusive design that benefits both disabled and non-disabled residents.

35.) Free Bus Travel for Disabled People in England to Be Extended to 24 Hours a Day | BBC.com | August 18, 2026

Starting April 2027, disabled people in England will have access to free bus travel at any time, not just between 09:30 and 23:00 on weekdays. The government expects about one million people to benefit, with the Department for Transport and Department for Work and Pensions allocating a combined budget of 60 million pounds to fund the indefinite scheme. Disability advocates and charities welcomed the move but stressed the need for consistent eligibility and broader infrastructural reform.

36.) NYU Langone Researchers Build AI-Powered Tools to Improve Accessibility for Blind People | CBSNews.com | August 18, 2026

NYU Langone researchers led by Dr. John-Ross Rizzo, who is legally blind, debuted AI-based accessibility tools including Shopscout, a wearable for grocery shopping, and Commute Booster, a smartphone app that reads subway signs and improves travel speed for visually impaired users by 33%. Unav, an indoor GPS app, assists users in navigating complex buildings without a cell signal. The team’s work highlights that technology designed for disability often benefits a broader range of people.

37.) Speakers: Accessibility Is a Right, Not a Privilege | DhakaTribune.com | August 18, 2026

At a Dhaka workshop, State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid and officials from Bangladesh Railway and BRAC argued that accessibility in railway services must be treated as a fundamental right, not a privilege. Concrete reforms include policy changes, master plan updates, and infrastructural improvements to serve people with disabilities, with stakeholder input emphasized throughout.

38.) Ombudsman To Examine Accessibility Of Care For Those With Learning Disability | ITV.com | August 18, 2026

Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman Margaret Kelly has launched an investigation into whether health trusts provide safe and accessible care to people with learning disabilities. The review will assess trust practices, data usage, and response to complaints, particularly in cases of avoidable harm or deaths from inadequate treatment. Findings will be reported to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

39.) Children With Autism Are Drowning In Stormwater Ponds. What Can Be Done? | DisabilityScoop.com | August 18, 2026

Florida data show children with autism make up roughly 5% of the youth population yet account for over 20% of childhood drowning deaths, largely in unfenced stormwater retention ponds. Advocates like Stacey Hoaglund and families are pushing for laws requiring barriers, while researchers highlight both regulatory gaps and widespread noncompliance with existing slope and safety standards.

40.) Meta Taps Disability Groups To Explore Uses For AI Glasses | DisabilityScoop.com | August 18, 2026

Meta is awarding nearly $2 million in grants to 30 organizations, including a dozen focused on disability, to find practical applications for its AI glasses. Grant recipients include United Spinal Association, the Illinois Assistive Technology Program, and The Arc Davidson County, with projects ranging from accessibility documentation to employment support and independent campus participation. Privacy concerns around covert recording persist.

41.) People With Disabilities Say Medicaid’s Limits On Income Stifle Career Advancement | DisabilityScoop.com | August 18, 2026

Iowa finance manager Erica Carter was forced to choose between her $110,000 salary and crucial Medicaid benefits after exceeding the state’s income cap for disabled workers, resulting in $35,000 annually in out-of-pocket medical costs. Advocates, including Carlyn Crowe and Alex Watters, argue that restrictive income and asset caps in Medicaid buy-in programs hinder career advancement, prompting legislative efforts in multiple states to remove such barriers.

42.) He Blindfolded His Sister For A Day To Show Her What His Life Is Like… | Molly Burke | YouTube.com | August 18, 2026

Showcasing a personal experiment, Molly Burke invites viewers to witness her sister navigating daily life blindfolded, offering direct insight into the realities of living with vision loss. The episode underscores everyday challenges and moments of empathy, highlighting Burke’s ongoing commitment to disability inclusion and awareness.

43.) Remarkable World Commentary Episode #105: Interview with Stephen Theberge, Science-Fiction Author and Accessibility Tester | Donna J. Jodhan, LLB, ACSP, MBA | August 18, 2026

In this warm, unhurried episode of Remarkable World Commentary, Donna J. Jodhan, LLB, ACSP, MBA talks with Stephen Theberge, a totally blind writer, software builder, and former ADA compliance tester from Attleboro, Massachusetts, about a life spent at the front edge of access technology. He traces the arc from 14 years as a residential student at the Perkins School for the Blind, through a Rhode Island College double major in computer science and English literature that began as an act of stubborn defiance after an advisor told him to switch, to running his own screen-reader business from the late 1980s until the big companies and the shift to graphical interfaces made a one-man operation impossible. Along the way he remembers punch cards and a dispatcher, a Texas Instrument computer that looked like a breadbox, the Covox Speech Thing wired to his own screen reader, and a 1992 WJAR television spot he still keeps.

August 17, 2026 📅️

44.) Accessible Housing Means Dignity, Not Just Ramps and Doorways | VTDigger.org | August 17, 2026

Natalie Sinkew, writing from St. Albans, Vermont, details challenges faced in non-accessible housing, emphasizing that true accessibility for people with disabilities extends beyond ramps and doorways to include safety, independence, and the ability to participate in community life. She urges legislators to pursue thoughtful housing solutions that enable meaningful, independent living.

45.) Analysis: Rights for People With Disabilities Are Under Attack, but California Can Protect Them | CalHealthReport.org | August 17, 2026

Following a June 18 DOJ memorandum narrowing the Olmstead v. L.C. precedent, Jennifer McLelland argues that federal shifts threaten home- and community-based care access for people with disabilities. She details how California could insulate such rights from federal retrenchment by enacting explicit state-level protections that go beyond the Lanterman Act’s scope.

46.) Healthcare Providers Hit With New Accessibility Requirements | DisabilityScoop.com | August 17, 2026

Two federal rules from the DOJ and HHS mandate that hospitals and clinics provide accessible medical equipment, such as weight scales and exam tables, starting this summer. Under the regulations, at least 10 percent of equipment must be accessible in general practices, increasing to 20 percent for facilities specializing in mobility conditions. Advocates including Jennifer Mathis and Alison Barkoff emphasize these requirements as critical for addressing health disparities for people with disabilities.

47.) The NFL Accessibility Experience Every Team Should See | Driven by Purpose | YouTube.com | August 17, 2026

In this episode framing, Isaac, Evan, and Mike spotlight how the Los Angeles Chargers are moving beyond compliance to create truly welcoming, accessible experiences for fans with disabilities. Detailing moments from training camp, they bring to life how personal interaction, thoughtful physical access, and inclusive planning left a lasting impression on one family and every attendee present. With clear focus on real-world impact, the hosts reveal why accessibility is as much about empathy and engagement as ramps and viewing areas.

Last Week 📅️

48.) When Disabled People Are Priced Out, We Lose More Than a Home | GoodMenProject.com | August 16, 2026

Rising housing costs are forcing disabled people, particularly disabled Black women, out of the supportive communities essential to daily life, according to Janiah Miller. The piece calls for housing policies that factor in not just physical accessibility but affordability, utility regulation, and protection of care networks, arguing that displacement breaks critical bonds necessary for independence and health.

49.) How Russia Is Using Disabled Soldiers for Frontline Assaults | Forbes.com | August 16, 2026

Wounded and disabled Russian soldiers, including men on crutches, are being returned to the front lines in Ukraine amid major manpower shortages, with reports citing them as decoys to draw Ukrainian drone fire. Mykola Melnyk, a former Ukrainian officer, and Russian sources describe a military system willing to sacrifice such troops for minor territorial gains. Analysts warn this attritional approach could signal how Moscow might respond in future conflicts with NATO.

50.) Deaf Interpreters Translate Hours of Netflix Content Into ASL Because Closed Captioning Isn’t a Fix | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com | August 16, 2026

Certified Deaf Interpreter Scott Keller, working with SignUp Media and Netflix, translates dozens of programs including “Hotel Transylvania 3” and “Llama Llama” into American Sign Language, overlaying ASL onto streaming content. Keller explains that closed captioning misses context, tone, and emotion, arguing that true accessibility requires culturally relevant ASL interpretation by native signers.

51.) New DfT Data Shows Seven English Licensing Authorities Have Zero Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis or PHVs | TaxiPoint.co.uk | August 16, 2026

Department for Transport data reveals that, as of April 2026, seven English licensing authorities — including Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, and Rutland — had no wheelchair-accessible taxis or private hire vehicles among a combined fleet of 1,113 vehicles. While licensed fleets increased by 9%, the share of wheelchair-accessible vehicles fell to 10% nationwide.

52.) The Inaccessible Greek Summer | EKathimerini.com | August 15, 2026

Only 1.3% of Greek beaches are fully accessible according to a 2025 University of the Aegean study, highlighting a major gap compared to nations like Spain. Recent improvements include fully accessible performances at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, but the article notes that Greece presents accessibility as an exception, not the norm, and calls for systemic reforms in infrastructure for the disabled.

53.) China and South Africa Grow Cooperation on Accessibility and Inclusion | MapepezaOnline.com | August 15, 2026

South Africa and China are expanding collaboration on disability inclusion, AI-enabled assistive technology, and universal design, anchored in frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga announced a proposed seven-point plan, including data exchanges, smart mobility solutions, and a bilateral knowledge platform, aiming for measurable outcomes on accessibility and inclusion.

54.) ‘Five-Foot Way Dining Rule May Impede Accessibility’ | TheStar.com.my | August 15, 2026

Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s new RM30-per-month permit system for tables and chairs on five-foot ways has sparked concern from disability advocates and resident groups. Leaders such as Malaysian Association for the Blind CEO Datuk George Thomas warn that obstructing tactile paving endangers pedestrians, while critics argue the scheme may legalize and worsen accessibility barriers for wheelchair users and the visually impaired.

55.) “I can make my life as full and rich as I possibly can” | Hadley | August 14, 2026

Martha Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas, describes how her late-onset Stargardt’s diagnosis affected her independence and outlook. While initially hesitant to seek help, Martha found that requesting support enabled her to keep traveling and maintain confidence, rather than let her world shrink. Her experience underscores the value of community and adapting with vision loss.

56.) Whatever Happened To The Meaning Of The Word Commitment | BarrierFreeCanada.org | August 14, 2026

While companies, governments, and organizations frequently announce commitments to causes like accessibility or sustainability, many such promises remain unfulfilled, eroding public trust. The analysis highlights a growing gap between public pledges and actual results, arguing that true commitment is defined by action, consistency, and accountability, not by press releases.

57.) Disability Community Calls for Urgent Action on Accessibility | BarbadosToday.bb | August 14, 2026

Senator Janeil Odle, an attorney and disabilities advocate, urges Barbados to enforce building codes and accelerate accessibility improvements in public facilities, citing years of inaction. Odle highlights existing laws like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and calls for a broader approach that includes transportation and digital access, noting many solutions already exist but remain cost-prohibitive.

58.) Edinburgh Fringe Performer Says ‘Accessibility Is a Collaborator’ in New Inclusive Show | Yahoo.com | August 14, 2026

Choreographer Hayley Earlam has launched “Brrr,” a sensory dance experience at Edinburgh Fringe designed for young audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities, including those who are autistic or neurodivergent. The show was developed in collaboration with ASN school pupils and intentionally integrates accessibility as a core creative element, with flexible seating and a calming environment.

59.) Medicaid Income Caps Can Cost Disabled Workers the Home Care That Makes Their Jobs Possible | MedicalDaily.com | August 14, 2026

Disabled workers risk losing essential Medicaid home care if they earn above strict state income caps, forcing some to forgo raises or spend personally on nursing and support. Buy-in programs in 47 states raise these limits but still often include asset ceilings. As new Medicaid work requirements arrive, advocates and analysts warn the policy tensions could cost jobs and care for many with disabilities.

60.) When Speaking Up Feels Dangerous: We Need Community More Than Ever | DrKirkAdams.com | August 13, 2026

Dr. Kirk Adams examines the risks faced by advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion amid high-profile legal actions and workplace backlash. The upcoming September 1, 2026 launch of the Community Coalition for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion aims to provide legal literacy, risk-aware advocacy strategies, and collective support for those confronting personal and professional consequences for speaking out.

61.) DeepMind’s Newest Model Allows Pixel 11 Devices to Transcribe Sign Language Into Text | Engadget.com | August 12, 2026

Google’s Pixel 11 phones are debuting DeepMind’s SL2T model, enabling American Sign Language to English transcription directly within Gboard and Live Transcribe. SL2T was trained on over 100,000 hours of multilingual sign language data and processes on-device geometric wireframes for enhanced privacy. Future expansion to more devices and languages is planned.

62.) Putting Sign Language AI Into Users’ Hands | DeepMind.google | August 12, 2026

Google DeepMind debuted SL2T, a multilingual sign-language-to-text AI powering real-time ASL-to-English dictation in Gboard and Live Transcribe on Pixel 11. Trained on over 100,000 hours across 50+ sign languages, SL2T leads the FLEURS-ASL benchmark with a zero-shot BLEURT score of 70. Privacy is preserved by converting video to pose landmarks before processing.

63.) Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview With Jeremy Grandstaff, Executive Director, the Inspiration Foundation | DrKirkAdams.com | August 11, 2026

Newly appointed Inspiration Foundation Executive Director Jeremy Grandstaff details his journey, including barriers faced as a blind professional and his goal to raise the disability employment rate by 10% in five years. The conversation with Dr. Kirk Adams covers the Foundation’s dual focus on grantmaking and an Inspiration Seal for employers, as well as ethical approaches to dining in the dark events.

64.) Access in Focus 2026: Blind Voices, Accessible Entertainment and the Power of Being Seen | EvenThoughImBlind.com | August 9, 2026

At the Access in Focus event at Lincoln Center, blind professionals like Kiana Glanton, Lachi, and Nicole Harris emphasized that disabled people must be included as creators and leaders in entertainment, not only as audiences. Spectrum highlighted its Spectrum Access app, which delivers audio description for movies and TV, enabling blind viewers to fully participate alongside others. The event underscored accessibility as integral to culture, not an afterthought.

65.) Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview With Mindy Kolin, Director of Development & Industry Partnerships at Teach Access, and Kate Sonka, Executive Director | DrKirkAdams.com | August 6, 2026

Teach Access surpassed its goal to reach 1 million students by 2030, impacting over 1.5 million students by 2025. Executive Director Kate Sonka and Director of Development Mindy Kolin detail the organization’s educator-focused strategy, signature programs like the Fellowship and Summer Institute, and expanding efforts in Europe in response to the European Accessibility Act.

66.) Home Accessibility Modifications: Costs and Funding 2026 | MoneyGeek.com | August 6, 2026

Laura Longero details that home accessibility modifications can range from under $200 for ramps to over $50,000 for residential elevators, with VA grants maxing out at $126,526 in FY2026 and USDA loans up to $40,000. More than 70 million Americans have at least one disability, yet fewer than 4% of US homes have the basic accessibility features required for independent living.

67.) Homeownership Programs for People With Disabilities (2026) | MoneyGeek.com | August 6, 2026

Federal law and dozens of state and nonprofit initiatives enable people with disabilities to purchase homes, even on SSI or SSDI alone. In 2026, programs like FHA, VA, USDA, and down payment grants can bridge affordability gaps, while protections under the Fair Housing Act and ECOA guard against discrimination. Nathan Paulus details requirements, loan limits, and legal rights for qualified buyers.

68.) Four Simple Rules Behind Japan’s Most Liveable Cities | BBC.com | August 6, 2026

Japan’s Osaka and Tokyo both rank in the top 10 of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2026 Global Liveability Index, driven by intentional city design, accessible transport, and infrastructure that minimizes daily friction. Urban planners and residents cite neighborhood shopping streets, barrier-free transit, and community-focused manners as key factors supporting high urban quality of life.

69.) Remarkable World Commentary Episode #104: Ask Advocate Donna | DonnaJoDhan.com | August 2, 2026

Donna J. Jodhan, a blind advocate and podcast host, highlights three new stories of advocacy, focusing on how individuals respond to inequity and barriers in everyday life. The episode contrasts approaches like action versus conversation, and intention versus execution, drawing on listener-submitted experiences. Jodhan invites further feedback from her audience on cases involving disability and access.

70.) Remarkable World Commentary Episode #103: Entity or Customer | DonnaJoDhan.com | August 1, 2026

Donna J. Jodhan challenges companies and customer agents on their responsibility to assist vision-impaired users with inaccessible forms, citing a ServiceOntario incident where she refused to seek outside help and persisted until finding supportive agents. She also shares a listener’s story of recovering from a scam by following her Mental Stretch strategies, highlighting the impact of accessible guidance for people with disabilities.

71.) Driving With Vision Loss: State Regulations, Solutions & Support | MoneyGeek.com | July 30, 2026

State DMV vision standards vary widely in the US, with acuity requirements ranging from 20/40 to 20/120 and differing rules on visual fields. Correction options include glasses, bioptics, smart glasses, and surgical procedures, with costs from $20 to $10,000. Drivers must disclose conditions affecting safety, as undisclosed impairments can lead to denied insurance claims.

72.) Niagara Parks Unveils Accessibility Vision Through 2031 | TravelMole.com | July 14, 2026

Niagara Parks is advancing its commitment to accessible tourism with a 2027-2031 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, exceeding Ontario’s legal requirements and emphasizing barrier-free access across its attractions and public spaces. Existing measures include free fares for support persons on key transit systems and complimentary wheelchair loans at major sites. Public consultation is underway to shape future accessibility initiatives.

73.) Wheelchair-Accessible Trip to Syracuse & Beyond | ILoveNY.com | July 9, 2026

A curated multi-day itinerary details family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible experiences in Syracuse and the Finger Lakes, including adaptive recreational options at Green Lakes State Park, accessible antique carousel rides at Destiny USA, and inclusive activities at Root Farm. Accessibility features, adaptive equipment, and transportation info are highlighted throughout the guide.

👉 Submit your event for consideration within this section here.

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August 24, 2026 | Lighting Tips for Everyday Life | Vision Support America

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America shows how contrast, better lighting, and less glare can make a home easier to see and move through.

August 25, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

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.

August 25, 2026 | Introducing Intersector – A new Navigation Tool from Marco Salsiccia | Brad Snyder | Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS)

5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS), as we welcome app developer Marco Salsiccia, as he discusses the creation, development and implementation of Intersector, a new navigation app for iOS, now available in the iOS AppStore.
Intersector is, an accessible iOS navigation app built to identify nearest and upcoming intersections when out and about. Marco will discuss how this app went from concept to creation using Vibe Coding, as well as direct user testing. Marco will go over issues to look out for when utilizing generative AI for code production, and the general process of submitting an app to the iOS AppStore.

August 25, 2026 | Make Your iPhone Work for You | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free, step-by-step session, Vision Support America walks through simple ways to make an iPhone work better for changing vision, at a comfortable pace.

August 26, 2026 | Voice Control For Accessibility: Dictation And Navigation With Dragon, J-Dictate, And J-Say | Access Ingenuity

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Join Ian Ramos, Mark Schafer, and Elizabeth Ratto from Access Ingenuity for practical demonstrations of Dragon, J-Dictate, and J-Say. Learn how each voice-control solution supports hands-free navigation, writing, editing, and desktop control while comparing their strengths, limitations, and suitability for different workflows.

August 26, 2026 | My Eyes Don’t Work, But My Brain Still Does! | National Federation Of The Blind Of Maryland Senior Issues Division

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Join the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Senior Issues Division for an engaging session with Brian Buhrow and Mark Roane, who share practical insights from their experiences completing home repairs as blind individuals. Gain confidence and learn useful tips for handling basic home maintenance projects independently.

August 26, 2026 | Partner Webinar with APH: Six JAWS Tips for Streamlining Web Research Workflows | APH

12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
APH’s Passport to Innovation series opens its first partner session with Elizabeth Whitaker of Vispero, who presents six JAWS tips for web-based research tasks. The webinar covers comparing sources, interpreting images and visuals, completing online forms, taking notes and organizing information across multiple websites. Registration is required through Zoom.

August 26, 2026 | Cooking Tips for Changing Vision | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America leads a supportive conversation on small, practical steps toward feeling comfortable and confident in the kitchen again with changing vision.

August 27, 2026 | Keep Reading Alive | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America explores different ways to keep reading a part of everyday life, in whatever form works best now.

August 29, 2026 | Inaugural Young Birders United Conference | Taking Flight

8:00 AM PT, 9:00 AM MT, 10:00 AM CT, 11:00 AM ET
Taking Flight hosts the inaugural Young Birders United Conference, a free virtual gathering of young birder representatives to celebrate, connect and collaborate on establishing young birder chapters nationwide. Keynote speakers are Mackenzie Hollender, Isaiah Scott and Lorena Patricio, alongside state chapter presentations and workshops on building community and sustainability. Young birders with or without chapters, parents and supporters are all welcome, with no limit per chapter or state. Registration is due August 22 and everyone attending must register.

August 31, 2026 | Make Your Android Work for You | Vision Support America

10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America introduces simple, confidence-building ways to make an Android phone more accessible.

September 1, 2026 | RESIST! Join the Launch of the Community Coalition for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion: A LinkedIn Live Event | DrKirkAdams.com

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
There are moments in history when simply holding the line is not enough. This is one of those moments. Across the country, organizations, educators, businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, advocates, and community leaders who believe in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging are facing unprecedented challenges. Programs are being dismantled. Funding is disappearing. Professionals are feeling isolated. Too many people who have dedicated their lives to building stronger, more inclusive communities are wondering where to turn next.

September 1, 2026 | Birdability Access Survey Closes | Birdability

Last day to complete the Birdability Access Survey. Birdability wants to hear from birders with disabilities, chronic illness or other health concerns about barriers encountered while birding and accommodations that have made a difference. Results directly inform Birdability’s future resources, advocacy and efforts to make birding more welcoming and accessible.

September 3, 2026 | Preventing Falls and Using Stairs Safely | Vision Support America

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America shares simple techniques to help people with changing vision move safely and confidently around the home and beyond.

September 4, 2026 | Home Organization and Labeling | Vision Support America

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America explores easy ways to organize and label a home so it feels calmer, easier, and more predictable to navigate with changing vision.

September 7, 2026 | Lighting Tips for Everyday Life | Vision Support America

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America shows how contrast, better lighting, and less glare can make a home easier to see and move through.

September 8, 2026 | Make Your iPhone Work for You | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free, step-by-step session, Vision Support America walks through simple ways to make an iPhone work better for changing vision, at a comfortable pace.

September 9, 2026 | Cooking Tips for Changing Vision | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America leads a supportive conversation on small, practical steps toward feeling comfortable and confident in the kitchen again with changing vision.

September 10, 2026 | Virtual Career Fair | National Organization on Disability

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
The National Organization on Disability hosts a free virtual career fair connecting disability-inclusive employers with job-ready candidates, giving students and hiring teams alike the tools and direct access to succeed at inclusive recruitment.

September 10, 2026 | Keep Reading Alive | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America explores different ways to keep reading a part of everyday life, in whatever form works best now.

September 14, 2026 | Leadership Council Open House | National Organization on Disability

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this free open house, the National Organization on Disability introduces its Leadership Council—a community of companies advancing disability inclusion in the workplace—and the partnership opportunities available to organizations ready to turn intention into measurable results.

September 14, 2026 | Make Your Android Work for You | Vision Support America

10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America introduces simple, confidence-building ways to make an Android phone more accessible.

September 15, 2026 | Leadership Insights: Disability Inclusion Dialogues | National Organization on Disability

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET
A 90-minute virtual peer-focused discussion for senior-level NOD Leadership Council members on disability inclusion and workforce retention. The session features insights from Candee Chambers, Director of the Office of Public Liaison at the U.S. Department of Labor, who joins industry leaders to address strategic retention challenges.

September 16, 2026 | Birdability Book Club: Turning to Birds by Lili Taylor | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
The Birdability Book Club discusses Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing by Lili Taylor. Best known as an actor, Taylor is also a devoted birder, and this collection of essays explores what happens when we slow down long enough to really pay attention. A fitting read ahead of Birdability Week and its Bird Where You Are theme. Free; registration required. The club meets every other month on the third Wednesday.

September 17, 2026 | Preventing Falls and Using Stairs Safely | Vision Support America

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America shares simple techniques to help people with changing vision move safely and confidently around the home and beyond.

September 18, 2026 | Home Organization and Labeling | Vision Support America

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America explores easy ways to organize and label a home so it feels calmer, easier, and more predictable to navigate with changing vision.

September 20, 2026 | Birdability Week Offbeat Photo and Video Contest Closes | Birdability

Final day to enter Birdability’s Offbeat Photo and Video Contest, which celebrates the awkward, funny and unexpected side of birds. Six categories span photography and feeder-camera video: Wing and a Prayer (and Poop!), Autofocus Gone Wrong, Birds Doing Bird Stuff, Birds with Disabilities, BIRB, and Not BIRB. Free to enter and open worldwide, with one entry per category and no special equipment required – phones, point-and-shoots, adaptive technology and feeder cameras all welcome. Winners are announced at the Birdability Week closing social on October 25.

September 21, 2026 | Lighting Tips for Everyday Life | Vision Support America

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America shows how contrast, better lighting, and less glare can make a home easier to see and move through.

September 22, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

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.

September 22, 2026 | Make Your iPhone Work for You | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free, step-by-step session, Vision Support America walks through simple ways to make an iPhone work better for changing vision, at a comfortable pace.

September 23, 2026 | Cooking Tips for Changing Vision | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America leads a supportive conversation on small, practical steps toward feeling comfortable and confident in the kitchen again with changing vision.

September 24, 2026 | Keep Reading Alive | Vision Support America

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America explores different ways to keep reading a part of everyday life, in whatever form works best now.

September 28, 2026 | Make Your Android Work for You | Vision Support America

10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM MT, 12:30 PM CT, 1:30 PM ET, 5:30 PM GMT
In this free session, Vision Support America introduces simple, confidence-building ways to make an Android phone more accessible.

October 1, 2026 | Technology and the Disability Experience | National Organization on Disability

The National Organization on Disability convenes leaders from business, technology, and advocacy at its Times Center gathering in New York to explore how emerging technologies—including AI, extended reality, and smart devices—are reshaping accessibility and the future of disability inclusion in the workforce.

October 9, 2026 | EnAble Learning Office Hours | National Organization on Disability

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this free session, the National Organization on Disability walks employers through its EnAble Learning on-demand training and fields questions on building disability confidence, improving retention, and creating more inclusive, productive teams.

October 19, 2026 | Birdability Week 2026: Bird Where You Are | Birdability

Birdability Week returns October 19 through 25, 2026, with the theme Bird Where You Are – an invitation to notice birds in whatever way works best for you, whether that is from a window, a wheelchair, a car, a hospital room, a kayak or a favorite park bench. The week is a celebration of birders with disabilities and other health concerns, and includes a full schedule of free virtual events, the Offbeat Photo and Video Contest, and accessible outings hosted around the country. All virtual events include captions and ASL interpretation.

October 19, 2026 | Finding Balance: Self-Care While Birding – A Birdability Week 2026 Discussion | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
Birdability Captains Eric Clow and Jayme Boucher co-facilitate an open community roundtable on the many ways disabled birders care for themselves while spending time with birds – from birding while floating in a pool, to adaptive equipment that reduces fatigue, to choosing places where birds can be enjoyed without walking. Bring your own tips and hear practical ideas from others. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 20, 2026 | Birding While d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing Panel | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
Birdability Captains, community members and past Accessible Birding Interns who identify as Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing and late-deafened share their birding journeys, the barriers they have encountered and the accommodations that have helped. The panel explores the distinction between Deaf as a cultural and linguistic identity and deaf as a term for hearing loss, the many ways people connect with birds beyond sound, and practical ideas for making bird walks, clubs and festivals more welcoming. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 21, 2026 | Inclusive Nature Panel | Birdability

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET
Author and editor Lauren Pharr moderates a conversation with contributors to the upcoming book Inclusive Nature about creating outdoor spaces, conservation organizations and birding communities where more people truly belong. Drawing on lived experience and professional work, panelists explore how race, disability, gender and culture have shaped who has had access to nature, and identify actions individuals and organizations can take. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 22, 2026 | Birding at the Intersections | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
Birdability Captains and community members with intersecting identities discuss how race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, culture and neurodivergence shape people’s experiences of birding and time in nature. Panelists explore how barriers to participation overlap and reinforce one another, and how belonging is created when communities recognize the whole person rather than a single aspect of identity. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 23, 2026 | Birding With an Energy-Limiting Condition Panel | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
Many birders live with conditions that affect energy, stamina, pain, fatigue or post-exertional recovery. Birdability Captains share how they have adapted their birding to fit changing bodies and lives – birding closer to home, pacing themselves, and embracing rest, mobility aids and technology. They talk honestly about the emotional side of adjusting expectations and letting go of the idea that there is only one right way to be a birder. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 24, 2026 | Birds and Brains: A Keynote Conversation About Traumatic Brain Injury and Healing With Birds | Birdability

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET
Birdability Week keynote speaker Day Scott (@TheWildernessGoddess) and Birdability Captain Emily Nichols talk about living with and recovering from traumatic brain injury, and the unexpected ways birds became part of the healing process. Drawing on lived experience and emerging science about the brain’s capacity to adapt and change, they reflect on how paying attention to birds can support healing, emotional well-being and a renewed sense of possibility. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 25, 2026 | Birdability Week Wrap-Up Social and Photo and Video Contest Winners Announced | Birdability

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET
Birdability Week 2026 closes with a community celebration and the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Offbeat Photo and Video Contest. See this year’s finalist photos and videos, hear the stories behind them, celebrate the photographers and videographers, and share your own favorite Birdability Week memory. Free. Virtual (Zoom). Captions and ASL interpretation provided; note additional access requests in your registration.

October 27, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

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.

November 8, 2026 | 18th Annual Dining In The Dark Fundraiser To Benefit The Blind | Florida Outreach Center For The Blind

1:00 PM PT, 2:00 PM MT, 3:00 PM CT, 4:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM GMT
Experience an unforgettable evening at the 18th Annual Dining in the Dark, where guests enjoy a three-course meal served in complete darkness by the PBSO SWAT Team using night-vision goggles. The night also features live entertainment, an inspiring guest speaker, and a silent auction supporting programs for the blind community in Palm Beach County.

November 18, 2026 | Birdability Book Club: Birdsong by the Seasons by Donald Kroodsma | Birdability

4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET
The Birdability Book Club closes out 2026 with Birdsong by the Seasons: A Year of Listening to Birds by Donald Kroodsma, a lyrical guide to a year of sound. The book was chosen so readers could follow along month by month through the year and then gather in November to share reflections from twelve months of attentive listening. Free; registration required.

November 19, 2026 | Member-Only Event: Practices for Accessible Virtual Meetings | National Organization on Disability

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET
A 25-minute virtual session for NOD Leadership Council members focused on practical, hands-on strategies for making virtual meetings more inclusive and accessible to all participants. The full briefing is restricted to Council members; non-members can join the Leadership Council to attend this and similar exclusive members-only sessions.

November 24, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

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.

December 17, 2026 | CEO Office Hours: Looking Back/Looking Forward | National Organization on Disability

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
In a free, year-end CEO Office Hours led by Beth Sirull, the National Organization on Disability reflects on milestones in disability inclusion and looks ahead to the strategies that will shape the coming year.

December 22, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

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.

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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.

⬆︎ 5.) Sponsor: Dr. Kirk Adams

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.

⬆︎ 4.) Sponsor: Barrier Free Canada

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).

⬆︎ 3.) Sponsor: Hadley

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

⬆︎ 2.) Sponsor: Eyes on Success

Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023 📅️

Website: https://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 📧️

⬆︎ 1.) Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions

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.

⬆︎ 15.) Sponsor: Luna AI

Sponsor Since: August 16, 2026 📅️

Website: https://trylunaai.com/ 🌐️

Study Line: +1 (231) 879-5862 📱️

WhatsApp: +1 (231) 879-5862 📱️

About: Luna AI is a voice-first AI tutor you reach the same way you would reach a friend, by picking up the phone and calling. There is no app to download, no account to create, and no screen to navigate. You dial, you say what you would like to learn, and Luna teaches you out loud. What makes it more than a talking search engine is the method behind it. Luna works through active recall, which means it asks the questions and listens to your answers rather than simply reading material at you. Testing yourself, and explaining an idea in your own words, is one of the most reliably effective study techniques in learning science, and a spoken conversation is the most natural way there is to do it. Founded in 2026 by Derek Fine, Luna AI is built for people who want to learn without a screen, including blind and low-vision students who want to work through their material independently from start to finish.

In practice, that means you can practise conversation, pronunciation and vocabulary in a new language, walk through a practical how-to step by step while your hands are busy, or turn a commute, a walk or a session at the gym into real study time. Subscribers can go further and build a Study Library from their own coursework, lecture notes, PDFs, transcripts and Quizlet sets, which Luna turns into spoken review sessions that quiz you until the material sticks. Topic-based study sessions are free, so there is nothing to install and nothing to sign up for before you try it: just call +1 (231) 879-5862 📱️ from any phone, anywhere in the world, at any hour, or reach Luna the same way on WhatsApp. Learn more at https://trylunaai.com/.

⬆︎ 14.) Sponsor: Even Though I’m Blind (ETIB)

Sponsor Since: August 10, 2026 📅️

Website: https://eventhoughimblind.com/ 🌐️

About: Even Though I’m Blind, Inc. (ETIB) is a blind-led media and advocacy organization founded by Cazerny Bussey, a Brooklyn-born recording artist, author, entrepreneur, speaker, and father of five who lost his eyesight at fifteen. The organization takes its name from a track on Bussey’s 2021 album Cfly 728, one of three records he has released since 2012. ETIB’s stated mission is to uplift blind and visually impaired people by creating platforms and experiences that inform, inspire, connect, and open doors — and it does so through a working set of properties rather than a single channel.

Those include the ETIB Experience, an interview podcast featuring blind entrepreneurs, artists, advocates and pageant titleholders; ETIB Radio, an internet stream that gives independent blind and visually impaired musicians genuine airplay; the Community Connect Directory, a staff-verified listing of businesses that are blind-owned, visually-impaired-owned, or that specifically serve blind and low vision people; Seen Through Sound, a community project collecting short recorded messages of encouragement; plus a blog and an events calendar. Bussey founded ETIB, in his words, to help people feel “visible, connected, informed, and empowered without using pity as the message.”

Home | About | Podcast | Radio | Blog | Directory | Events | Join ETIB | AI Chat | Donate

⬆︎ 13.) Sponsor: Blind Professionals Network (BPN)

Sponsor Since: April 13, 2026 📅️

Website: https://blindpronet.org/ 🌐️

Email: BPN@BlindProNet.org 📧️

Phone: +1 (800) 699-8238 📱️

About: Blind Professionals Network (BPN) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to advancing the professional success of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Fully staffed by BVI professionals, BPN’s wealth of education, passion, and lived experience leads the efforts in bridging the employment gap between talent and opportunity. Through our no cost professional development trainings, mentorship, and a dynamic network rooted in our core values of the acronym “SUCCESS”, we equip our members with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Complementing these premier services, our BPN Workplace Solutions division partners with employers to deliver custom Jaws training, accessibility testing, and professional development training to enhance inclusive hiring, training, and retention strategies. Together, these two focus areas unite to break barriers and achieve professional success.

BPN Workplace Solutions | Facebook | LinkedIn | Club House

⬆︎ 12.) Sponsor: Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion (ISDI)

Sponsor Since: January 24, 2026 📅️

Website: https://i4sdi.org/ 🌐️

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 27 years of impact, offering virtual, interactive workshops led by thought leaders and subject matter experts from across the country and Canada. ISDI also offers special events, small learning cohorts, and professional development sessions 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 Us | Coalition | Contact Us | Consulting Services | Diversity Learning Series | Donate | News | Registration | Resources

BlueSky | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

⬆︎ 11.) Sponsor: The Blind Kitchen

Sponsor Since: January 15, 2026 📅️

Website: https://theblindkitchen.com/ 🌐️

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.

Kitchen | Store | About the Chef | FAQs | Library | Recipes | Contact

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

⬆︎ 10.) Sponsor: The Cooking Without Looking TV Show

Sponsor Since: January 12, 2026 📅️

Website: https://cookingwithoutlookingtv.wordpress.com/ 🌐️

About: The Cooking Without Looking TV Show is an award-worthy, barrier-breaking TV show and podcast created and executive produced by Renée Rentmeester to change the way we see blindness, by showing blind and low-vision cooks doing what they love: preparing delicious meals with confidence, creativity, and humor. Originally launched on public television, the series has grown into a multi-platform experience that features talented hosts and guest cooks who share real-life kitchen strategies, adaptive techniques, and the kind of practical know-how that makes cooking feel possible, enjoyable, and empowering for everyone.

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.

Home | Recipes & Tips | Contact | YouTube

⬆︎ 9.) Sponsor: Driven By Purpose Podcast

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.

⬆︎ 8.) Sponsor: The Blind Guide, LLC

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.

⬆︎ 16.) Sponsor: Your Name Here

Sponsor Since: Today 📅️

Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/sponsorship-packages/ 🌐️

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 45,000 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.

We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for your support!

Why: Access Information News Supporters donate an amount of their choosing either one time or annually in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication.

Benefits: All Access Information News Supporters receive a listing within the “Our Supporters” section of each weekly newsletter, as well as a listing within the “Our Supporters” section of the Access Information News website.

In addition, all Access Information News Supporters automatically become Premium Subscribers as well, and therefore enjoy all of the benefits that a Premium Subscription has to offer.

One Time Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a one time donation in an amount of your choosing to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, you may utilize this donate link, or scan the QR code to the right.

Annual Donation: If you would like to become a Access Information News Supporter by making a small annual donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News publication, we also offer the following options, all with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support.

Support: In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Access Information News possible.

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Distribution: Sponsors, Supporters and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

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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.

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Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi

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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
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Specializing in:

Digital Strategy and Content Marketing
Social Media Advertising
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Editor: John Hanlin

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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.

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Editor: Jenna Lang

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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

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Editor: David Woodbridge

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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

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Access Information News 🌐
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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.

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Editor: Vicki Walton

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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

Subscription Information 📰️

ABOUT ♿️

Founded in 2022, Access Information News is the world’s leading not-for-profit access information news publication that reaches over 45,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week, along with the caregivers, companies and organizations that serve and support them. 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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