The Week’s News in Access Information
Access Information News. The world’s #1 online resource for current news and trends in access information.
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1.) Top 5 Most Clicked News Articles From Last Week 📊️
A.) April 7, 2025 & April 8, 2025 | Foundations And Frontiers Of Access: The Twenty Fifth Annual Multiple Perspective On Access, Inclusion & Disability Conference | The Ohio State University
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Multiple Perspective Conference, hosted by The Ohio State University, delves into the ongoing evolution of access and inclusion. This conference fosters interdisciplinary discussions on disability, focusing on new tools, equitable approaches, and universal design principles in digital and physical spaces.
B.) Wicked Star Marissa Bode Encourages People To Be Kind About Her Character’s Disability | DigitalTrends.com | December 1, 2024
Marissa Bode, who portrays Nessarose in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked,’ addressed ableist comments about her character’s disability, urging audiences to practice kindness and understanding.
C.) The Tactile Times Online, Fully-Accessible Advent Calendar Is Back For 2024 | TactileTimes.org | December 1, 2024
The Tactile Times has relaunched their fully-accessible, online advent calendar for braillists worldwide, featuring 24 surprises such as Christmas jokes and classic festive music. This screen reader-friendly calendar also includes a live countdown to Christmas day, spreading holiday cheer to all users.
D.) Why Are Disability Lawyers Key To Navigating Social Security Appeals | Retail-Insider.com | November 21, 2024
Disability lawyers assist individuals in appealing Social Security Disability benefit denials by compiling medical evidence, preparing testimonies, and navigating the appeals process, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing benefits.
E.) Wendy Williams Reportedly ‘Battling Permanent Disability’ Months After Dementia Diagnosis | TheSource.com | November 27, 2024
Wendy Williams’ legal guardian has disclosed that the former talk show host is suffering from significant health issues, including severe cognitive impairment and permanent incapacitation due to frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia.
December 9, 2024 📅️
2.) Sponsorship Packages Available | AccessInformationNews.com | December 9, 2024
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3.) One Time Advertisements Available | AccessInformationNews.com | December 9, 2024
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4.) Premium Subscribers | AccessInformationNews.com | December 9, 2024
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5.) Sponsored News Articles | AccessInformationNews.com | December 9, 2024
Use Sponsored News Articles to reach the access community when you need to. Whether you are a current Sponsor or not. Drive traffic to your access product and service announcements, events, updates or fundraisers using this incredibly cost-effective and easy-to-use advertisement tool. Learn more today.
6.) Do You Have A Link In This Issue? Learn How To Track It For Free | AccessInformationNews.com | December 9, 2024
This article will outline, step-by-step, how you can get free website traffic reporting on any link to your domain (AKA domain name, website or web address) that has been published by Access Information News since January 22, 2024, when we launched this feature.
December 7, 2024 📅️
7.) Canada: Addressing Canada’s Lingering Accessibility Issues In The Canadian Transportation Agency And The Canadian Human Rights Commission | Donna Jodhan | BarrierFreeCanada.org | December 7, 2024
Persistent accessibility challenges within the Canadian Transportation Agency and the Canadian Human Rights Commission lack tangible solutions. This raises the question: who should Canadians with disabilities turn to for effective support and advocacy?
December 6, 2024 📅️
8.) Honoring John Panarese: A Pillar Of The Access Community | Aaron Di Blasi | AT-Newswire.com | December 6, 2024
Reflecting on the profound contributions of John Panarese, founder of MacForTheBlind.com, who has empowered the blind and low-vision community through his dedication to accessible Apple technology education.
9.) Living Chronic Podcast: Transforming Corporate Culture Through Disability Employment | DrKirkAdams.com | December 6, 2024
Dr. Kirk Adams and Brandy Schantz discuss the importance of disability inclusion in the workforce, exploring the untapped potential of individuals with disabilities and the transformative impact of inclusive hiring practices on corporate culture.
December 5, 2024 📅️
10.) The Dot Experience Cast: Judy Dixon | APH.org | December 5, 2024
Judy Dixon, a trailblazer in the field of blindness and low vision, worked for the National Library Service for the Blind within the Library of Congress for 43 years and served in key leadership roles with various braille organizations. Her dedication to braille literacy, accessibility, and independence has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the Migel Medal and the Wings of Freedom Award.
11.) EA Adds More Tech Patents To Its Accessibility Program | TheVerge.com | December 5, 2024
Electronic Arts has expanded its accessibility program by adding 23 new tech patents, including tools for speech generation and recognition, allowing developers to use them freely to enhance gaming experiences for players with speech disorders.
12.) Holiday Safety Tips As Elders With Disabilities Struggle With Accessibility | WMDT.com | December 5, 2024
Accessibility challenges during the holiday season highlight the need for inclusivity, as organizations emphasize support and awareness for disabled elders amid increased gatherings and events.
13.) Canada: Ottawa Releases New Accessibility Standard For Workplaces | HCAMag.com | December 5, 2024
Accessibility Standards Canada published a new employment framework aimed at eliminating workplace barriers, supporting equity and inclusion for disabled employees across the country.
December 4, 2024 📅️
14.) Walmart’s Free Visual Interpretation Service: A Model Every Supermarket Should Follow | InternationalSupermarketNews.com | December 4, 2024
Walmart partners with Aira to offer free visual interpretation services, enabling blind and low vision customers to navigate stores and shop independently, setting a new standard for accessibility in retail.
15.) The Internet Archive Lost Its Court Case Against Publishers | GoodeReader.com | December 4, 2024
The Internet Archive has decided not to appeal its case against major publishers, marking the end of a legal battle over the “Open Library.” The court ruled against the Internet Archive’s theory of “controlled digital lending,” emphasizing the Copyright Act’s protections for authors and publishers and issuing a sweeping injunction against the Archive.
16.) Obstacles In Plain Sight: Navigating Accessibility Issues At Carlmont | ScotScoop.com | December 4, 2024
Accessibility challenges at Carlmont High School underscore broader issues, as a small percentage of students with orthopedic impairments face barriers such as stairs and limited resources.
December 3, 2024 📅️
17.) You Can Touch The Elf On The Shelf: A Letter From Santa Claus | APHConnectCenter.org | December 3, 2024
Santa Claus has issued a special letter granting children who are blind or low vision permission to touch their ‘Elf on the Shelf.’ This adaptation aims to make the beloved holiday tradition more inclusive, allowing these children to fully experience the magic through tactile connection while maintaining the joy and spirit of the season.
18.) Companies Can Pay Disabled People Below Minimum Wage. The Department Of Labor Wants To Change That | MotherJones.com | December 3, 2024
The Department of Labor has proposed a rule to end the subminimum wage for disabled workers, addressing a longstanding practice that has allowed companies to pay some employees less than a dollar per hour.
19.) The Communications Battle For Accessible And Accurate Live Captions: Humans Versus AI | Forbes.com | December 3, 2024
The debate over live caption accuracy pits human-generated captions against AI-based systems, impacting accessibility and effective communication for stakeholders with disabilities in various settings.
20.) A Proclamation On International Day Of Persons With Disabilities, 2024 | WhiteHouse.gov | December 3, 2024
President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to ensuring dignity, respect, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, highlighting their contributions and reflecting on legislation like the Rehabilitation Act.
21.) UK: New Disability Ministers Will ‘Champion’ Inclusion And Accessibility — Minister | PerspectiveMedia.com | December 3, 2024
Sir Stephen Timms announced the appointment of disability ministers in every UK government department to drive inclusion and champion accessibility for disabled individuals.
22.) UK: Accessibility Sometimes Means Everything | BritishCouncil.org | December 3, 2024
The British Council’s 90 Youth Voices programme brought together global youth leaders to discuss disability rights and advocate for real equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.
December 2, 2024 📅️
23.) Access Information News Surpasses 45,000 Weekly Readers, Announces First-Ever Sponsorship Update To Support Growth | EINPresswire.com | December 2, 2024
Access Information News, the world’s leading not-for-profit weekly newsletter dedicated to access information, has surpassed 45,000 weekly readers and announced its first-ever sponsorship update to support continued growth.
24.) ‘Disability Is Not Fictional.’ Actress Marissa Bode Speaks Out Against Ableist Wicked Jokes | Them.us | December 2, 2024
Marissa Bode, who portrays Nessarose in the ‘Wicked’ film, addresses discomfort with jokes targeting her character’s disability, emphasizing that disability is a real-life experience and such comments are harmful.
25.) The Curb Cut Effect: Transforming Digital Spaces | DrKirkAdams.com | December 2, 2024
Dr. Kirk Adams discusses how digital accessibility not only ensures equitable access for individuals with disabilities but also drives innovation and fosters societal progress, emphasizing the significant economic opportunities businesses miss by neglecting inclusive design.
26.) Breaking Down Barriers For Travelers With Disabilities | ReasonsToBeCheerful.World | December 2, 2024
The West Side Trail in Yarmouth, Maine, incorporates accessible features like boardwalks and gentle slopes, offering an inclusive nature experience for individuals with disabilities.
27.) Canada: Huntsville Moves Toward Full Accessibility For People With Disabilities, But Challenges Remain | Toronto.com | December 2, 2024
Efforts in Huntsville to enhance accessibility face ongoing challenges, as residents like Glen Slater, who lives with cerebral palsy, navigate issues in housing and services despite community support.
28.) Canada: Ontario Accessibility Act Lacks Standards To Solve Housing Crisis For People With Disabilities | CaledonEnterprise.com | December 2, 2024
Ontario’s accessibility legislation falls short in addressing the housing needs of seniors and people with disabilities, highlighting a gap in standards as the province nears its 2025 accessibility goal.
29.) Europe: Building An Accessible Future For All: AI And The Inclusion Of Persons With Disabilities | UNRIC.org | December 2, 2024
Advancements in AI and technology are creating opportunities for inclusion by enhancing access to education, employment, and resources, benefiting the 1.3 billion people globally who experience significant disabilities.
Last Week 📅️
30.) How To Set Children With Disability Up For Success At School | ABC News Australia | YouTube.com | December 1, 2024
School transition programs, when tailored to the needs of students with disabilities, can significantly ease the challenges of starting primary or high school. ABC News highlights two examples where public schools and families collaborated effectively to support these students.
31.) Empowering Access: A Push For Inclusive Outdoor Experiences In The Adirondacks | AdirondackExplorer.org | December 1, 2024
A new pilot program by the state Department of Environmental Conservation allows wheelchair users like Remington to explore previously inaccessible trails in the Adirondacks using specialized mobility equipment.
32.) Making The Most Of The Holidays: Travel Tips For People Living With ALS | ALS.org | December 1, 2024
This guide offers comprehensive advice for individuals with ALS and their caregivers to ensure safe and enjoyable holiday travel, emphasizing the importance of planning, consulting healthcare providers, and considering accessible transportation and accommodations.
33.) UK: Accessibility Coordinator Who Made Wicked Production A Safe Space | StAlbansTimes.co.uk | December 1, 2024
Chantelle Nassari, an accessibility coordinator and wheelchair user, ensured inclusivity on the set of ‘Wicked,’ supporting cast members like Marissa Bode, the first disabled actress to play Nessarose.
34.) UK: Celia Chartres-Aris Wins Influential Disability Award | BBC.com | December 1, 2024
Celia Chartres-Aris, a disability rights advocate living with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, was honored with the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 award for her dedication to improving human rights and disability awareness.
35.) ‘Wicked’ Star Marissa Bode Condemns ‘Aggressive’ And ‘Very Gross’ Comments About Nessarose’s Disability | Variety.com | November 30, 2024
Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose in ‘Wicked,’ criticized harmful online comments about her character’s disability, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in addressing disabilities in fictional portrayals.
36.) How Wheel The World Is Changing Accessibility In Kalamazoo, One Business At A Time | SecondWaveMedia.com | November 30, 2024
Wheel the World is partnering with Kalamazoo businesses like Airway Fun Center to enhance accessibility, including adding features like vertical grab bars in handicap-accessible stalls.
37.) How To Show Image Alt Text On Threads For Accessibility | HowToGeek.com | November 30, 2024
The Threads app allows users to enable alt text for image descriptions through the “Accessibility” settings, enhancing inclusivity for people with visual impairments or screen readers. Alt text provides descriptions of images, though its usefulness depends on the content creators adding accurate and detailed descriptions.
38.) Australia: How These Families Have Prepared Their Children With Disability For Life At Mainstream Schools | ABC.net.au | November 30, 2024
Families share their strategies for supporting children with disabilities, like Archie Gould, in transitioning to mainstream schools, emphasizing the need for tailored support and advocacy.
39.) Bronx Science Students Lead Community Activism With Initiatives For Accessibility And Tech Education | RiverdalePress.com | November 29, 2024
Bronx Science students, including Girl Scout honoree Sarah Lin, are driving change with projects that support the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, inspired by Lin’s personal experiences with her mother’s hearing loss.
40.) ‘I’m Just Happy I Get To Explore’: 12-Year-Old Boy Overcomes Disability To Pursue Sports, Adventures | KSAT.com | November 29, 2024
Finley McKeag, a 12-year-old with a disability affecting his mobility, excels in sports and Boy Scouts, showcasing a determination to explore life to its fullest through activities like scuba diving and basketball.
41.) You Can Use The Internet The Old-School Unixy Way With Shell Accounts | HowToGeek.com | November 29, 2024
Shell accounts offer access to remote systems via a terminal shell, reminiscent of the early days of internet usage. These accounts provide managed environments, development tools, email, web space, and networking utilities, with providers like Panix, SDF, and Blinkenshell offering options for users interested in this nostalgic yet functional approach to internet access.
42.) Jerusalem: Disabled People Finally Get Their Way In The Old City | TheMediaLine.org | November 29, 2024
The Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem undergoes a $50 million renovation to integrate accessibility, setting a new standard for inclusivity in historic heritage sites.
43.) Canada: Disability Advocates Say Province ‘Not Even Close’ To Reaching Full Accessibility By 2025 Goal | TheTrillium.com | November 28, 2024
Ontario’s accessibility goal for 2025 faces criticism from advocates who argue the province is far from achieving the promises made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
44.) Ministry Of Digital Transformation And UNDP Open Digital Accessibility Competence Centre, Organize Its First Training Session For Civil Servants | UNDP.org | November 28, 2024
Ukraine launches the Digital Accessibility Competence Centre to enhance the inclusiveness of e-government services and provide training for civil servants on digital accessibility.
45.) Online Shopping Platforms Aren’t Accessible To People With Disabilities. It’s Costing Them Billions | Mark Pound, CurbCutOS | SFChronicle.com | November 28, 2024
A significant portion of online shopping platforms fail to meet accessibility standards, leading to billions in lost sales and excluding millions of potential customers with disabilities.
46.) Australian Parliament Bans Social Media For Under-16s With World-First Law | APNews.com | November 28, 2024
The Australian Parliament has enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting children under 16 from using major social media platforms, imposing fines up to AUD 50 million for non-compliance, aiming to protect children from online harms.
47.) Visually-Impaired Americans Abandon $1 Trillion From Online Shopping Carts Due To Lack Of Accessibility (Video) | Jeremy Grandstaff, CurbCutOS | ABC27.com | November 28, 2024
Due to inaccessible online shopping platforms, visually-impaired Americans abandon approximately $1 trillion worth of purchases annually, highlighting the urgent need for improved digital accessibility.
48.) Australia: The Tram Stop Outside My Office Is Wheelchair Accessible But I Can’t Get On Any Of The Trams | ABC.net.au | November 27, 2024
A Melbourne commuter critiques the mismatch between wheelchair-accessible tram stops and non-accessible trams, illustrating a frustrating barrier for disabled travelers.
49.) Canada: Rural Albertans With Disabilities Positioned To Benefit From Accessibility Legislation, NDP Says | CTVNews.ca | November 27, 2024
NDP critic Marie Renaud highlights the challenges faced by rural Albertans with disabilities, including limited infrastructure and unreliable internet, as she plans to introduce an accessibility bill.
50.) State Websites Don’t Meet Upcoming DOJ Accessibility Requirements | StateScoop.com | November 26, 2024
An annual web report reveals that no U.S. state website fully complies with Department of Justice accessibility standards, spotlighting gaps in features like closed captions and screen reader compatibility.
51.) Dolphin Computer Access Achieves RNIB Visibly Better Employer Status | YourDolphin.com | November 26, 2024
Dolphin Computer Access has become the first assistive technology company to achieve the prestigious RNIB Visibly Better Employer status. This recognition underscores Dolphin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace for employees with vision impairments and highlights their leadership in accessibility and innovation within the sector.
52.) UK: Why Accessibility Shouldn’t Compromise On Aesthetic | CreativeBoom.com | November 26, 2024
Creative agency SomeOne demonstrates that accessibility and aesthetics can coexist, as shown in their work with The Motability Scheme, which supports mobility for disabled individuals in the UK.
53.) UK: RBC Calls On Deputy Prime Minister To End Postcode Lottery For Disabled Facilities Grants | Rushcliffe.gov.uk | November 26, 2024
Rushcliffe Borough Council urges reform in the equitable distribution of Disabled Facilities Grants to ensure fair access to essential home modifications for people with disabilities.
54.) Holiday Travel Tips For Disabled People | USAToday.com | November 25, 2024
This article offers practical advice for disabled travelers during the holiday season, including tips on planning, transportation, and accessibility to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
55.) Not Accessible: Federal Policies Unnecessarily Complicate Funding To Support Differently Abled Researchers | FAS.org | November 25, 2024
Complex and inconsistent policies for Accessibility and Accommodations in federally funded research create significant hurdles for researchers with disabilities, necessitating systemic change to improve accessibility.
56.) Disabled Catholics Deserve More Than Parish Accessibility | USCatholic.org | November 25, 2024
A family’s experience highlights the need for more than basic accessibility in churches, as a new complex in their town provided wheelchair-friendly features that transformed their worship experience.
57.) Shapiro Needs To Commit To Disability Funding | TimesObserver.com | November 24, 2024
Advocates urge Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to prioritize funding for Intellectual Disabilities and Autism services in the upcoming budget, building on last year’s historic investment.
58.) UK: Dystonia: ‘I Never Thought I’d Have Kids Due To My Disability’ | BBC.com | November 23, 2024
Sports coach James Sutliff shares his journey with dystonia, a hidden disability that disrupted his life but didn’t prevent him from becoming a parent and advocating for others.
59.) Adapting Outdoors: Accessibility Extends Into Nature | ConcordMonitor.com | November 22, 2024
A fifth-grader with spinal muscular atrophy shared challenges during a field trip to Sewalls Falls, emphasizing the difficulties of navigating nature trails in a motorized wheelchair.
60.) A Disability Policy Champion’s Time In Congress Has Come To An End | 19thNews.org | November 22, 2024
Senator Bob Casey Jr., known for his advocacy in disability policy, concluded his career after narrowly losing the Pennsylvania Senate race to Republican Dave McCormick following an automatic recount.
61.) Post-Election Report Shows Accessibility, Ballot And Registration Issues | WBUR.org | November 21, 2024
A report from the Massachusetts Election Protection Coalition highlights 50 Election Day incidents that hindered voting access for people with disabilities, citing issues like broken assistance machines and inaccessible precinct entrances.
62.) Canada: Ontario Woman Says Accessible Appliances Next To Impossible To Buy | CTVNews.ca | November 21, 2024
A Kitchener woman who is blind highlights the difficulty in finding accessible appliances, exposing a significant market gap for individuals with disabilities.
➜ Featured Events 📅️
Submit your event for consideration within this section here.
December 10, 2024 | Virtual Resource Seminar: Explore Careers In Vision Studies | The Carroll Center For The Blind
12:05 PM PT, 1:05 PM MT, 2:05 PM CT, 3:05 PM ET, 8:05 PM GMT
The Carroll Center for the Blind invites you to a free virtual seminar exploring careers in vision studies. Led by Laura Bozeman, Professor & Director of the Vision Studies Program at UMass Boston, the session will cover the roles of TVIs, COMS, and VRTs, including certification paths, work environments, career opportunities, and the impact of these professions on individuals with visual impairments. Register to attend live or access the recording later.
December 11, 2024 | JAWS, ZoomText & Fusion: Latest Features | Access Ingenuity
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos and Marisa Church from Access Ingenuity discuss the latest features and updates for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion, including enhancements in the 2025 versions and notable improvements over the past few years. This webinar is ideal for those utilizing these assistive technologies.
December 12, 2024 | How Strict Should We Be When Testing For WCAG Conformance? | TPGi
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
ARC Consultant James Edwards delves into the complexities of testing for WCAG conformance. This webinar examines the balance between strict and flexible interpretations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and provides insights into navigating their objective and subjective requirements. Register now to refine your approach to accessibility testing.
December 12, 2024 | Many Faces Of BARD: Advanced Searching: A Deep Dive Into The Nls Catalog | NLS Patron Announce
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join NLS Patron Announce for a presentation by Dominick Spinelli, head of the NLS Collection Development Section, exploring advanced search techniques within the NLS catalog. This one-hour program will include a Q&A session addressing topics related to BARD and the presentation. The event will be recorded and available for review on the Many Faces of BARD website.
December 14, 2024 | BARD On Alexa | Technology User Group
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
The Technology User Group presents a demonstration of the BARD Alexa skill, highlighting how to read books on Alexa devices and troubleshoot common issues. Attendees will also explore this year’s top apps and websites for low vision and blind users. The session runs for 60 minutes and will be recorded.
December 14, 2024 | BARD Alexa Skill Plus Top Apps & Websites | Technology User Group At The Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
The Technology User Group (TUG) will demonstrate the BARD Alexa skill and review some of this year’s best new apps and websites, providing attendees with valuable tools and insights for enhanced accessibility and usability.
December 17, 2024 | Pathways To Disability Empowerment — Transform Your Future: Write A Resume | The Lighthouse For The Blind, Inc.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
In this monthly webinar hosted by The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., learn how to craft a resume that effectively highlights your unique skills, abilities, and experiences. Designed for job seekers who are blind, low vision, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities, the session explores resume formats and strategies to showcase your potential to employers. Presenters Cheryl Cumings and Sara Freeman-Smith bring their expertise in workforce development and disability advocacy to guide participants through the process. ASL interpreters will be available.
December 19, 2024 | International Ally User Group — How Can Archives Come Alive For Visually Impaired Students? | Athen
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
Experience how archives come alive for visually impaired students through innovative tactile workshops led by Ellen Oredsson of The National Archives, celebrate the year’s achievements, and compete in the famous Ally quiz during the International Ally User Group’s year-end session.
January 21, 2025 | Maximizing Your Career Fair Experience Webinar | National Federation Of The Blind
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join our virtual seminar for tips and tricks for success at the career fair. You will receive Zoom details for this event when you complete the Jobseeker registration form. Please contact Janice Forbes at janiceforbes2012@gmail.com 📧️ by January 13 with accommodation needs, such as captioning and Spanish translation.
February 3, 2025 | Career Fair Job-Seeker Registration | National Federation Of The Blind
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Register as a job seeker for the 2025 National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar Career Fair, held in person on February 3, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern. Registrants will also gain access to the Maximizing Your Career Fair Experience Webinar on January 21, 2025, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. Ensure accuracy while completing the form, as employers will use it to match you to available jobs.
February 25, 2025 | Axe-Con 2025 Schedule And Registration | Deque
Deque presents the complete schedule for axe-con 2025, the world’s largest free digital accessibility conference. Featuring three days of over 60 sessions, the conference includes stellar keynotes from leaders such as Alice Wong, Jim LeBrecht, Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, and Alejandro Moledo. Attendees can participate virtually, join watch parties, and access live-captioned and ASL-supported sessions. Register today to learn from accessibility experts and network with professionals worldwide.
February 25, 2025 through February 27, 2025 | Axe-Con
As a movement, digital accessibility has never been as powerful or impactful as it is today. We are at an amazing inflection point that will define the future of inclusion across the globe. All of us at Deque are so honored to be a part of this mission, and we are incredibly excited to announce that the fifth annual axe-con conference will return next year on February 25-27, 2025! Axe-con is the world’s largest digital accessibility conference. Last year, over 45,000 people registered to attend, representing more than 12,000 organizations. We hosted over 75 expert presenters, and today, we’re elated to announce our first 2025 keynote speaker, Alice Wong! Alice Wong is a disabled activist, writer, editor, and community organizer. She is the founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, an online community dedicated to creating, sharing, and amplifying disability media and culture. Alice’s activism has been celebrated by Time Magazine and Marie Claire, and her 2022 memoir was one of USA Today’s “Must-Read” books. Alice is the recipient of multiple awards, was named a Disability Futures fellow by the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to be a member of the National Council on Disability.
April 7, 2025 & April 8, 2025 | Foundations And Frontiers Of Access: The Twenty Fifth Annual Multiple Perspective On Access, Inclusion & Disability Conference | The Ohio State University
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Multiple Perspective Conference, hosted by The Ohio State University, delves into the ongoing evolution of access and inclusion. This conference fosters interdisciplinary discussions on disability, focusing on new tools, equitable approaches, and universal design principles in digital and physical spaces.
May 15, 2025 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day: Committing To Change | University Of Minnesota
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the University of Michigan, is hosting a virtual event for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 15, 2025. Centered on the theme “Committing to Change,” the event emphasizes integrating accessibility into communication, design, and innovation. The planning committee seeks passionate speakers to share insights and experiences, with an honorarium offered. Proposals are due by January 3, 2025. Contact gaad-conference@umn.edu 📧️ for inquiries.
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⬆︎ 8.) Sponsor: Dr. Kirk Adams
👉️ Classified Advertisement: Next Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Live Stream Virtual Event: December 19, 2024
Join us for another inspiring episode of the Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Show!
📅️ Date: December 19, 2024
🕛️ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PT
📍️ Where: Live Stream Virtual Event
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from integrity-based leaders in:
👉️ Disability-Owned Businesses
👉️ Corporate Supplier Diversity
👉️ Disability Advocacy
👉️ Disabled Entrepreneurship
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Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, and Sean Callagy, founder of Unblinded Sales Mastery, will host an engaging discussion on disability inclusion and innovative business practices.
This monthly event brings together visionaries who believe in creating collaborative solutions and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.
Tune in to expand your network, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversation shaping a more inclusive future!
To watch the show visit: https://drkirkadams.com/webinars/heart/. We post each show here shortly after it airs live.
To attend this, or a future show, please send your request for information to: heart@drkirkadams.com.com 📧️.
#DisabilityInclusion #HeartOfInfluence #Accessibility #Innovation
Sponsor Since: July 22, 2024 📅️
Website: https://drkirkadams.com 🌐️
About: Hello, and welcome to the Heart of Influence With Dr. Kirk Adams Show.
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 visually impaired, 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.
⬆︎ 7.) Sponsor: Barrier Free Canada
👉️ Classified Advertisement: Discover Donna J. Jodhan’s Unique Pottery Initiatives! Give Back And Inspire Others! | Barrier Free Canada
See how Donna J. Jodhan inspires you to create and innovate but above all to show you how to give back to kids with disabilities through the camps for blind and vision impaired kids. Donna is showing kids how to transition to the adult world. And profits from her sales will all be going into furthering her initiatives.
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).
⬆︎ 6.) Sponsor: Hadley
👉️ Classified Advertisement: New NVDA Workshops at Hadley | Hadley
Learn the basics of NVDA. From getting started with the program to customizing the speech to learning helpful shortcuts, Hadley’s workshops have you covered.
Sponsor Since: September 18th 2023 📅️
Website: https://hadleyhelps.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@hadleyhelps.org 📧️
Phone: (800) 323-4238 📱️
Get Started: https://hadleyhelps.org/learn 🎓
What would you like to learn today?
Donate: https://hadleyhelps.org/donate/support-hadley ❤
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hadley relies on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund its programs.
About: The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive — at home, at work, and in their communities.
Founded in 1920 by William Hadley, an educator who lost his eyesight later in life, Hadley offers practical help, connection and support free of charge to anyone with a visual impairment, their families and professionals supporting them. With Hadley, you can discover new ways to do things that have become more difficult due to vision loss and connect with a network of peers who “get it.” And you don’t need to come to Hadley. Hadley’s help comes to you; online, on the phone or through the mail.
Since relaunching in July 2020, more than 70,000 people have signed up with Hadley, registering more than 200,000 workshop interactions. And our workshops have 98% satisfaction ratings. We reach all 50 states and more than 100 countries. And more people learn braille from Hadley than from any other organization worldwide.
Hadley is a proud partner of the National Eye Institute and the National Eye Health Education Program.
Hadley’s help conveniently meets learners where they are. Free of wait lists. Free of office visits. Free of charge.
Social: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | YouTube
⬆︎ 5.) Sponsor: Eyes on Success
Sponsor Since: August 21, 2023 📅️
Website: https://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ 🌐️
About: This half-hour weekly podcast and radio program discusses products, services and daily living tips for people with vision loss. It is available through radio reading services across North America, via several internet streaming services, and to everyone else as a podcast. To date, the show has been downloaded in all 50 states in the US and over 100 other countries on all the inhabited continents. Eyes On Success is hosted and produced by Peter Torpey and Nancy Goodman Torpey.
Each episode is basically a success story. Some are human stories of visually impaired people’s accomplishments in academics, employment, sports or pastimes. Others are descriptions of adaptive aids that enable visually impaired people to achieve things. These include screen readers, magnifiers, navigation aids, and others. In all cases, the focus is on success.
Eyes On Success has been airing weekly since January 2011. Prior to January 2013 the name of the show was ViewPoints. Other than the name, nothing has changed.
Listening To Eyes On Success
You can listen to Eyes On Success on your smart home device by saying “play the Eyes On Success podcast”, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, YouTube or your local radio reading service. Listeners can also follow the show on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter).
Connecting with Eyes On Success
Email: To contact us with questions, comments or suggestions for future shows send an e-mail to hosts@EyesOnSuccess.net 📧️.
Weekly Announcements: If you would like to receive weekly announcements of upcoming episodes, you can join our low traffic “announcements only” list by sending an e-mail to: EyesOnSuccess+subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️.
Email Forum: If you would like to connect with other listeners and share your thoughts about what you’ve heard on the show, you can join our listener email forum by sending an email to: EOS_Discuss+Subscribe@GoogleGroups.com 📧️
⬆︎ 4.) Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
👉️ Classified Advertisement: Help Access Ready, Inc. Rebuild After Hurricanes Helene and Milton | Access Ready, Inc.
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
Sponsor Since: December 19th 2022 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
⬆︎ 3.) Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
👉️ Classified Advertisement: Help Access Ready, Inc. Rebuild After Hurricanes Helene and Milton | Access Ready, Inc.
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
Sponsor Since: December 13th 2022 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
⬆︎ 2.) Sponsor: Access Ready, Inc.
👉️ Classified Advertisement: Help Access Ready, Inc. Rebuild After Hurricanes Helene and Milton | Access Ready, Inc.
Help Access Ready, Inc. support people with disabilities after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Access Ready is committed to providing adaptive equipment, restoring independence and dignity to those affected. Many lost vital devices that help them communicate, work, and live independently.
Donations will go toward repairing or replacing this equipment, ensuring people can regain normalcy after the disaster. Every contribution directly aids recovery efforts.
Since 2018, Access Ready has promoted accessible technology, led by CEO Douglas George Towne.
Your support can make a real difference. Donate Now — be a lifeline for those in need.
info@accessready.org 📧️
+1 (727) 531-1000 📱️
Sponsor Since: December 1st 2022 📅️
Website: https://accessready.org/ 🌐️
Email: info@accessready.org 📧️
Phone: (727) 531-1000 📱️
About: Access Ready Inc. is a certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Access Ready Inc., a nonprofit cross-disability rights advocacy organization, is to promote a policy of accessibility benefiting all people regardless of ability across information and communications technology utilized for two way communications.
The purpose of Access Ready Inc. is to educate the public and private sectors of the importance of accessible information and communications technology to the future of all people regardless of ability.
To support this education by developing initiatives that promote policies that ensure the creation and maintenance of accessible technologies utilized for two way communications at all levels which allow for easy use by people with the widest range of abilities possible.
To develop employment and business opportunities for people with disabilities that support its educational activities in the field of information and communications technology and related areas.
To provide consulting and educational services to buyers, developers, and users of information and communications technology that promotes its highest and best use in society.
To promote the concept of a technologically accessible society which fosters:
Freedom of expression, speech, and worship.
Freedom from fear, ignorance, and want.
Freedom from dishonesty, exclusion, and immorality.
Freedom of aspiration, invention, and inclusion.
⬆︎ 1.) Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
👉️ Classified Advertisement: RIMBot and Friends, At Your Service! | Pneuma Solutions
With the sheer number of applications available today, finding help for your tech problems can become a maze of support pages and bots, turning a simple issue into a time-consuming challenge. But when someone encounters a technical problem, they don’t want a hunt — they want a fix, fast. That’s where Remote Incident Manager (RIM) steps in with a game-changing feature to make troubleshooting faster and easier than ever. RIM’s new AI Tools Menu brings together a handful of helpful AI chatbots with an assistive technology focus. Accessible from within a RIM session or on the dashboard, this feature offers a centralized menu for quick access to all known accessibility-focused AI bots, as well as our very own AI helper RIM bot specifically trained on access software and hardware data, with new products being added regularly. This new feature is available to RIM account holders with:
- Pro Passes
- Personal Community Support Package
- Personal Weekend Support Package
- Pro or Enterprise Plans
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.
⬆︎ 12.) Sponsor: National Braille Press
👉️ Classified Advertisement: Two New Technology Books | National Braille Press
In this important and timely book, the folks from Mystic Access tackle the scarier side of the internet, showing blind computer users how to increase their security online. They cover a wide range of dangers, such as online scams and malware, and offer solutions to help you protect your identity, your personal information, and your finances. Chapters explore the ins and outs of antivirus programs, VPNs, password managers, multi-factor authentication, and much more! Stay safe out there!
Don’t miss this quick, handy guide to VoiceOver gestures (including touch and tap gestures, 3D Touch and haptic touch, flick gestures, and iPhone X and iPad slide gestures); iDevice buttons; typing and editing with a Bluetooth keyboard; and using a braille display — all in one handy booklet. Keep it within reach.
Sponsor Since: October 30, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.nbp.org 🌐️
Email: b2b@nbp.org 📧️
Phone: +1 (617) 266-6160 📱️
About: National Braille Press are the experts for producing high-quality, accurate braille. Whether you need ADA signage, accessible documents, or B2B solutions, NBP has what you’re looking for.
With almost 100 years of experience and a forward-thinking vision, we’re ready to solve your braille needs to the highest standard.
Contact us today for your ADA signage and B2B accessibility needs.
Address: 88 Saint Stephen Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
NBP B2B Portal | Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube
⬆︎ 11.) Sponsor: Magnifiers & More
Sponsor Since: October 25, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.magnifiersandmore.net 🌐️
Email: info@magnifiersandmore.net 📧️
Phone: (440) 946-3363 📱️
Fax: (440) 946-8899 📠️
Visit: 7775 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060, USA
About: Magnifiers & More, established in 2002 by Deborah Kogler, is Northeast Ohio’s only retail store dedicated to providing products and consultations for individuals with low vision, blindness, and vision disabilities. With over forty years of experience in eye care, Deborah founded the company to create a one-stop shop for vision aids, including specialized tools for managing conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
The store offers a wide range of over seventy-five magnifiers, talking items, large print products, special lights, electronic aids, Braille items, glare control solutions and More.
A key figure in the company’s story is Murphy, Deborah’s Golden Retriever and original CEO, “Canine Executive Officer,” who was the store’s mascot and greeter for 15 years. Today, Jeffrey, another Golden Retriever trained as a service dog, serves as the CFO, “Canine Fun Officer,” delighting customers and supporting Deborah.
Deborah’s journey into vision rehabilitation was inspired by her grandmother’s experience with macular degeneration, sparking her passion to make vision aids accessible. She continues to advocate for and educate those living with vision disabilities, both locally and internationally.
Magnifiers & More is committed to helping people improve their quality of life through practical solutions and compassionate support.
⬆︎ 10.) Sponsor: Innosearch.ai
Sponsor Since: October 15, 2024 📅️
Website: https://www.innosearch.ai 🌐️
Email: info@innosearch.ai 📧️
About: Innosearch is an all-in-one shopping platform augmented with a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping assistant. This innovative feature mimics the experience of shopping in real life by allowing you to interact with the assistant using natural language. It aggregates millions of products from top US online retailers, bringing them directly to you. With this advanced generative AI, Innosearch offers personalized product recommendations, highlights the best deals, and provides comprehensive information including reviews, total prices, shipping options, and more. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers.
YouTube Review By Sam Seavey: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-rjL-HAwaZY.
Key Features: Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:
➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.
➜ Uncover the Best Deals: Never miss a door buster, coupon, or clearance sale again. Get notified about the best prices and offers.
➜ AI Summarized Trusted Reviews: See what others are saying and make confident purchases.
➜ All in One: Innosearch brings millions of products from top online retailers directly to you, allowing you to shop the best deals with easy checkout and personalized AI assistance.
➜ Shop with Confidence: Rest assured, Innosearch has you covered with free shipping and returns on every purchase.
➜ Know Before You Buy: Innosearch equips you with expert buying guides, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
How To Shop: Simply create a free account and start shopping today!
⬆︎ 9.) Sponsor: Aira
Sponsor Since: September 9, 2024 📅️
Website: https://aira.io/ 🌐️
Download the App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Plans and Pricing: https://aira.io/pricing/
Phone: NA: +1.800.835.1934 📱️ | AU: +1.800.765.096 📱️ | UK: +0.800.046.5668 📱️ | NZ: +1.800.425.451 📱️
Text Message: NA: +1.858.242.4457 📱️ | AU: +61.488.839.767 📱️ | UK: +44.149.320.2474 📱️
Email: support@aira.io 📧️
Social: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
About: Aira’s mission is to remove barriers and make the world more accessible with visual interpreting.
We provide a live, human-to-human professional assistance service, an accommodation or productivity tool, that enhances independence by delivering on-demand, skilled and reliable visual interpreting for just about any task. Using the powerful combination of a camera and the Aira app on someone’s device of ‘choice’, a professionally-trained agent will assist by visually interpreting what is in the camera’s view or on screen, from describing to reading, from explaining to navigating – just about anything, safely and securely. Aira supports a growing range of devices including smart and tactile button phones, desktop computers and soon, wearables.
Whether you are involved in the work of business, the work of school or the work of life, Aira enhances everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Used by employees and customers of hundreds of organizations including airports, banks, the largest software companies, financial firms, retailers and universities, we invite you to join the community, access the Aira app today and try it for free.
https://aira.io/download-and-try-it/
Step One: Subscribe and Download. Pick the plan that lets you explore on your terms and on your time, sign up in a few minutes, and download the Aira app to your smartphone. Plans shown are for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Add or cancel at any time.
Step Two: Connect with an Aira Agent. On the first call, connect with one of our certified, specially-trained Agents and learn how everything works.
Step Three: Real-time Assistance. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to visual information, when and where you want it.
⬆︎ 13.) Sponsor: Your Name Here
Sponsor Since: Today 📅️
Website: https://accessinformationnews.com/dearsponsor 🌐️
Phone: (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.
➜ Access Information News Supporters 🤝️
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.
Platinum Supporters
Become an Access Information News Platinum Supporter today.
1.) James Hulme
Platinum Supporter Since: December 5, 2022
2.) Donna Jodhan
Platinum Supporter Since: March 24, 2023
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Become an Access Information News Gold Supporter today.
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Become an Access Information News Bronze Supporter today.
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One Time Supporters
One Time Supporters donate an amount of their choosing — one time to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Access Information News Publication.
Become an Access Information News One Time Supporter today.
1.) Sharyn Sobel
One Time Supporter on November 28, 2023
2.) Amanda Lee
One Time Supporter on July 31, 2023
3.) Gaylen Kapperman
One Time Supporter on June 4, 2024
4.) Your name here.
One Time Supporter on …
➜ Access Information News Team 🗞️
Distribution: Sponsors, Supporters and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Distribution Since: 2022
As of November 7, 2022 the distribution of Access Information News is made possible by our Sponsors, our Supporters, our Advertisers and Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd., a leading international provider of professionally outsourced marketing administration and consultation services.
Any time the Access Information News Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Learn more about the benefits of Sponsorship today.
Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi
Publisher Since: November 7, 2022
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
In addition to serving as Publisher for Access Information News Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and AI-Weekly newsletters, PR-Director for the AT-Newswire Press Release News Distribution Service, and President and Senior Project Management Professional for Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
As Publisher Aaron oversees the weekly distribution of Access Information News on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Email: publisher@accessinformationnews.com 📧️
Toll-Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
Aaron Di Blasi, PMP
Email: publisher@toptechtidbits.com 📧️
Toll Free: +1 (855) 578-6660 📱️
PR Director (2024-Present)
AT-Newswire 🌐
Access Technology’s Digital Newswire
Publisher (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week’s News in Artificial Intelligence
Publisher (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information
Publisher (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology
Sr. Project Management Professional (2006 – Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Certified:
Digital Marketing Associate
Meta Certified (2022 – Present)
Social Marketing Professional
Hootsuite Certified (2020 – Present)
Email Marketing Professional
Constant Contact Certified (2019 – Present)
Specializing in:
Digital Strategy and Content Marketing
Social Media Advertising
Online Fundraising
ADA, WCAG and Section 508 Compliance
Editor: John Hanlin
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 visually impaired persons.
John is also a long-time contractor and member of the Board of Trustees at Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
John Hanlin, Esq.
Editor (2024-Present)
AI-Weekly 🌐
The Week’s News in Artificial Intelligence
Editor (2022-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information
Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology
Board of Trustees (2006 – Present)
Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. 🌐
Innovative ideas. Solutions that perform.
Editor: Jenna Lang
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)
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Editor (2020-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology
Editor: David Woodbridge
Editor Since: February 6, 2023
Location: Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Time Zone: Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST/AEDT) (GMT+10)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Access Information News David also serves as an Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits publication and is also the National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor for Vision Australia where he has worked since 1990. Over this time he has assisted people who are blind or vision impaired in their home, education, and work settings to take advantage of the benefits of using assistive and main stream technology.
In the last seventeen years, he has also been involved with evaluating technology for use by people who are blind or vision impaired covering both low and high tech equipment (including Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amazon, and Apple). David is also one of the key spokespersons for Vision Australia relating to technology.
He has been an Apple Ambassador for Apple Australia since 2009 with a group of other Ambassadors / Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE)‘s covering the range of Apple’s Accessibility solutions throughout Australia.
David produces a range of podcasts (since 2011) covering Apple and other technologies which are distributed on his own podcast (http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com). In addition, he also has a regular Talking Tech program (since 2013) which can be heard every Tuesday at 4:30 Eastern Summer Time on Vision Australia Radio Melbourne (available online) or via https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
David also runs a weekly Tech Monday where people can chat about assistive and main stream technology, share information, and any tips and tricks.
David lost his sight when he was 8 years old and had to learn Braille. Since then, he completed high school, went to Sydney University receiving a Social Work degree, spent 4 years drug and alcohol counselling, and then moved into his current job.
As a person who is blind, David believes that as a user of the technology that he recommends to others, that he is well situated to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the assistive technology that he comes across in both his professional and personal life, in particular, mainstream technology that is accessible.
In addition to his weekly contributions to Access Information News and Top Tech Tidbits, David’s regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
David Woodbridge
X (Formerly Twitter): @dwoodbridge
Mastodon: woody@dragonscave.space
iSee Podcast: https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com
Vision Australia Radio Talking Tech: https://omny.fm/shows/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio
Editor (2023-Present)
Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Technology
Editor (2023-Present)
Access Information News 🌐
The Week’s News in Access Information
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor
(1990 – Present)
Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We’re here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Editor: Vicki Walton
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
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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. 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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