Explore how Innosearch.ai is revolutionizing online shopping with its voice-powered service. In this video, Sam demonstrate how to search for products, access detailed information, listen to reviews, provide shipping details, and complete purchases — all through natural, conversational speech.
Here The Neuron offers a beginner-friendly guide to AI, introducing tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, and providing practical tips for using AI chatbots effectively, including prompt crafting and real-world applications, to help newcomers integrate AI into their daily workflows.
This tutorial from The Accessibility Guy guides users through the process of making radio buttons accessible in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, supporting inclusive PDF form design practices.
Here How-To Geek offers practical advice for enhancing Zoom meetings, including using keyboard shortcuts, enabling HD video, customizing backgrounds, and optimizing audio settings to improve professionalism and engagement.
Here How-To Geek highlights the versatility of the F4 key in Microsoft Excel, which allows users to repeat their last action — such as formatting changes or inserting rows — and toggle between absolute and relative cell references when editing formulas, streamlining workflow and enhancing efficiency.
Sam Seavey gives an unfiltered review of the Gyroor C1S Electric Scooter, critiquing both the product and the lack of research by tech companies when reaching out to creators in the blind and visually impaired community.
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Apple has announced significant accessibility features for its devices as part of its commitment to making technology inclusive. These updates include Accessibility Nutrition Labels in the App Store, a new Magnifier for Mac, and tools for Braille Access, among others, significantly enhancing usability for individuals with disabilities.
Apple is set to introduce several new accessibility features across its platforms, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels for apps, a Magnifier for Macs, and a Braille Access mode. These tools are designed to enhance user experience for those with disabilities, providing essential functionalities such as real-time captions and improved visual accessibility.
Apple is reportedly developing a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology that allows users to control their iPhone via brain signals. This technology could significantly aid individuals with conditions like ALS, enhancing their ability to interact with Apple devices. Additionally, iOS 19 will streamline its Personal Voice feature, requiring fewer phrases for voice creation.
This guide highlights various accessories that can enhance a Mac desktop setup, featuring options like a Mac Mini stand and hub, high-quality webcams, and ergonomic keyboards. These curated gadgets aim to boost productivity and comfort during work hours, making them ideal for both new purchases and upgrades to existing systems.
Apple is distributing $95 million through a class action settlement involving Siri, requiring claim submissions by July 2, 2025. Users can claim up to $100 for unintended Siri activations during private conversations, dependent on proof of purchase for eligible devices bought between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.
Apple's VoiceOver, introduced in 2005, has transformed accessibility for blind and low-vision users over the past two decades. From its inception in Mac OS X to its significant role in mainstream devices like the iPhone, VoiceOver not only enabled greater independence but also set new standards for accessibility within the tech industry.
Audible expands its production capabilities by allowing publishers to choose from over 100 AI-generated voices for narrating audiobooks in multiple languages. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility to audiobooks, with a vision of offering every book in every language.
A new artificial intelligence tool can estimate an individual's biological age based solely on their facial features. This technology raises intriguing possibilities for health assessments and understanding aging processes.
Google's AI model, Gemini, now features camera capabilities that allow it to see and interact with the physical world. Through a recent experience with family and a card game, the author highlights Gemini's impressive speed and accuracy in answering rules questions, suggesting the technology's growing utility in everyday life.
Meta is developing advanced smart glasses featuring a 'super-sensing' vision system capable of facial recognition and real-time contextual awareness, aiming to assist users in daily tasks through AI integration.
Despite initial reservations regarding the Rabbit R1's accessibility for blind users, Taylor Arndt explores the device's innovative capabilities powered by AI. Through hands-on experimentation, Arndt demonstrates both the potential and limitations of the device and aims to foster dialogue for enhanced accessibility.
Here ABC15.com reports that the family of Christopher Pelkey, a 37-year-old Army veteran killed in a 2021 Chandler road rage incident, used AI to recreate his likeness and voice for a posthumous victim impact statement, marking a first in Arizona's judicial history and influencing the judge to impose a 10.5-year sentence on the shooter, Gabriel Horcasitas.
As an accessibility specialist, AI has become a crucial ally in streamlining workflows and enhancing the testing and reporting processes. The integration of AI tools allows for more efficient issue reporting, compliance tracking, and code fixing, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive digital experience for users with disabilities.
In this episode, Joe Dolson and Nathan Wrigley explore an AI-generated website crafted by Jamie Marsland, analyzing its accessibility features. They discuss issues such as semantic structuring, keyboard navigation, and ARIA label usage, providing insights into common pitfalls faced by AI in web accessibility.
Tips, Tutorials, Guides, Reviews, Walk-Throughs and How-To's 📚️
The JAWS 2025 update introduces enhancements aimed at improving user experience and increasing compatibility with popular applications. It emphasizes more accessible navigation and better performance, catering to both new and existing users.
Here TAG examines the accessibility of the Classified Senate Roles PDF from San Jose City College, highlighting common issues and demonstrating remediation techniques using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
Discover six essential Excel keyboard shortcuts that enhance workflow efficiency and save time. These shortcuts include valuable commands like entering cell edit mode, pasting values only, and filtering columns, which streamline data management and analysis in spreadsheets.
Steven and Shaun respond to listener questions about MagSafe, accessible document scanning, and Apple's AI quirks, while reflecting on the value of blind-developed tools like DocuScan Plus and ending with a nostalgic dive into their favorite music memories.
The inaugural Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon on May 18, 2025, encourages legally blind birders across the United States to participate in a collective celebration of birding by ear. This 24-hour event aims to foster community and inclusion, demonstrating that birding success is defined not by sight but by the connections formed through shared experiences and knowledge.
How do visually impaired individuals manage diabetes independently? Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Veronica Elsea and Patricia Maddix about accessible insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and their advocacy work for non-visual medical tools. Both women share their personal journeys navigating diabetes care as blind individuals.
Steven and Shaun explore Apple's latest accessibility upgrades across iOS 19, macOS, and Vision Pro, before welcoming experts John Dyer and Carrie Morales to weigh in on Android's AI-enhanced tools and whether rising smartphone costs could drive users to switch ecosystems.
Steven and Shaun unpack Apple's latest accessibility updates for iOS 19, macOS, and Vision Pro, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, a Mac Magnifier app, Braille Access tools, and Vision Pro enhancements like real-world zoom and hands-free visual assistance.
Steven Scott speaks with accessibility advocates John Dyer and Carrie Morales about Android's rising potential for blind users, driven by AI-powered features like TalkBack with Gemini, amid concerns about trust, affordability, and Apple's declining dominance.
This review highlights the SightStand, a MagSafe-enabled accessory designed by optometrist Francisco Richardson that transforms smartphones into portable, high-quality desktop video magnifiers ideal for a range of daily tasks.
The Eargo 8 hearing aids feature an innovative 'device scan' technology that detects sound quality issues, making them easier to manage. Priced at $2,699, these nearly invisible devices are tailored for user independence and enhanced functionality, including extended battery life and smart sound adjustments for various environments.
Despite advancements in automation and AI, many digital accessibility issues remain unsolved by these technologies alone. Automated tools and AI overlays miss critical aspects of accessibility, emphasizing the need for human intervention in testing and evaluating web content. Effective accessibility can only be achieved through a combination of technology and human expertise.
Windows 11 introduces a modernized interface and integrates Microsoft's Copilot AI tool, enhancing usability and innovation. This update focuses on design consistency and innovative features while maintaining application compatibility from Windows 10.
Google unveiled key updates during their Android Show: I/O Edition, including a fresh design with Material 3 Expressive for Android 16, deeper integration of their AI assistant Gemini across platforms, and enhanced security features. Key innovations focus on personalized user experiences, improved navigation tools, and a revamped Find My Device system that ensures ongoing connectivity.
Amazon has committed over a decade to enhancing accessibility in its products and services. The article outlines twelve innovative accessibility features designed to assist customers with disabilities, allowing them to engage more fully with technologies like Alexa, Fire TV, and Kindle.
Mike Calvo returns to Double Tap to deliver a fiery critique of accessibility policies and promote blind-led innovation, while spotlighting Pneuma Solutions' tools like Scribe, RIM, Cero, and DocuScan Plus as transformative tech for the blind community.
This article examines how the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses function for those with dual sensory impairments. It highlights the challenges of audio routing for users with hearing aids, the limitations of the 'look and tell' feature for braille users, and suggests potential enhancements for improved accessibility.
Linux audio continues to present significant challenges, particularly for blind users. The existing audio stack, which relies on multiple layers including ALSA, PulseAudio, and PipeWire, remains fraught with issues that lead to confusion and frustration, especially when systems fail to produce sound, leaving users without critical feedback or access.
This article highlights the journey of blind acro-athlete Chris Jeckel, who transforms his early experiences of isolation into a story of empowerment through Acro Yoga. As part of the documentary 'Touching the Sky', Jeckel's story emphasizes the importance of trust and connection in overcoming challenges and invites readers to participate in an upcoming screening that promotes inclusion as a strategic advantage.
Orbit Research has released software version 1.6.1 for the Orbit Speak notetaker, addressing issues such as disappearing Plus features, loss of recorded audio, speech rate limitations, and time discrepancies in 24-hour clock mode. Users can install the update using the device's built-in automatic software update feature.
The latest beta version of NVDA, 2025.1beta5, has been released for testing, including new features like NVDA Remote Access and various speech improvements. However, it breaks compatibility with previous add-ons. Users are encouraged to provide feedback to help improve future releases.
This guide offers a detailed overview of Orca, including its features, usage, and best practices. It aims to assist users in navigating the platform effectively and making the most of its capabilities.
Sam Seavey of The Blind Life explores Innosearch.ai's voice-driven shopping platform, which enables users to browse, compare, and purchase products from over 500,000 retailers using natural speech, offering a highly accessible experience for individuals with visual impairments.
The launch of Deque's axe Assistant, an AI chatbot for accessibility questions, prompts examination of its effectiveness in addressing nuanced accessibility challenges. The author shares findings from testing the assistant's capabilities in identifying and fixing various accessibility issues in code.
Despite its advantages such as responsiveness and ownership, Linux accessibility is fundamentally flawed for blind users from the very first interaction. The post highlights the challenges users face, including broken audio systems, lack of persistence in settings, and the community's neglect towards accessibility needs, emphasizing a broader issue of disregard for marginalized users.
Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which may leave users vulnerable without security updates. The article outlines four options for users, including upgrading to Windows 11, buying a new computer, or using alternative operating systems like ChromeOS or Linux, while highlighting potential risks of continuing with Windows 10.
Figma Sites currently exhibit significant accessibility issues, evident in complex code structures and poor semantic practices. These problems create challenges for users, especially in navigation and content structure, indicating a need for better design principles in future updates.
Here Accessibleandroid.com examines the widespread reluctance among blind users to pay for apps, highlighting how this mindset, shaped by a history of inaccessible software and reliance on cracked versions, undermines the sustainability of accessible app development and the livelihoods of blind developers.
Here BlindNewWorld.org profiles Akash Kakkar, a blind accessibility engineer at InnosearchAI, who leverages his personal experience to develop an e-commerce platform tailored for visually impaired users, incorporating features like screen-reader compatibility and AI-generated product descriptions to facilitate independent online shopping.
Here Blazietech.com unveils BT Speak's May update, introducing features like a braille-compatible clipboard, NFB Newsline integration, Smart Input command assistant, PDF-to-text conversion, and Smart Reader, enhancing productivity and accessibility for users.
Blazie Technologies has released Version 1.1 of the BT Speak Users' Manual, offering updated guidance on features like the Smart Reader, AI Chat, Clipboard, and PDF-to-text conversion; the manual is accessible directly on BT Speak devices with the May 2025 software update or downloadable from the company's Guides and Media page.
Here Boldblindbeauty.com highlights its Virtual Work Experience Program, which equips high school and college students with disabilities with real-world skills and mentorship, fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry through hands-on experience and community engagement.
Here Inclusivepublishing.org announces the finalization of EPUB 3.3 as a W3C Recommendation, focusing on clarifying language and aligning with related specifications, while ongoing efforts by the Accessibility Task Force aim to enhance fixed-layout EPUB accessibility and update standards to WCAG 2.1 or 2.2.
Award-winning journalist Katie Thornton launches a new season of the Peabody-winning podcast 'The Divided Dial,' produced by On the Media and WNYC Studios, focusing on shortwave radio's cultural and political impact, featuring insights from shortwave expert David Goren.
Here Wired.com highlights how British startup Silence Speaks has developed AI-generated avatars that translate text into British and American Sign Language, aiming to alleviate the global shortage of sign language interpreters and enhance accessibility for over 70 million deaf individuals worldwide.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled has added two Braille titles to its BARD collection: the 'Getting Started Guide' (BR26188) and the 'User Guide' (BR26189) for the Digital Advanced Player 2 (DA2), providing comprehensive instructions on using the DA2's features for reading digital books.
Here Adrian Roselli critiques Figma's new 'Figma Sites' feature, highlighting significant accessibility issues in its demo sites, including numerous WCAG violations, and warns that using such tools without proper accessibility considerations can lead to legal risks and user barriers.
John S. Richards Jr. shares an extensive list of voice commands and accessibility features tailored for blind and low-vision users of the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, including object recognition, text reading, environmental descriptions, and integration with Be My Eyes for real-time visual assistance.
Here Beaccessible.com examines how situational disabilities, temporary limitations caused by factors like environment, injury, or stress, affect digital access, and outlines strategies such as inclusive design, adequate text sizing, and proper color contrast to enhance accessibility for all users.
Here TPGi explores the intricacies of toast messages often used in web applications and their potential pitfalls concerning accessibility. It categorizes different types of toast messages and provides insights into implementing effective notifications that cater to all users, ensuring compliance with various accessibility standards.
This article explores the experimental 'CSS Carousels' and their impact on usability and accessibility. It highlights important accessibility issues related to scrolling UI patterns and critiques their readiness for production use, emphasizing the need for more semantic HTML elements to enhance accessibility.
The Carroll Center for the Blind has released the fourth edition of 'The Windows Screen Reader Primer: All the Basics and More' by David Kingsbury, offering free guidance for JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator users on key PC applications, including Microsoft Office, web browsers, cloud storage, and Zoom, with new content on FS Companion, the New Outlook, advanced Excel functions, and AI tools.
Technological advancements have significantly improved communication for visually impaired individuals through AI-integrated devices, voice-operated machines, and accessibility software. These tools enhance independence by enabling blind users to interact with their environments more effortlessly and engage in more daily activities with less reliance on sighted assistance.
This article elaborates on the necessity of adding a tabindex attribute to elements that aren't normally focusable for accessibility reasons. It highlights techniques to properly manage focus indicators in user interfaces, particularly for keyboard navigation.
Microsoft has introduced the ARIA Notify API, aimed at enhancing web content accessibility for users with assistive technologies. This API addresses limitations of ARIA live regions by allowing developers to announce significant content changes that are not reflected in the DOM, ensuring that crucial notifications are communicated to users effectively.
Here Applevis.com presents the first lesson in a podcast series where Gaurav introduces VoiceOver users to Apple's Numbers app on Mac, demonstrating how to create and navigate a basic quarterly budget spreadsheet using accessible table layouts and keyboard shortcuts.
Here Techfreedom.in explores how Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) enhances accessibility by converting handwritten documents into digital formats, enabling visually impaired individuals to access content through screen readers and text-to-speech tools.
The article presents an analysis of potential accessibility challenges posed by floating animations on web pages and mobile applications. It emphasizes the importance of considering user interaction, responsiveness, and the implications of animation on accessibility to avoid negative experiences, such as obscured content and usability issues.
Here Heydon explores the correct usage of the <cite> element in HTML5, highlighting its significance in citing titles of works exclusively. It also reflects on the evolution of the <cite> element's definition, diverging from its more permissive HTML4 origins and addressing common misconceptions about its application.
State accessibility officers are urging local governments to prioritize upgrading their websites to meet new federal accessibility standards by April 2026. Many agencies face a significant backlog of non-compliant content, with experts emphasizing the importance of actively developing accessibility policies and frameworks.
Implementing keyboard testing in digital product development can significantly enhance accessibility for users reliant on keyboard navigation. This approach not only resolves accessibility barriers but also improves overall usability, making digital experiences intuitive for everyone.
Accessible color contrast is crucial for inclusivity in design, as it determines who can effectively use software. This article highlights various tools and methods to ensure your color choices meet accessibility standards, making designs both beautiful and user-friendly.
This article explains the importance of evaluating non-text contrast for graphical objects and user interface components as mandated by WCAG 2.1. It emphasizes the significance of using contrast checkers to ensure that colors in user interface components pass the necessary contrast ratio tests against adjacent colors, highlighting common pitfalls and effective testing strategies.
This article explores the implications of WCAG 2.1 for user interface (UI) components, specifically addressing hover states and their accessibility requirements. It emphasizes the importance of visual consistency between keyboard focus and hover states, highlighting relevant success criteria to enhance overall user interaction.
Here NewYorker.com reports that in response to political and legal challenges, U.S. universities are shifting from diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives to a pluralism model that emphasizes respectful engagement across differing ideologies and backgrounds, aiming to foster mutual understanding and civic skills among students.
The significance of keyboard navigation in web design emphasizes accessibility and user experience for a diverse audience. This approach ensures that websites are usable for individuals with disabilities, the design challenges posed by traditional mouse usage, and the legal implications of not adhering to accessibility standards.
Here Amy Hupe emphasizes crafting error messages that are clear, empathetic, and actionable, advising against whimsical language and highlighting the importance of using active voice to guide users effectively through issues.
This tutorial explores the creation of an accessible accordion component utilizing HTML description lists. It covers structuring elements, the importance of ARIA attributes for screen reader clarity, and provides CSS for visual styling along with JavaScript for toggle functionality.
Here Dennis Deacon covers the significance of captions for accessibility, outlining their benefits for various users including the deaf and hard of hearing, non-native speakers, and those with learning disabilities. He explains different methods for captioning pre-recorded content, weighing the pros and cons of automated, manual, and AI-based approaches for accuracy and compliance with accessibility standards.
The 14th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) encourages conversations about digital access and inclusion for over one billion people with disabilities. The GAAD Foundation, launched in 2021, aims to integrate accessibility as a core requirement in technology and digital product development. Participants can attend in-person and virtual events, host their own initiatives, or engage in accessibility-focused activities.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Join the University of Minnesota for this virtual Global Accessibility Awareness Day gathering focused on the theme “Committing to Change,” featuring a keynote from Dr. Ludmila Praslova, author of *The Canary Code*, and breakout sessions exploring accessibility in higher education, disability culture and justice, and universal design.
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.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this Global Accessibility Awareness Day webinar from TPGi, Mark Miller and Amanda Roper explore how intrapreneurs can lead accessibility change by forging cross-functional partnerships, empowering colleagues, and navigating organizational dynamics to foster lasting impact beyond compliance.
9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM GMT
In this live webinar from Freedom Scientific, attendees will learn ten practical tips for managing tasks and settings in Windows 11 using JAWS. The session covers setting notifications, managing files, using Focus sessions, customizing app defaults, and earning ACVREP credits for live participation.
12:01 AM PT, 1:01 AM MT, 2:01 AM CT, 3:01 AM ET, 7:01 AM GMT
Birdability hosts the inaugural Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, 24-hour nationwide birding event designed by and for legally blind birders. Participants are encouraged to identify birds by sound or sight from any location, with support including virtual workshops, plain-language rule sheets, and a post-event celebration on June 5 featuring shared results and prize drawings.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
Join the Lighthouse Career Webinar in May for a presentation “the ABCs of Interviewing” and the celebration of our 1 year anniversary. Interviewing whether in-person or virtual is still an essential part of getting hired. In this webinar we will discuss actions to take before, during and after an interview.
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this community call hosted by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Seniors Division, participants are invited to learn and share information about recreational activities like camping, swimming, dancing, and games that support independence and well-being for older adults living with low vision or blindness. For more information about this event or the NFB of Maryland Seniors Division, please contact Marguerite Woods at: +1 (443) 271-1668 📱️ or mwoods719@gmail.com 📧️
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Marisa Church explores essential tools and settings in JAWS for navigating and editing Word documents to create accessible, well-structured content.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Join Jason Goldfield with the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind for a free Zoom workshop exploring the new Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Discover how these hands-free glasses offer text messaging, voice commands, audio features, and real-time assistance with tasks like navigation, translation, media, and more using Meta technology embedded in classic Ray-Ban frames. Meeting ID: 835 8160 5488 | Passcode: 182630.
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Join Jason Goldfield with the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind for an informative Zoom lecture on the new Meta Smart glasses by Ray-Ban. The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are a fusion of fashion and functionality, combining Meta's tech with Ray-Ban's iconic eyewear. Of the many things these glasses can do for you hands-free, you can ask it to tell you what is in front of you, connect to your phone and text, send voice messages and make calls, play music, ask questions, take photos and video, get directions and descriptions, translate foreign languages, get recipes and have it tell you what is in your refrigerator, learn the history of a landmark, and so much more. On the audio front, the glasses feature discreet open-ear speakers and a five-microphone system, ensuring crystal-clear calls, immersive sound, and precise voice recognition.
. Meeting ID: 835 8160 5488 | Passcode: 182630.
AccessNow transforms David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto into a buzzing, barrier-free hub of activity with AccessFest, a one-day celebration of disability inclusion featuring mainstage performances, real talks, immersive art installations, and accessibility-first community experiences.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel show how to pair JAWS Convenient OCR with the portable PEARL camera to streamline workflow. TVIs attending are eligible for ACVREP continuing-education credit.
Available online and free for all developers, WWDC25 runs from June 9 to 13 and showcases the latest Apple software innovations. The week includes a keynote, video sessions, online labs with Apple experts, and an exclusive in-person event at Apple Park on June 9 for select attendees.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Michael Parker outlines key practices for accessible video publishing across platforms, focusing on captions, audio descriptions, and descriptive text transcripts.
Join the 8th Annual Accessibility Summer Camp, a one-day digital conference dedicated to advancing accessibility in education and professional spaces. Experts will lead sessions on digital accessibility, inclusive teaching practices, software tutorials, and creating a culture of accessibility. Live captions and ASL interpretation will be available, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees. Registration is now open, with a $15 attendance fee.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves covers foundational techniques for building accessible Word documents that convert more cleanly to PDFs, including structure, headings, lists, and styles.
The National Federation of the Blind hosts its 2025 National Convention from July 8 — 13 in New Orleans, offering a week of networking, informative sessions, and advocacy. In-person and virtual registration options are available, with programming that includes a career fair, childcare, and volunteer opportunities such as ambassador and support service provider roles.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Ian Ramos leads a virtual tour of the newest Envision Glasses capabilities, including GPT-4-powered features designed for natural-language interaction.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Rachel Reeves details the steps for converting accessible Word files into fully accessible PDFs, including manual tag cleanup and final fixes in Adobe Acrobat.
Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH Career Connect present a weeklong immersive experience designed for transition-age young adults who are blind or have low vision. Hosted at the Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy, Oregon, this free program explores career options, networking, mobility strategies, vocational resources, and hands-on experiences with guide dogs. Participants will engage in engaging learning opportunities while making new connections and enjoying the scenic Pacific Northwest. Applications are DUE on or before March 31, 2025. Applications received after this date will be put on a waitlist. We recommend you apply early as summer programs are popular and fill up quickly.
10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Marisa Church and Ian Ramos walk through essential file-management tasks using JAWS, including navigating File Explorer and accessing cloud storage services like OneDrive, SharePoint, and Google Drive.
In this latest installment, we dive deep into a scanned PDF from the San Jose City College website. The verdict? A whopping 0 out of 10 on our accessibility scale — but don't worry, we fix it.
What's Inside:
Scan & OCR
Auto-tagging
Manual tagging
Converting a complex table into an accessible format
Fixing an inaccessible list structure
Using the Accessibility Checker to find and correct even more hidden issues
This isn't theory — it's real-world remediation, shown step by step. If you're learning how to make PDFs accessible or training others, this series is a goldmine.
Episode 20 shows that even the most inaccessible docs can be remediated — with patience, the right tools, and a keen eye. Perfect for educators, admins, and accessibility pros in the making.
About: My name is Shawn Jordison and I love helping others learn the ins and outs of digital accessibility.
I have made over 100 thousand documents accessible, provided hundreds of trainings in the areas of accessibility and document remediation, and reviewed many websites and mobile applications for accessibility.
I have developed and reviewed VPATs, LMS courses, and other pieces of training. I am the accessibility Swiss army knife. Let me be your personal accessibility expert.
➜ Over 13 years of experience in the field of accessibility.
➜ Passionate about providing equal access to information for everyone.
➜ Wide range of project experience, including document accessibility, training, and more.
➜ Expertise in captioning, assistive technology, and accessibility best practices. I'm here to help you create a more accessible world.
The Blog: This blog covers topics like making Word, PDF & PowerPoint files accessible, Closed Captioning, assistive technology, and other important accessibility topics.
Training and Consulting: Offering customized training and consulting for implementing accessibility best practices.
Accessible Document Service: Providing top-tier document remediation services for all types of files, ensuring compliance with WCAG, 508, and PDF UA standards.
About: Fun and easy, you'll just love going out. You walk with confidence, and Glide will simply guide you where you want to go.
Just Grab Your Glide And Walk With Confidence Glide will guide you to your destination or just keep you to a safe path and leave it to you to steer the way, giving you full autonomy and independence.
Portable, Light And Versatile Glide uses advanced technology to help you safely and smoothly weave your way among obstacles and people, and make your way to a near by door, steps or a park bench.
Easy To Use
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Affordable
No fancy back flips, just what you need to get back out there.
Quick To Learn
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About: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and support to people who are blind in our community since 1918.
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a successful manufacturing organization with over 60 years of experience in precision machining. We produce an array of machined parts and plastic injection molding for various aerospace manufacturers, as well as a host of office products and hydration equipment sold to the Federal Government and the U.S. Military. We also own and operate stores on military bases along the West Coast. Our products and services include:
• Manufacturing: We are a successful manufacturing organization committed to making jobs accessible to individuals who are blind. Our manufacturing operations center on making quality products for the Federal Government under the AbilityOne Program and producing parts for aerospace manufacturers.
• Managed Services: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. offers a variety of services to our commercial, federal, and military customers. These include Contract Management Support (CMS) services for government contracting offices.
• Base Supply Centers: We operate 12 AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs) that offer easy customer access to Lighthouse products, direct feedback and communication with customers, and employment opportunities for individuals who are blind in geographic areas not served by larger nonprofit agencies.
WayAround is a smartphone-based labeling app that works with your preferred accessibility settings. You just need the free mobile app and some WayTags ® to label items in the kitchen, garden, closet, office & more.
If you want to label something that's inside, outside, wet, dry, hot, or cold, there's a WayTag that will attach securely. WayTags come as stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips. Each of the different styles of WayTags work exactly the same. Simply choose the WayTag that's best for what you want to label.
Purchase a 25-pack of any style of WayTag and get a free Sampler Pack so you can try all seven different WayTags. Enter the coupon code SAMPLE at checkout and the Sampler Pack will automatically be added to your cart. This is a $14.99 value! Limit one Sample pack per order.
About: WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires. The result? Doing more of the things you want, with more confidence and more independence.
All the information you want with just a tap of your phone. No more waiting around to ask someone. You need just two things to get started: The free mobile app for iOS or Android and some of our smart WayTags®.
Accessible labels for the blind, deafblind, and anyone with vision loss. Your biggest problem isn't poor eyesight. It's that so much of the information in the world is visual. But you shouldn't have to wait around for someone else to get the information you need. Or carry around a bulky, outdated device. There is a better way to get accurate and complete information every time. So you can reduce stress and gain independence.
About: At Aira, we believe access to information is a human right. Aira breaks down accessibility barriers by providing on-demand video remote interpreting for both the blind and low-vision community, and the Deaf Community. People can download the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app, and be instantly connected to a professional interpreter. Available 24/7/365, interpreters work with callers to facilitate more efficient communication and accomplish tasks together. Aira is proud to lead the way in delivering secure, on-demand, inclusive services that transform lives and open doors to new opportunities for all.
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.
Everyone deserves equal access to the internet which is why Fable works with people with disabilities who use assistive technologies like switch controls to improve the accessibility of websites and apps. Fable Pathways, a free, accessible, and on-demand skill-building program, is an extension of Fable's mission. Fable Pathways provides new opportunities for people with disabilities to gain the skills they need, from experts like Judy Heumann and Kelly Ford, to contribute to improving digital accessibility.
About: Fable is an accessibility platform powered by people with disabilities, connecting them to accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to build accessible user experiences.
Opportunities:
➜ Accessibility Tester: Testers drive meaningful change in digital accessibility by sharing feedback on the websites and apps of the companies that care. As a Tester, earn a competitive tech industry wage, learn valuable transferrable skills, and grow your career. Fable is looking for assistive technology users in the US or Canada to work the hours that they want, completely from home. No experience or resume required.
➜ Survey Respondent: Survey Respondents enjoy a remote, low-commitment income opportunity, all while contributing to accessibility research. Surveys are typically sent out once a month, and you can earn $5 to $50 per survey. Apply today if you identify as having a disability and live in the US or Canada. You do not need to use assistive technology to apply.
Selvas BLV is eager to meet you at TWO upcoming conferences next week! You can find us in Sands Point, NY at the Tech Blitz on May 15th, and in Jacksonville, FL at the Florida Council of the Blind on May 16th and 17th!
Launch your career in the digital accessibility field! The Carroll Center for the Blind's new 7-week intensive Screen Reader User Tester Training program allows participants to learn and grow their ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and digital document files using screen readers. Want to learn more? Start your journey to becoming a Screen Reader User Tester today.
About: The Carroll Center for the Blind is the foremost leader in vision rehabilitation services for individuals confronted by the challenges of vision loss. Our mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been serving those with vision impairment for over eight decades; we are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. Located just outside of Boston on a sprawling campus in Newton, Massachusetts, we proudly serve ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss. With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support, and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 80 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living.
We are proud to introduce the New and Improved #ScribeForDocuments! We've given Scribe's engine quite the tune-up. The result? Remediation speed like you've never seen before, with no compromises on accuracy! Gone are the days of waiting several minutes to read your document. Upload your material to Scribe, and within a mere instant, it will be ready to read! While you read, Scribe continues plugging away at your document until it's fully remediated, at which point you can produce your very own, offline copy of the document in our wide variety of conversion formats. Never before has document accessibility been this instant! We've also given Scribe its very own browser extension, natural multilingual voices and a host of under-the-hood updates! Give it a try today at https://scribeit.io.
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.
Our world-class refreshable Braille displays deliver efficient Braille input and outstanding output for your PC or mobile device. The robust Bluetooth® connectivity provides seamless use with Windows®, Mac®, iPhones®, iPads®, and Android TM smartphones and tablets. Ergonomic navigation features allow quick, natural hand movements for greater productivity. When used with JAWS® screen reading software, they support our popular Braille Study Mode, an interactive tool for teaching and learning Braille. Learn more today.
About: Freedom Scientific, a Vispero brand, is a leading worldwide brand of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. We offer products designed to promote independence, allowing blind and low vision individuals the same access to information as their sighted peers. World-renowned JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reading software and ZoomText screen magnification software provide users the independence and ability to seek education and obtain or maintain a career after vision loss. Our expansive product line includes both low vision and blindness technology for all aspects of daily living. The wide range of RUBY, TOPAZ, and ONYX desktop and portable video magnifiers are designed for their ease of use and assist with daily activities. Our impressive line of blindness hardware products include refreshable Braille displays and scanning and reading devices, offering many options tailored to fit individual needs.
If you're like me, you probably have more things to plug into your computer than available ports. That's why we've now added the Pluggable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95.
About:ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 📱️.
Our Inclusive Dice Series features braille and high-contrast print side-by-side enabling blind, low-vision, and sighted players to roll together seamlessly. Available in standard or jumbo size bundles or even in a polyhedral boxed set, these dice are more than game pieces — they promote education, inclusivity, and community. Level up your game night and bring inclusive gaming to your table.
About: Inclusive Imagination engineers and manufactures universal design tabletop games and accessories that bring people together. We believe that game night should be a shared experience for everyone — especially those with sensory and physical disabilities or who are neurodivergent. By integrating access technology and universal design from the very beginning, we create games where all players can engage fully and equally — playing the same game, at the same table, together.
Designed with feedback from gamers who are blind, low vision, and sighted, this deck combines universal design with premium quality to make game night more fun — and more accessible — for all. This premium deck features our signature Colored UV Braille — tactile, vibrant, and easy to read — paired with high-contrast large print and a jumbo-sized card layout (3x5″) for easy handling and visibility. Available in Black, Blue, or Red Card back.
Bring accessible fun to every game night with Inclusive Imagination's Dice Bundles! Whether you choose the 2-Player Standard Dice Bundle or the 1-Player Jumbo Dice Bundle, you'll receive everything you need — including snappable dice trays and colorful, tactile, and high-contrast dice designed for all ages and abilities.
Our universal version of the quest-building, power-bestowing, and spell-bending polyhedral dice set. Whether delving dungeons or casting fireballs, this set brings inclusion and accessibility to the forefront of every battle in a brilliant, galactic colorway! Each set includes 8 pieces ranging from our crystal shard D4 to the behemoth D20 in a premium felt-lined box to keep your dice rolling for even the longest quests!
In addition to our physical games and tools, Inclusive Imagination offers free digital resources designed for accessibility. Our web-based gaming apps are built with adaptive switch users and screen reader users in mind, making it easy for everyone to join the fun — no downloads or logins required. It's just one more way we're working to make play truly inclusive for all.
About: Awarewolf Gear is built on innovation, resilience, and a passion for adventure — especially for those in the blind and low vision community.
Awarewolf Gear is dedicated to redefining mobility through high-performance, thoughtfully engineered canes.
With the core belief that everyone deserves to explore confidently, our mission is encapsulated in our tagline, "Power for Life's Adventure."
Our product line, community initiatives, and inspirational storytelling all work in tandem to empower users to navigate diverse terrains with ease and independence.
Design & Purpose: The All Terrain Cane was originally engineered for the rugged trails of Sedona, Arizona. Made from durable titanium alloy, it is built to handle everything from sandy beaches to rocky mountain paths. Its adjustable 16-inch handle and high-performance roller ball tip provide stability and versatility across varied surfaces.
Innovation & Versatility: Merging the rugged design of the ATC with enhancements for urban mobility, the Urban Xplorer Cane features an adjustable handle and a specially designed "Dome" cane tip. Available in multiple sizes (small, medium, large and extra-large), this lightweight, robust cane is ideal for navigating busy city streets as well as more challenging environments.
Customization & Performance: Awarewolf Gear's Cane Tips are designed to elevate your mobility experience by ensuring smooth, reliable navigation across all terrains. Crafted for both durability and style, these premium replacement tips allow users to personalize their canes while enhancing performance.
Customization & Expression: Beyond canes, Awarewolf Gear offers a range of accessories — such as colorful replacement cane tips designed for visibility and personal expression — and apparel that carry the brand's adventurous spirit.
About: At Case For Vision, we design and manufacture assistive devices, for visually impaired people or those who suffer age-related vision loss.
Purpose: Leveraging technology with precision engineering and optics. We want to return the purchasing power to people, and disrupt the existing practice by replacing expensive proprietary devices or components with ubiquitous, mass-produced, powerful smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Case For Vision ( CFV ): The first device that we have launched is built for the iPhone. Find out how Case For Vision can aid you in everyday life.
The Case For Vision is an innovative iPhone-based optical mechanical case that functions as a hands-free local or distance high-quality magnifier when used with the Case For Vision 2.0 specialized software application. Designed to resemble a standard smartphone protective case, it is a powerful magnification tool for people with vision loss.
Case for Vision comes with a Lifetime Warranty and a Free Upgrade if you get a new phone.
About: Vision Tech Academy is a website, platform and online directory dedicated to empowering blind and low-vision individuals by connecting them with trusted assistive technology educators for free.
Inspired by the legacy of John Panarese, the Academy website serves as a hub for accessible learning, offering a free directory of access educators, live and recorded courses, and resources to foster learning independence and success.
With an ongoing mission to provide high-quality, trusted, personalized training on tools like VoiceOver, JAWS, NVDA and Braille technology, Vision Tech Academy bridges the gap between technology and accessibility, ensuring inclusive and accessible education for all.
Elegant Insights has great ideas perfect for Father's Day or graduation gifts. Our Card Guard Metal Wallets feature a money clip, RFID protection, and a super cool metal construction that can be braille-embossed or engraved with a name or initials. Our braille copper, brass, or aluminum bookmarks are beautifully embellished for a classy gift that will be loved by bookworms and scholars alike. Get your graduate's career started off right with our selection of business card cases that can be customized with a name, business name, or a combination of braille and engraving. Finally, check out our "In Vino, Veritas" collection for wine glass charms and identifiers, perfect for dad's home bar. Elegant Insights offers a distinctive collection of jewelry, gifts, and accessories, all handcrafted, made in the USA, and embossed in braille or with precision engraving. Call +1 (702) 605-1265 or shop online at https://elegantinsightsjewelry.com.
About: Elegant Insights Braille Creations, founded by Laura Legendary, offers a distinctive collection of handcrafted jewelry and accessories embossed with crisp, readable braille.
Inspired by a personal experience, Laura, who is blind, established the brand to merge style with accessibility, providing beautiful and inclusive products. Each piece is made in the USA and can often be personalized or custom-designed to meet individual preferences.
Beyond her work with Elegant Insights, Laura co-founded The Fashionability Channel podcast, which provides beauty, fashion, and lifestyle information for people with disabilities. She also maintains two blogs: the Accessible Insights Blog, offering information on products and services for individuals with low or no vision, and the Sparkle On Blog, which provides jewelry education, design trends, and style information.
Laura's dedication to accessibility and advocacy extends to her role as a speaker, author, and educator specializing in these areas. Her multifaceted efforts aim to empower individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to stylish, functional, and meaningful products and information.
About: Florida Vision Technology is officially celebrating its 20th anniversary. When I started in February 2000, the assistive technology industry was young, and there were just a handful of manufacturers.
Opening the business felt right, and I was ready to jump in. The biggest challenge, in the beginning, was getting a used bulky desk into the shed in my backyard, which my daughters named "Lesa Berg Kretschmer World Headquarters."
Three years later, in June of 2003, we moved into our first offsite location and opened a low vision superstore!
My pottery pieces are designed to inspire your creativity and imagination! Each piece is crafted with care, offering a unique touch to your home and dining experience. Whether you're looking for elegant dinnerware, functional art, or custom pieces, I can help you bring your vision to life. From rustic charm to modern elegance, I specialize in creating pottery that fits your personal style and elevates your dining table. Let me customize a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects your taste and enhances your space, adding beauty and warmth to every meal. And check out the highlight of the month.
About: Access Park is your premier destination for accessible shopping.
At Access Park, we offer a curated selection of products aimed at enhancing the daily lives of persons with disabilities.
Whether you're looking for accessible tech gadgets, specialty assistive devices, or just everyday essentials, you'll find them here.
Access Park provides a shopping experience that prioritizes keyboard navigability, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast visuals for those with visual impairments, in addition to other enhancements that provide an elevated shopping experience to users of various assistive technologies.
Access Park. Where inclusivity is always in stock. (TM)
For a limited time, when you purchase a Hable One, you'll receive a FREE OptiCoaster!
The Hable One is a powerful, pocket-sized keyboard that makes phone use easier and more accessible for blind and visually impaired users.
With your Hable One, you'll get the OptiCoaster, a high-contrast, glow-in-the-dark coaster with tactile features, perfect for easily locating and placing your cups on the table.
But hurry! Stock is running low, and we have only a few units left. Once they're gone, this offer ends! Don't miss out on this incredible deal.
About: At Hable we empower people with visual impairment in the digital world.
Inclusivity at the core and innovation at the fingertips.
Our keyboard for the blind has redefined cellphone and tablet experiences and accessibility for over 5,000 visually impaired people globally.
Hable is an external keyboard designed to make using a smartphone simpler and more convenient for those with visual impairments, allowing for easy operation and accessibility.
Order:
Ready to experience the convenience and accessibility of Hable for yourself? Order Hable today at: Amazon in the USA: https://amzn.to/3MEvLN5 | Other Countries: https://bit.ly/3sq4kjz.
Are you ready to advance your career in cybersecurity? The Apex Program offers a comprehensive 10-week training course designed to prepare you for the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification exams. Tailored for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities, our program combines informative lectures, video tutorials, hands-on labs, and quizzes, with expert instructor support every step of the way.
Get started today — Classes start on the first Monday of every month!
Upcoming Class Start Dates:
1. Monday, September 9th
2. Monday, October 7th
3. Monday, November 4th
Don't miss this opportunity to join a diverse and inclusive workforce in the cybersecurity sector. Visit TheApexProgram.com to learn more and secure your spot today!
About: Unlocking Abilities, Securing Futures. Founded on the principles of inclusivity and opportunity, the Apex Program is a pioneering educational initiative in cybersecurity, tailored for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities. Created by a Novacoast employee and inspired by his own journey from disability to Security Operations Center manager, the curriculum is designed to create a strong foundation of IT security knowledge, while instilling confidence and ensuring competence in the IT talent pool. Our ten-week program culminates in industry-recognized CompTIA certifications and a guaranteed pathway to employment, courtesy of Novacoast's dedicated IT Staffing division. At Apex, we don't just teach cybersecurity; we transform lives by unlocking potential and advocating for diversity in the IT security workforce.
Mission: The Apex Program is committed to bridging the gap in cybersecurity talent by empowering the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities through inclusive, accessible, and comprehensive training. Our mission is to nurture a diverse workforce equipped with the necessary IT security skills and certifications to thrive in the cybersecurity sector. In partnership with Novacoast, we ensure a solid educational foundation and job placement in the industry, further fostering a future where every individual can focus their distinct abilities on building a more secure digital world.
Novacoast: Novacoast is a cybersecurity and IT services company that helps organizations enhance their security posture. They offer a range of services, including cybersecurity advisory, security engineering, identity and access management, development and integration, penetration testing, managed security services, and incident response. Their managed services include co-managed SIEM, DLP, EDR, vulnerability and patch management, phishing monitoring, and threat operations. Novacoast also provides specialized services for different industries such as finance, healthcare, and gaming. Additionally, they offer staffing solutions and training programs. Learn more today.
We find ourselves navigating an era where advocacy itself seems vulnerable, caught between political pressures and financial realities. Nonprofits facing scrutiny and potential funding consequences, grapple with maintaining both their mission integrity and their financial stability. But I firmly believe these pressures should not and cannot compromise our unwavering commitment to disability rights and equality.
Strategic confidential collaborations between nonprofit organizations and industry leaders are not just possible, they are absolutely essential. By working together, quietly yet powerfully, we can safeguard our advocacy efforts and advance accessibility and disability rights without risking organizational credibility or financial security.
If we wish to preserve the progress we've made, we cannot retreat into caution or silence; extraordinary times require equally extraordinary courage and innovation.
About: Access Ready, Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded on October 17, 2018, dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of information and communications technologies (ICT) for all individuals, regardless of ability. The organization aims to integrate ICT accessibility as a fundamental aspect of society.
Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.
Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.
Key Milestones: 2018: Established Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. 2020: Received 501(c)(3) status. 2019: Formed the Access Ready Strategic Social Purpose Corporation to develop accessible technologies.
Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.
Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.
Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.
We find ourselves navigating an era where advocacy itself seems vulnerable, caught between political pressures and financial realities. Nonprofits facing scrutiny and potential funding consequences, grapple with maintaining both their mission integrity and their financial stability. But I firmly believe these pressures should not and cannot compromise our unwavering commitment to disability rights and equality.
Strategic confidential collaborations between nonprofit organizations and industry leaders are not just possible, they are absolutely essential. By working together, quietly yet powerfully, we can safeguard our advocacy efforts and advance accessibility and disability rights without risking organizational credibility or financial security.
If we wish to preserve the progress we've made, we cannot retreat into caution or silence; extraordinary times require equally extraordinary courage and innovation.
About: Access Ready, Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded on October 17, 2018, dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of information and communications technologies (ICT) for all individuals, regardless of ability. The organization aims to integrate ICT accessibility as a fundamental aspect of society.
Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.
Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.
Key Milestones: 2018: Established Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. 2020: Received 501(c)(3) status. 2019: Formed the Access Ready Strategic Social Purpose Corporation to develop accessible technologies.
Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.
Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.
Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.
We find ourselves navigating an era where advocacy itself seems vulnerable, caught between political pressures and financial realities. Nonprofits facing scrutiny and potential funding consequences, grapple with maintaining both their mission integrity and their financial stability. But I firmly believe these pressures should not and cannot compromise our unwavering commitment to disability rights and equality.
Strategic confidential collaborations between nonprofit organizations and industry leaders are not just possible, they are absolutely essential. By working together, quietly yet powerfully, we can safeguard our advocacy efforts and advance accessibility and disability rights without risking organizational credibility or financial security.
If we wish to preserve the progress we've made, we cannot retreat into caution or silence; extraordinary times require equally extraordinary courage and innovation.
About: Access Ready, Inc. is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded on October 17, 2018, dedicated to ensuring the accessibility of information and communications technologies (ICT) for all individuals, regardless of ability. The organization aims to integrate ICT accessibility as a fundamental aspect of society.
Mission: Promote policies that ensure ICT accessibility.
Vision: Create a society where ICT is inherently accessible to everyone.
Key Milestones: 2018: Established Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws. 2020: Received 501(c)(3) status. 2019: Formed the Access Ready Strategic Social Purpose Corporation to develop accessible technologies.
Initiatives: Developed inclusion guidance documents with legal and policy experts and proposed the Tax Recovery Act to provide tax credits for developers making ICT accessible.
Leadership: Douglas George Towne, Chair and CEO. Access Ready, Inc. is supported by various notable individuals and organizations.
Access Ready, Inc. strives to make ICT accessible through policy advocacy, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions, fostering a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.
Shopping online can be hard if you're blind, visually impaired, or not tech-savvy. That's why Innosearch AI created Shop by Phone — a 100% free, voice-only service.
Just call and say what you need:
👉 “Find me a phone charger.”
👉 “Add it to my cart.”
👉 “Check out.”
No apps, no websites — just easy, hands-free shopping from over 500,000 stores.
✔ Free to use
✔ Works anywhere, anytime
✔ Perfect for seniors, blind, and low-vision users
About: Innosearch is an all-in-one shopping platform augmented with a cutting-edge AI-powered shopping assistant. This innovative feature mimics the experience of shopping in real life by allowing you to interact with the assistant using natural language. It aggregates millions of products from top US online retailers, bringing them directly to you. With this advanced generative AI, Innosearch offers personalized product recommendations, highlights the best deals, and provides comprehensive information including reviews, total prices, shipping options, and more. Innosearch delivers a seamless end-to-end shopping experience, eliminating the need to search and browse in multiple tabs across retailers.
Key Features: Key Features of the Innosearch All-in-One AI Shopping Platform include:
➜ Research Products: Easily compare products across retailers, or weigh pros and cons of similar products to make informed decisions.
➜ Uncover the Best Deals: Never miss a door buster, coupon, or clearance sale again. Get notified about the best prices and offers.
➜ AI Summarized Trusted Reviews: See what others are saying and make confident purchases.
➜ All in One: Innosearch brings millions of products from top online retailers directly to you, allowing you to shop the best deals with easy checkout and personalized AI assistance.
➜ Shop with Confidence: Rest assured, Innosearch has you covered with free shipping and returns on every purchase.
➜ Know Before You Buy: Innosearch equips you with expert buying guides, empowering you to make well-informed decisions.
About: Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 39,000 blind, low vision, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, neurodivergent and/or disabled professionals, educators and enthusiasts, all over the world, each week. Subscribe here.Review the most recent issues here.
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Any time the Top Tech Tidbits Publication carries less than its Sponsor limit, Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.
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Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST/EDT) (GMT-5/GMT-4)
In addition to serving as Publisher for Top Tech Tidbits Aaron also serves as Publisher for the Access Information News 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 Top Tech Tidbits on behalf of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST/MDT) (GMT-7/GMT-6)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits John also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News and AI-Weekly newsletters and is also an attorney-at-law specializing in long-term disability claims for persons who are blind or low-vision.
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST/CDT) (GMT-6/GMT-5)
In addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Jenna also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News and AI-Weekly newsletters and runs her own advocacy foundation.
Hi, Tidbits readers, my name's Ben Moxey and I'm based in Newcastle, Australia. I'm really happy to be part of the Tidbits Team and look forward to supporting this valuable publication.
A bit about me and how I came to work in the BVI area. I grew up with very low vision in one eye due to retinal issues and relied on magnification and speech throughout school. They also tried to teach me Braille, but let's just say that I wasn't the best student! I was determined to use my remaining vision, no matter how impractical it was becoming.
When I was 20, the other retina came off and I've now been totally blind for about 21 years. This is when my love for assistive technology, and technology in general, really kicked in. I'll be honest, I was a bit of a computer nerd anyway, but I could quickly see how technology was my key to enhanced independence and lifestyle. I embraced screen readers, early smart phones and mobility aids. I even finally realised the huge value of Braille and finished off the course, though I'm still pretty slow!
Long story short (not one of my strong points), I've worked in the BVI area for 12 years with much of that spent reviewing, recommending and teaching assistive technology that suits the individual. I'm currently a proud employee of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT where I was the Practice Lead for the assistive technology service, and I've now moved into an Access and Technology Advisor role. Basically, this involves a strong focus on accessibility and technology innovation.
Feel free to look me up on LinkedIn, but I'll warn you in advance that I haven't given my profile the recommended attention!
All the best and happy reading!
Ben Moxey
Editor (2022-Present) Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
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 Top Tech Tidbits David also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News 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 Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, David's regularly occurring activities are his weekly tech radio show, bi-monthly exploring tech webinars for Vision Australia, his iSee podcast when something of note grabs his attention, and the weekly Tech Monday chat sessions.
National Commercial Assistive Technology Advisor (1990 - Present) Vision Australia 🌐
Live the life you choose. We're here to support all Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-6/GMT-7)
IIn addition to serving as an Editor to Top Tech Tidbits Vicki also serves as an Editor to the Access Information News publication and works as a Web Accessibility Specialist / IT Quality Assurance Tester at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Vicki Walton
Editor (2024-Present) Top Tech Tidbits 🌐
The Week's News in Access Technology
Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit access technology publication that reaches over 39,000 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 Technology broadly encompasses technologies that enable access to information and communication systems for persons with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Access Technology designed to assist individuals in performing tasks that might otherwise be challenging due to their particular disabilities. Assistive Technology includes any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around their challenges. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Publisher: Aaron Di Blasi. Editors: John Hanlin, Jenna Lang, Stephen (Alex) Marositz, Ben Moxey, David Woodbridge and Vicki Walton. Top Tech Tidbits is a sponsor, reader and advertiser supported publication.
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Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.
