News and issues on the disabled 28 Oct 2024
Azmi Anuar
Contents
1. Cook County Record USA - Plaintiff alleges retail giant’s website violates ADA due to inaccessibility
2. Euronews Albania - "Sounds that unite", a special concert for the United Nations Day in Tirana
3. Goemkarponn India - Goa Lifesavers Rescue Four Visually-Impaired Tourists From Karnataka From Drowning off Baga Beach
4. Sask Today Canada - Saskatoon’s Blind Curling League fosters inclusion, skill and teamwork
5. Vietnam.vn - Initiative to help blind people access knowledge -
6. Essex-TV UK - Chef Prepares to Take on New York Marathon for RNIB, Overcoming His Own Sight Challenges
7. 24matins UK - Microsoft Partners with Accessibility App to Enhance AI for the Blind and Visually Impaired
8. Yahoo News UK - Meet the visually impaired Northumbria student supported by guide dog to achieve sporting dreams of gold
9. The Scottish Sun UK - I tried ‘watching’ the footie as a blind person as amazing new service is making it possible
10. DT Next India - Low-floor buses with retrofitting for differently-abled people flagged off in Madurai
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1. Cook County Record USA - Plaintiff alleges retail giant’s website violates ADA due to inaccessibility26 Oct 2024
A visually-impaired individual has filed a lawsuit against a major retail corporation, alleging that the company's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users, thereby violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Erika Randolph filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 14, 2024, against Dillard's, Inc.
The lawsuit claims that Dillard's website, Dillards.com, is not designed to be fully accessible to individuals who rely on screen-reading software. Randolph, who is legally blind and represents a class of similarly affected individuals, asserts that the website contains numerous access barriers. These barriers include issues such as inaccurate heading hierarchy, inadequate focus order, ambiguous link texts, and reliance on mouse navigation—all of which make it difficult or impossible for blind users to navigate and complete transactions independently. According to Randolph's complaint, these barriers deny visually-impaired customers equal access to goods and services available to sighted customers through Dillard's online platform.
Randolph attempted to purchase sandals from Dillards.com but was unable due to these accessibility issues. The complaint emphasizes that despite readily available technology that could make websites accessible—such as alternative text for images and keyboard-navigable interfaces—Dillard's has failed to implement these solutions. This failure allegedly violates both federal and state laws aimed at eliminating discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction requiring Dillard's to modify its website policies and practices so that it becomes accessible to blind consumers. Additionally, Randolph seeks compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination experienced by herself and other class members. The case highlights broader concerns about digital accessibility in an increasingly internet-dependent world where equal access is essential for independent living.
Representing Randolph in this legal battle is attorney Paul Camarena from Chicago. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:24-cv-10084 in front of judges from the Northern District of Illinois.
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2. Euronews Albania - "Sounds that unite", a special concert for the United Nations Day in Tirana26 Oct 2024
“Sounds that Unite”, a special performance for the United Nations Day, took place on October 24 in the premises of the Pyramid of Tirana.
The concert started with AJS Quartet, led by Gent Rushi, who brought a harmonious combination of Jazz and Ethno Jazz, creating a warm atmosphere.
Afterwards, the Tirana Choir performed, a group made up of visually impaired people, who gave an exciting spectacle.
The musician Besmir Sulaj, who has been part of this choir for 10 years, emphasized the importance of their performances on many stages inside and outside Albania.
“This choir is a mix. We have disabled people and professionals. It is a fusion of two disciplines, a unity and a cooperation without prejudice. To promote talent regardless of the barriers one has,” he said.
The concert, directed by conductor Suzana Turku, directed by Militiadh Kutali, set designer by Beqo Nanaj, and orchestrated by Jusiald Xhani, included a variety of musical styles, including Jazz, Pop, Pop Classic, Gospel and traditional Albanian folk music.
The repertoire contained works by great artists such as Paul Mauriat, Michael Jackson, Louis Armstrong, as well as prominent Albanian composers Pjetër Gaci and Avni Mula.
Vocal education, as one of the most widespread forms of universal music education, was also an important focus of this event, promoted through such performances.
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3. Goemkarponn India - Goa Lifesavers Rescue Four Visually-Impaired Tourists From Karnataka From Drowning off Baga Beach26 Oct 2024
PANAJI: In a swift rescue operation, four visually-impaired tourists from Karnataka were saved from drowning by Drishti Marine lifesavers off Baga Beach in North Goa, on Friday evening.
Aged between 22 to 43, the persons – three men and one woman – were seated near the shoreline at Baga beach, when rising water levels unexpectedly pulled them into the sea. After the visually-impaired persons could not find their balance on an uneven patch of the sea bed, they struggled to stay afloat and started drowning.
Spotting them in duress, lifesavers Vinod Gaonkar, Fondu Gawas and Suryakant Paryekar immediately rushed to rescue them with surfboards and rescue tubes. All four persons were brought ashore to safety.
It may be recalled that several beaches in Goa, including the Baga beach stretch, had recently witnessed unusually high tidal movement, with sea water inundating several beach shacks along the coastline.
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4. Sask Today Canada - Saskatoon’s Blind Curling League fosters inclusion, skill and teamwork27 Oct 2024
SASKATOON — A new group of curlers joined the CN Curling Club for the 2024-25 season and they are showcasing that curling truly is a sport for all ages and abilities.
Started at the Sutherland Curling Club, the Blind Curling League is open to anyone who is blind, partially sighted or deafblind. Participants are able to practise and play at both the Sutherland Curling Club and now the CN Curling Club.
The league’s start began when Howard Bernsten and Charlene Young began chatting about the idea of a Saskatoon Blind Curling League. After numerous discussions with the visually impaired community, it generated interest to lay the groundwork for this new curling program, as it became apparent there was both a want and a need for this activity in the Saskatoon sports community.
Charlene Young, secretary, Sticks and Stones Curling League says their curling league currently has ten dedicated blind and partially sighted participants. The group curls out of the Sutherland Curling Club most Sunday nights, and when Sutherland is unavailable, for those preparing for Westerns and Nationals, practises take place at the CN Curling Club on Thursdays.
“This helps us maintain consistent practice as we prepare for the competitions,” affirms Young.
Nine volunteers are part of the program at the moment with some acting as sighted seconds on the teams, while others assist curlers with alignment in the hack or other needs on the ice.
Volunteers usually tap on the ice before a curler delivers stone and Young tells SaskToday.ca that this tapping helps guide the curler, signalling where they need to aim their throw.
“It’s a crucial auditory cue for those delivering the stone,” said Young.
The curlers have the added benefit of a young lady who is in the process of becoming a national coach as well as the potential for one more person interested in pursuing the same path.
Young says, “We are preparing for both Westerns Canadians and national competition. Nationals will be held in Sydney, Nova Scotia, from Feb. 2-8, 2025, and one team will go per province. Westerns take place in Prince George, B.C., towards the end of March 2025, and again only one team will attend.”
This new curling group started in 2023 and they were happy to welcome a few new members for this season.
“Blind and visually impaired curling relies on strong teamwork and communication. Each team has a sighted guide or coach standing near the house, giving verbal instructions about where to aim and how much weight to use. The guide also provides feedback on the stone’s movement once it’s delivered. Players use the same basic techniques as sighted curlers, though a guide may assist in adjusting their stance,” adds the league secretary.
“Just like in regular curling, strategy plays a significant role, and teammates support each other with tactics. It’s a great mix of skill, communication, and adaptability, making curling accessible to players of all abilities,” she noted.
The curling group acknowledge that the Saskatoon curling community is wonderfully supportive. Clubs like Sutherland and CN have accommodated them with ice time.
“Their members are curious and encouraging, often showing genuine interest in how the game is adapted for blind and partially sighted players. It’s been a great environment for fostering inclusion and growth,” Young said.
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5. Vietnam.vn - Initiative to help blind people access knowledge -26 Oct 2024
To help the visually impaired access the "light" of knowledge, a group of 5 students from class K22SVK - Faculty of Physics, University of Education (University) Da Nang) has researched the scientific topic "Manufacturing a Braille printer used to convert textbooks and teaching materials for visually impaired students".
As a lecturer guiding the group of topics, Dr. Le Thanh Huy, lecturer at the University of Education (University of Danang), said that in Vietnam up to now, the number of research topics on means of supporting the visually impaired in general and means of converting documents in particular is still low. education for the blind in particular is still very little.
Although there have been studies on the manufacture of Braille printers, the use of 3D printing technology to manufacture machines has not been fully exploited. Previous studies have also not solved the problem of converting textbooks and learning materials for visually impaired students.
The approach of the group of students of class K22SVK - Faculty of Physics is a combination of technical, educational and applied factors to create a technological product with practical meaning, supporting visually impaired students in the learning process.
Sharing about the topic, Ngo Thanh Truc, Head of the research team, said that currently the whole country has renewed all textbooks from grade 1 to grade 12, but visually impaired students only have textbooks in grades 1, 2 and 6.
In other grades, students do not have textbooks or any learning materials. Therefore, Truc's group set three main goals when implementing the project. One is to design, manufacture and develop a Braille printer with low cost and many new features compared to current Braille printers.
Second is to convert and provide textbooks and learning materials for visually impaired students in special schools and integrated schools. Third is to meet the learning needs of students and improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning in special schools or integrated schools.
Through the survey, the device received positive feedback on a number of criteria such as: Mobility, ease of use with simple, convenient operations, and pleasant sound during operation.
The printer’s design is also considered easy to clean, convenient to repair and maintain when there is an error. Most teachers see the machine as having the potential to be widely used in specialized schools because of its low price (from 5 million VND or more).
“However, the survey also pointed out some limitations of the device that need to be improved. Overall, the braille printer evaluated by the research team was not operating stably, this problem was resolved by the team after the survey.
The printing speed of the machine is rated at a normal level, requiring an increase in printing speed to meet the needs of educational institutions. The machine also needs to be improved to ensure accuracy as stated in circulars and regulations and Braille symbols need to be added to increase applicability," Thanh Truc added.
So far, the group has succeeded in manufacturing a Braille printer used to convert teaching materials for visually impaired students. The Braille printer technology that the research group has achieved accurate results during the experimental process.
In addition, the team analyzed the factors affecting the results of printing learning materials for blind students using Braille printers, including the needle tip and the pressure of the needle. This study also showed that the Braille printers manufactured can meet the needs of blind students in specialized schools and educational development support centers.
The Braille printer product used to convert textbooks and teaching materials for visually impaired students won the Third Prize of the Danang University Student Scientific Research Award for the 2023-2024 school year; the Third Prize of the School-level Student Scientific Research Conference for the 2023-2024 school year; and the First Prize of the Physics Faculty Student Scientific Research Conference for the 2023-2024 school year.
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6. Essex-TV UK - Chef Prepares to Take on New York Marathon for RNIB, Overcoming His Own Sight Challenges26 Oct 2024
This November, Grant Burton, 35-year-old Head Chef at the Hawthorns in Braintree, will swap his chef’s whites for running shoes as he takes on the TCS New York Marathon to raise funds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
For the father of one from Braintree, this challenge isn’t just about completing the race; it’s about breaking down barriers for those with sight loss.
Taking place on Sunday 3rd November, the TCS New York Marathon spans 26.2 gruelling miles through New York’s five boroughs.
With over 50,000 participants, it’s one of the largest and most famous marathons in the world, known for its challenging course and the enthusiastic crowds lining the streets.
For Grant, every mile represents his journey with retinoschisis, a hereditary eye condition that impacts his vision.
By running, he’s proving that his condition doesn’t hold him back. Grant is aiming to raise £2,000 to support RNIB’s mission to improve lives for the visually impaired.
The RNIB is the UK’s leading charity for people living with vision loss, providing resources, technology, and emotional support to enable independence and improve quality of life for the blind and partially sighted.
“I’m running for everyone out there facing the challenges of sight loss,” said Grant. “Training has been intense but knowing I’m running for a cause that’s close to me keeps me going. Every step on race day will be for RNIB and for all the support they provide to people like me.”
The Hawthorns Braintree, an independent living community for the over-70s in Essex and part of Avery Healthcare, is proud to support Grant’s training efforts. The team have been cheering him on as he prepares for the marathon.
To support Grant’s New York Marathon run for RNIB, donations can be made here: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/grant-burton.
The Hawthorns retirement communities offer high-quality independent living for seniors across the UK, combining private accommodation with extensive amenities. Each location provides a vibrant lifestyle with dining, housekeeping, wellness programmes, and lively social spaces, enabling residents to enjoy independence without the demands of home upkeep.
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7. 24matins UK - Microsoft Partners with Accessibility App to Enhance AI for the Blind and Visually Impaired26 Oct 2024
A Partnership for More Inclusive AI
In an era of rapid technological advancement, Microsoft is partnering with Be My Eyes, an app supporting visually impaired and blind individuals. This collaboration aims to enhance the training of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence (AI) by using anonymized video data from Be My Eyes to improve scene understanding. Be My Eyes’ mission is to make the world more accessible for the 340 million people with visual impairments.
Unique Data for Better Representation
The data provided by Be My Eyes will include unique elements such as specific objects, lighting, and framings that accurately represent the experiences of blind and visually impaired users. This will aid in making Microsoft’s AI more inclusive for those with visual disabilities.
Privacy and Data Respect
It is critical to note that all personal information has been removed from the metadata. The data will not be used for advertising purposes, but solely for training Microsoft’s AI models.
An Established Collaborative Relationship
Be My Eyes has previously collaborated with Microsoft since 2017. The Be My AI tool, powered by GPT-4, has been integrated into Microsoft’s disability support desk, assisting visually impaired users with navigating Office, Windows, and Xbox platforms.
Earlier this month, Be My Eyes also sealed a deal with Hilton, where hotel staff assist blind and visually impaired guests with tasks such as adjusting thermostats, preparing coffee, or managing blinds. A prior partnership in 2023 helped train the Be My AI model.
Advancements in AI can ease cognitive burdens by streamlining synthesis, automating meeting note-taking, and providing detailed image descriptions. Such progress has profoundly positive impacts on neurodiverse, deaf, blind, and other communities. With over a billion people globally affected by disabilities, addressing the data gap in disability is crucial.
Through these partnerships, AI continues to evolve, become more inclusive, and better serve all users, regardless of their visual capabilities.
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8. Yahoo News UK - Meet the visually impaired Northumbria student supported by guide dog to achieve sporting dreams of gold26 Oct 2024
A visually impaired Northumbria University student has achieved a gold medal in her sport - with the guidance of her loyal guide dog.
Lois Turner balances her master's degree in occupational therapy with a keen passion for Goalball, and is now advocating for inclusivity in education and sports. Born with Aniridia - a visual impairment - and having to navigate additional challenges like cataracts and glaucoma, Lois has embraced every challenge with determination.
And since receiving support from Guide Dogs and being partnered with her dog Buster, 26-year-old Lois' confidence has soared, allowing her to pursue her dreams to an intentional level - securing gold representing Great Britain in the European Goalball Club Association Champions League 2024 this summer.
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“Before Buster, it was like carrying a heavy carrier bag all the time," Lois explains: "Now with Buster, it's made me feel like the lightest person in the world. All the weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
Having already earned her undergraduate degree in sports therapy at Northumbria University, Lois has channelled her passion into a successful academic journey. "I love sports and the medical world, which is why I pursued these fields despite knowing my vision would deteriorate over time."
Lois at a Goalball competition
One sport in particular Lois has excelled in - Goalball - is a team sport designed specially for athletes with visual impairment. Participants compete in teams of three to score goals across the court and all players wear a cover over their eyes in this game of dynamic skill and precision, and listen for the sound of bells in the ball.
Lois plays for Northern Allstars Goalball Club and has been selected to compete for Great Britain - recently attending the World Championships in Portugal and World Games in America and Birmingham, as well as winning gold in the European Goalball Club Association Women’s Champions League 2024 in July this year.
She said: “Balancing my studies with regular training for Goalball and national competitions has its challenges, but with the support of Guide Dogs, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles, which has made me stronger.”
Lois, who is originally from London, has found a supportive community in Newcastle but recognises the city's accessibility challenges compared to the capital. "I try not to compare Newcastle with London, but accessibility for disabilities is more challenging here. However, the people in Newcastle are incredibly kind and welcoming.”
As her academic pursuits and athletic goals require meticulous planning due to her vision impairment, Lois was paired with Buster, her Labrador guide dog in June 2019, and has saw her independence and confidence dramatically increase ever since.
“Before I had Buster, sudden changes in lighting could be overwhelming. Now, I rely on Buster to guide me through those situations, giving me the freedom to focus on my goals. Everyone gets lost in places like Primark, but now I just tell Buster to find the way out, and he does. It's amazing."
The remarkable training and impact of Guide Dogs, showcasing not only their technical skills but also the profound emotional and physical independence they provide, and brought a newfound independence into Lois' life.
Lois and some of the Goalball team celebrating a win
Now Lois is pursuing her dreams to the next level. She is advocating beyond her personal achievements and campaigning for greater education and awareness around visual impairments and advocates for the inclusion of visually impaired sports, such as Goalball, in school curriculums nationwide.
“We should introduce disability sports like Goalball in PE lessons. These sports not only build empathy and understanding but also equip all children with valuable skills they can carry into adulthood.”
Lois, who began playing Goalball in 2016, added: “If I had started earlier, maybe I could be the best in the world by now. We need more opportunities for children to explore disability sports from a young age.”
Looking to the future, she envisions herself excelling in her occupational therapy career while continuing to advocate for inclusivity and empowerment in the visually impaired community. "Never underestimate that you deserve anything less than anyone else. We all deserve equal opportunities and access, regardless of our abilities.”
Lois’ story highlights the transformative power and profound impact of guide dogs like Buster, made possible through the efforts of the Guide Dogs charity, in enhancing her independence and confidence. Thanks to the support of Guide Dogs, young visually impaired people can navigate everyday challenges.
Lois added: “It’s a dangerous misconception that all blind people are old. Blindness doesn’t exempt you from the challenges every young person faces - we still have dreams, goals, and the determination to achieve them.”
Expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs help the two million people affected by sight loss in the UK live the life they choose actively, independently, and well. The charity is almost entirely dependent on donations. To find out more and how to help, visit guidedogs.org
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9. The Scottish Sun UK - I tried ‘watching’ the footie as a blind person as amazing new service is making it possible27 Oct 2024
A SIGHT loss charity has teamed up with a hat-trick of Scottish football clubs - to allow blind and visually impaired fans to attend matches.
Dunfermline Athletic, East Fife and Raith Rovers have all donated season tickets to Fife-based organisation Seescape.
The clubs already provide audio commentary for fans who are blind or partially sighted but want to encourage more visually impaired supporters to attend the games in person.
Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS tried the new service when he went along to “watch” a game at East End Park last weekend.
I WAS given a choice of visual impairment glasses before Dunfermline’s match against Greenock Morton, ranging from stroke victim to diabetic sight loss.
Instead I opted for the condition known as RP - retinitis pigmentosa - which people with the eye disease Glaucoma have to endure.
It left me with just a pea-sized hole in my right lens for this Championship encounter, which was a bit like trying to watch a game through a telescope.
But lifelong Pars fan Stuart Shanks knows all about the difficulties of going to the football while being visually impaired after complications arising from being born with cerebral palsy.
Stuart, 32, from Cardenden, Fife, who has been coming to East End Park since he was four, says: “It’s difficult to see when things move quickly - especially a football.
“It’s also hard to track when someone is running with the ball. But I still love coming to the football.”
I show Stuart and his dad Mike the glasses I’ll be wearing throughout the match. Retired bus driver Mike, 59, quips: “You’ll struggle to see McPake getting booked with those.”
James McPake is the Dunfermline boss who has a reputation for ending up in the ref’s book from the dugout.
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I’ve to be accompanied by Richie Ross, 14, who is a match buddy for fans with disabilities and had been a ball boy until this season, but much prefers his new job.
He says: “I will get a pie or bovril or whatever the person needs. I really enjoy it and you certainly don’t get any abuse like I did from opposition players as a ball boy.”
The in-house commentator is primary school teacher Neil Henderson, 37, from Cowdenbeath, standing in for his dad David who has provided match commentary for the last quarter of a century.
Handing me my little digital receiver and headphones, he explains: “The difference between radio commentary and ours is that you are trying to be as descriptive as possible about what’s going on and where the players are on the pitch.
“My dad always instilled in me that it’s our job to paint the picture and really describe the scene to the person listening.
“Our commentary is also listened to by visiting fans with visual impairments so you can’t be too biassed either.”
The glasses take a bit of getting used to as the game kicks-off on an unseasonably warm and sunny afternoon.
With absolutely no peripheral vision you have to move your head in an exaggerated fashion to track the play, leaving you completely unaware of what’s going on off the ball.
But Neil’s running commentary certainly helps fill in the blanks, although even I could see a clear handball by a Morton player, with ref Ryan Lee waving away the penalty claims.
At half-time Mike jokes: “I think the ref would be better off wearing your glasses.”
After the restart, just as Mike predicted, Pars gaffer McPake is booked for complaining in unparliamentary language that Morton player Kirk Broadfoot should have been sent off for his lunging challenge on Kane Ritche-Hosler, before the game plays out to a goalless draw.
Stuart sighs: “You never got to hear Glad All Over,” as the Pars always belt out the Dave Clark Five’s 60s anthem every time they score.
But although Stuart has nearly been coming to games for three decades he is trying to encourage others who are visually impaired to take up the offer of a free match ticket through Seescape.
He says: “If you’ve never been to a football game before, whatever club you support, I would highly recommend it, because there’s no barriers at all.
“Having the earphones on makes all the difference. It means you can still come along and enjoy the game and the atmosphere.”
Mike adds: “With the commentary Stuart always knows what’s going on. So while we’re trying to see who’s scored he will tell us.
“But it’s not just about the football, it’s the social side of things - getting a pie, having a natter and a laugh too - although it is a lot more fun when we win, mind you.”
Seescape volunteer coordinator Graham Ross, who also doubles as Dunfermline’s disability access officer, believes the charity’s football initiative will especially help people who have suffered sight loss in later life, through conditions like Glaucoma.
He explains: “The whole aim is to improve the confidence of people who have visual impairments, so they can push themselves to do more in the community.
“Football is obviously a very visual sport and a lot of people would be put off coming but things have moved on and clubs are far better equipped now to support these fans than they used to be.
“This is all about getting people involved to help reduce social isolation which is a huge thing for folks who lose their vision.”
Graham now hopes more footie clubs will follow suit and join the Seescape scheme - I hope they do as anyone can see, this can only be a good thing.
*For more information on how to access these tickets or about the work Seescape does in the community contact in...@seescape.org.uk
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10. DT Next India - Low-floor buses with retrofitting for differently-abled people flagged off in Madurai27 Oct 2024
MADURAI: Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan launched 9 low-floor buses in Madurai on Sunday.
These buses have specially been designed for people with disabilities. These buses feature ramps, digital boards, announcement systems, and space for wheelchairs, ensuring easy travel for all.
Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan launched 9 low-floor buses in Madurai on Sunday. These buses have specially been designed for people with disabilities.
These buses feature ramps, digital boards, announcement systems, and space for wheelchairs, ensuring easy travel for all.
The fleet includes wheelchair-accessible seating areas, LED display boards for real-time route information, rear camera systems for enhanced driver navigation, and advanced fire safety nozzle engines.
Additionally, the buses are equipped with emergency hatchets, blind spot mirrors, and an innovative kneeling feature that lowers the bus for effortless wheelchair boarding.
Audio announcements also cater to visually impaired passengers. This initiative underscores the commitment to inclusive and secure public transportation, setting a new standard for accessibility and convenience.
The launch demonstrates a significant step towards modernizing public transportation, ensuring equal access and convenience for all citizens. By prioritizing safety, comfort, and inclusivity, this fleet serves as a model for future transportation initiatives.
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This Google Group news service has been made possible by courtesy of the Society of the Blind in Malaysia