Accessibility in the News- December 22, 2023
Jack McElaney
Hello Everyone: 2023 has been an active year for accessibility and disability news, with a very steady flow of Title III lawsuits and accessibility bills being introduced at the federal and state level. As an example, today the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released updated guidance that requires US Federal agencies to make accessibility a focus of the US Federal Government digital experience (#20 below).
The number of accessibility related items that I curated for Accessibility in the News in 2023 reflected the overall growth in coverage of accessibility topics globally. Below is a summary of the weekly and monthly averages, and the yearly totals by accessibility categories from the newsletter. In my 7 ½ years of publishing my newsletter this year was the busiest for accessibility and disability related coverage and I fully expect these trends to continue throughout 2024. In 2024 I will continue to track the accessibility bills at the state and federal levels and any evolving accessibility topics and issues from around the world.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support throughout 2023, and a special thanks to the many subscribers who regularly share their articles and blogs with me, and the subscribers who call and email me to check in throughout the year. Also, thanks to my son, Sean, who without fail posts each newsletter on our website every week. Collectively we have a very strong accessibility community focused on improvements and changes for the disability community and I am very proud to be part of that global movement.
I would like to wish you and your loved ones a joyous, relaxing, healthy, and safe holiday season. Special thoughts and prayers to the families and individuals around the world who are in the midst of war, may they experience some peace, emotional calmness, and love over the holidays and the coming year. I hope 2024 is a rewarding and healthy year for all of you too.
This issue will be the last newsletter for 2023 and the next issue will be January 5th, 2024.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Jack
Accessibility in the News- Knowledge is Power
Crafted while listening to: Top 100 Christmas Songs Music Playlist 2024 & Nat King Cole - "King Of Christmas" & The Best Old Christmas Songs Playlist & NPR- Best Music Of 2023
"The joy of brightening other lives becomes, for us, the magic of the holidays." ― W. C. Jones
|
2023 Accessibility in the News Summary |
|
|
|
|
Newsletter Categories |
Monthly Average |
Weekly Average |
2023 Totals |
|
National News |
89 |
23 |
1,063 |
|
International News |
72 |
19 |
866 |
|
Accessibility Blogs & Information |
178 |
47 |
2,140 |
|
Accessibility Training & Conferences |
337 |
88 |
4,041 |
|
Accessibility Job Opportunities |
41 |
11 |
490 |
|
Accessibility Announcements & Products |
110 |
29 |
1,314 |
|
Accessibility Q&A & Tips |
55 |
14 |
662 |
|
Accessibility Statements |
39 |
10 |
470 |
|
2023 Accessibility in the News Totals |
921 |
240 |
11,046 |
Back Issues of Accessibility in the News Since 2016
&
Compilation of Accessibility Statements Since 2016
National News (U.S.)
1. Landmark DOJ Statement of Interest Exposes City of Chicago's Weak Defense in Accessible Affordable Housing Litigation- December 13, 2023 Source: Access Living
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a Statement of Interest (SOI) in a civil rights case brought forth by leading disability organization Access Living and represented by Relman Colfax, challenging the City of Chicago’s arguments concerning Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Federal disability rights claims brought by Access Living allege that the inaccessibility of many of more than 500 apartment complexes funded by the Department of Housing (DOH) have forced thousands of Chicagoans with disabilities into nursing homes, assisted living, homeless shelters, or inaccessible housing units…
2. How to Make Comics Accessible to Those Without Sight?- December 14, 2023 Source: Golden Gate Xpress
As a visual art, comic books have always been inaccessible to the blind and visually impaired. Over 7 million Americans are blind or have vision loss. That is 2% of the total U.S. population that cannot read or interact with this medium. With accessibility at the forefront of social discussion, the comics industry as a whole has not made any strides toward including this group of people, until now. Nick Sousanis, a liberal studies professor and head of the comics minor, and Emily Beitiks, interim director of the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability, have adapted comics for the blind…
3. Crafting Inclusive Narratives: The Role Of Sensitivity Consultation In Media Design- December 15, 2023 Source: Science Friday
Often when we think of language accessibility, we think of non-English speakers. However, language can take many forms, including American Sign Language, and deaf community members can face unique challenges in healthcare settings. Starting in August of 2023, D. Peterschmidt, Science Friday’s radio producer and Diana Plasker, Science Friday’s event manager, wanted to help tell the story of how healthcare inequities affect the deaf community with guest experts Tamiko Rafeek, patient advocate with Deaf Diabetes Can Together in Tucson, Arizona, and Dr. Michelle Litchman, medical director of the intensive diabetes education and support program…
4. Designs and initiatives that address and inspire accessibility and inclusivity- December 16, 2023 Source: STIRworld
At a time when design innovations worldwide have managed to strike a chord with the various styles deemed popular and fanciable, a few mavericks are harking on the path of design and architecture with the intent of making these disciplines more accessible and inclusive, and, in turn, administering the world with features that support all people. These initiatives in accessible design range from product design and furniture design to the development of AI tools, institution of architectural lexicons in tandem with sign languages, and the non-partisan inclusion of those with impairments in the creative fields…
5. ‘Barbie' now has ASL as an option and the reactions are beautiful- December 16, 2023 Source: NBC
“Barbie with ASL” is maximizing the blockbuster’s accessibility and inclusivity, and fans are loving it. The hit film became available Dec. 15 to stream on Max with an additional feature: an American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. According to a Dec. 5 press release from Warner Bros. Pictures, the company leaned on research and sought feedback from the Deaf community when it came to including ASL in “Barbie.” ASL performer Leila Hanaumi appears in the lower corner of "Barbie" as its interpreter, signing for each character who speaks or sings throughout the film…
6. Man invents device making hiking accessible for all abilities- December 16, 2023 Source: Idaho State Journal
When LJ Wilde’s daughter Luci was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that would limit her ability to walk independently, one of the first questions that arose was “how are we going to hike together?” A native of Jackson, Wyoming, hiking and high adventure was a large part of Wilde’s upbringing. Every summer, he would go on long backpacking trips with his family and scout troop. When he met his wife, she had this same love for the outdoors. On their second date, they did the Wind Caves hike in Logan Canyon…
7. Embracing ADA accessibility: Fostering cultural inclusion and economic prosperity- December 17, 2023 Source: Time Standards
If you are a business owner, odds are you are well-acquainted with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The obligation to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities extends beyond goodwill; it’s a legal mandate for businesses. While compliance with ADA requirements can be costly, it’s imperative to understand that adhering to these guidelines can profoundly impact both our culture and economy. Improving accessibility serves as a cornerstone for promoting inclusion among all Humboldt County residents…
8. Students with disabilities raise concerns about emergencies following shooting- December 17, 2023 Source: KTNV
The recent shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has prompted concerns among students, especially those with physical impairments, about their safety during emergencies. Natalie Matarazzo, a junior at UNLV, shared her experience, stating, "I had nothing. I had no idea what to do in that situation. I've never been in any situation like this, and I can only imagine what it was like for other people with disabilities." Natalie emphasized the need for proactive steps and preparation, particularly for individuals with disabilities…
9. Do you hear what I see? How blindness changes how you process the sound of movement- December 18, 2023 Source: The Conversation
Almost nothing in the world is still. Toddlers dash across the living room. Cars zip across the street. Motion is one of the most important features in the environment; the ability to predict the movement of objects in the world is often directly related to survival – whether it’s a gazelle detecting the slow creep of a lion or a driver merging across four lanes of traffic. Motion is so important that the primate brain evolved a dedicated system for processing visual movement, known as the middle temporal cortex, over 50 million years ago…
10. Tech hasn't removed all workplace roadblocks for those with low vision- December 18, 2023 Source: The Conversation
Imagine you have low vision and you’re completing an online job application using screen reader software that reads aloud the text on your laptop screen. You get through half the form and then come to a question with drop-down options the screen reader can’t access because the online form doesn’t conform to accessibility standards. You’re stuck. You can’t submit the application and your time has been wasted. Assistive technologies like screen reader software go a long way toward closing the gap between people who are blind or have low vision and their sighted peers…
11. Signing Santa makes Christmas wishes accessible- December 18, 2023 Source: KFOR Oklahoma City
Signing Santa recently made his annual visit to North Park Mall. The decades-long tradition brings holiday cheer to students who are deaf, hard of hearing, and/or communicate with sign language. The children have the opportunity to sign their holiday wish lists to Santa. “If you are only able to sign and Santa can only speak English, there’s that language barrier that you don’t really feel like you’re being heard,” said Ray, who was at Thursday’s event with his family…
12. A controversial Census Bureau proposal could shrink the U.S. disability rate by 40%- December 18, 2023 Source: NPR & HuffPost
A proposal to change how the Census Bureau produces a key set of estimates about the number of people with disabilities in the United States has sparked controversy among many disability advocates. Some are concerned that the potential revisions to the disability questions on the bureau's annual American Community Survey, as well as how the bureau reports out people's responses, could skew the government's official statistics. That in turn, advocates worry, would make it harder to ensure that disabled people have access to housing and health care, enforce legal protections against discrimination in schools and at work…
13. San Angelo ADA committee reveals self-assessment results- December 19, 2023 Source: Concho Valley Homepage
The City of San Angelo Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee discussed the results of its 2023 self-assessment with the San Angelo City Council during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19. According to the ADA self-assessment report provided in the Dec. 19 meeting’s agenda, the assessment is conducted “to evaluate the current state of ADA accessibility compliance as it relates to City of San Angelo programs and services to provide a roadmap to improve citizen access to these programs and services.”…
14. Judge refuses to block laws aimed at curbing ‘ADA abuse’- December 19, 2023 Source: Courthouse News Service
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge on Tuesday declined a request by three wheelchair-bound men to block several provisions in California law that limit the right to sue or threaten to sue businesses over violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In a short tentative ruling, adopted as final without oral arguments, Judge Robert Broadbelt found the plaintiffs had not shown that they were likely to succeed on the merits of their lawsuit, and even if they had, they hadn't shown that allowing the laws, which have all been in effect for at least eight years, would cause them irreparable harm…
15. Paralyzed Dad in Wheelchair Builds Elaborate Bedroom for Daughters: 'It's a Huge Emotional Reward'- December 19, 2023 Source: People
In 2013, Daniel Kotter was helping a friend build a house when the truss he was standing on — 35 feet in the air — started to sway. “I was like, ‘Oh crap,’” Kotter, 46, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I took a couple of steps. That's the last thing I remember. And then, I woke up in the hospital.” The accident left the once-active construction worker from West Haven, Utah, paralyzed from the waist down, with extensive injuries including a torn spleen, collapsed lung, and broken pelvis…
16. ACLU Sues Over Ohio Voting Law, Saying It Violates Federal Disability Law- December 20, 2023 Source: HuffPost
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on Tuesday alleging that an Ohio voting law provision criminalizes voter assistance and violates federal disability law. The lawsuit was filed by the ACLU, the ACLU of Ohio and the Covington & Burling law firm on behalf of a disabled voter and the League of Women Voters of Ohio, and claims that a provision in Ohio’s HB 458 restricting who can legally help disabled voter’s return their absentee ballot “creates an unlawful burden on the right to vote for many people with disabilities.”…
17. Philadelphia receives Sensory Inclusive Certification, first city in the nation- December 20, 2023 Source: CBS News Philadelphia
Philadelphia is being recognized for work being done to make the city more accessible to people with sensory sensitivities and challenges. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the city became the first in the nation to receive the "Sensory Inclusive Certification" from KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that helps communities adapt to the needs of people with sensory-based disabilities. According to the city, Philadelphia has the highest rate of disability among the country's large cities, at 17%. Nationwide, more than 6% of Americans experience a sensory disability…
18. Settlement Ensures Accessibility Upgrades for BART, Bay Area Disabled Commuters to Benefit from Elevator with Escalator Overhauls- December 20, 2023 Source: Hoodline
Big win for disabled commuters in the Bay Area—BART is making a major commitment to accessibility improvements. A class action lawsuit filed in 2017 accusing the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) of skimping on accessibility features has reached a settlement. This move could make life easier for those with mobility disabilities, BART announced. Under the proposed deal, set for review in April 2024, BART promises to overhaul its stations' elevators and escalators, keep fare gates working for all, and even staff call-boxes and helplines…
19. 'Extremely humiliating': Why this passenger crawled to his seat on a flight- December 21, 2023 Source: USA Today
Sean Chang did something in November that most travelers have done at least once or twice – he cut it a little too close for his flight. But unlike most travelers, the race to the boarding door ended in him having to crawl to his seat.
Chang said the security line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was unusually long on Nov. 3, and he wound up getting to his gate with only about 10 minutes to spare before departure. For most travelers, those 10 minutes would result in a sigh of relief, but Chang is paraplegic, and getting to the gate by such a narrow margin only led to more complications…
20. OMB Releases Digital Accessibility Guidance to Ensure All Americans Have Ability to Access Critical Government Resources- December 21, 2023 Source: The White House & Nextgov & MeriTalk & Federal News Network & FedScoop
From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant steps to achieve a more inclusive country for people with disabilities. Currently, 61 million Americans live with a disability, but nearly half of the most popular Federal Government websites are not fully accessible to all Americans. This lack of accessibility could lead to unequal access to critical services for millions of Americans. That’s why, today, the Office of Management and Budget is releasing updated guidance that requires Federal agencies to put accessibility at the center of the Federal Government digital experience – so government can truly deliver for all Americans…
21. Austin Trail of Lights working to rectify accessibility concerns- December 21, 2023 Source: KXAN
Steven Eichner has lived in Austin for years but had never made his way out to the city’s annual Trail of Lights holiday display. When he tried to attend a Rice University alumni event at Trail of Lights Sunday night, he said he ran into several accessibility issues that made navigating the event in a wheelchair all the more difficult. Eichner said he and his wife arrived at the event around 6 p.m. Sunday. When he tried to make his way over to the party registration tent, he said the accessible ramp laid over the curb was approximately a four-inch over one foot of ramp. Under ADA standards, those should be one inch of rise over one foot of ramp, he said…
Jack Fact — The World Health Organization states vision impairment poses an enormous global financial burden, with the annual global cost of productivity estimated to be US $411 billion.
Hit The Road Jack — Where to find hiking trails accessible to just about everyone in L.A. & These Are London’s Most Accessible Tourist Attractions & 5 of the best wheelchair-accessible holidays & Welsh luxury holiday resort expands its accessibility offering with newly launched adapted Platinum lodges
International News
1. The Clarion: The accessible musical instrument trying to find its soul- December 14, 2023 Source: BBC- UK
Music is said to be a language that transcends all others. But traditional instruments are not always as inclusive as they could be. Now, another instrument is about to open up the music scene like no other as it is officially recognised by the classical music world. Alessandro Vazzana, 26, has been playing music since he was five years old. First the piano, then guitar and drums. Disabled since birth, he uses an electric wheelchair and has seen a decline in his ability to use his hands. He has Fragile X syndrome resulting in a learning disability which can impact communication, but not his love for music…
2. Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination enhancing accessibility and inclusion in Egypt- December 15, 2023 Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office- Egypt
Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports have partnered to implement the Bridge of Amal Holding programme. The programme aims to raise awareness and support People of Determination in various rural areas in Egypt. The initiative, which aims to benefit more than 400 people, is supported by the Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ Holding). The programme will develop 60 centres for People with Determination affiliated with the ministry, starting from 2024…
3. Advocate says Regina councillor was right to oppose proposed accessible waterslide budget cut- December 15, 2023 Source: CBC- Canada
A disability advocate is backing a Regina city councillor who lashed out during a council meeting after another councillor proposed cutting the budget for an accessible waterslide. Ward 7 Coun. Terina Nelson made strong remarks during council's budget debates on Dec. 14 after previously approved upgrades to the slide at Wascana Pool were called into question. "You all make me sick," Nelson said. "How dare you take this away from the disabled community, the community that was so excited to finally go down a god damn waterslide."…
4. Deaf children missing out on Christmas pantomimes, charity says- December 17, 2023 Source: BBC- UK
Deaf children are being excluded from Christmas pantomimes because of a lack of accessibility, according to a charity. The National Deaf Children's Society said there are worries children are missing out on positive experiences from live theatre. One show hopes to counter that by using British Sign Language (BSL) and Welsh. One if its actresses said deaf people have the same right as others to enjoy shows. The charity said it hears too often from the parents of Wales' more than 2,300 deaf children who are frustrated at not be able to take them to live shows…
5. Ontario accessibility in 'crisis,' says report quietly released by Ford government- December 18, 2023 Source: CBC- Canada & National Post & Toronto Star & Stratford Today
With a year left until Ontario is supposed to be fully accessible, the state of accessibility in the province is in "crisis," a new report finds. The declaration, along with over 23 recommendations on how to get the province back on track, was made in a critical report by Rich Donovan, the fourth person appointed to review the province's progress implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Enacted in 2005, AODA was intended to make the province accessible by 2025…
6. Khelo India and Svayam collaborated to improve support for Para Athletes at Khelo India Para Games 2023- December 19, 2023 Source: PIB Delhi- India
Khelo India, the flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Svayam, India's pioneering accessibility organisation, joined hands to ensure transportation and infrastructure are accessible in New Delhi during the Khelo India Para Games. Accessible transportation services were provided for more than participating 1400 para-athletes. More than 300 volunteers, and officials associated with the Games were sensitised at the beginning of this 8-day-long event…
7. What does a building need to call itself ‘accessible’ – and is that enough?- December 19, 2023 Source: ArchitectureAU- Australia
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) review and the disability royal commission’s final report both highlighted the crucial role of accessible buildings and homes in ensuring the inclusion of people with disabilities.
But the experiences of people with disability show Australia is a very long way from achieving this. There are the stories from people with disability who can’t enjoy events or venues. And researchers say even accessible bathrooms are not usable for half the people with disability…
8. Life-saving NSW bushfire app no longer accessible for vision-impaired- December 20, 2023 Source: 9News- Australia
A major flaw has been discovered in a life-saving app that warns residents in New South Wales of nearby bushfires and floods. The NSW Hazards Near Me app provides updates on local emergencies including floods, bushfires and tsunamis. But Donna Purcell, who is blind, says the app is no longer accessible for the vision impaired following a software update. She told 9News she picked up the flaw a few weeks ago when she smelled smoke near her home at Mount Ku-ring-Gai…
9. Peak District village unveils new accessibility features for disabled visitors- December 20, 2023 Source: Derbyshire Times- UK
The Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) has worked with AccessibleUK and local businesses to create Accessible Castleton, a package of dedicated visitor information complete with an interactive website and a sensory story, itineraries and maps to guide people around the village. Backed by the Access for All funding funding programme at the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and tourism board Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, the project partners have also delivered accessibility training to key businesses in the visitor economy so they can cater to whatever their guests need to get the most out of their time in the Peaks…
10. Calgary family asking ski resort to reconsider after support staff asked to pay for pass- December 20, 2023 Source: Global News- Canada
A Calgary family is asking a nearby ski resort to reconsider its policies after a support worker for their autistic son was denied a complimentary ticket. For years, David Meisner and his family bought season passes for Nakiska Ski Area, usually receiving discounted or complimentary tickets for support staff. But the family said this year their request was denied. “David is an adventurer. He loves all outdoor pursuits. He snowmobiles, he dirt bikes, he quads, he hikes, he curls,” said Janice Meisner, David’s sister. “When he’s up on the hill, (the support staff) ensures his safety…
11. Accessibility Woes Plague Chromepet Railway Station: Commuters Demand Urgent Action- December 21, 2023 Source: News18- India
Chennai’s Chromepet Railway Station has become a symbol of the accessibility challenges faced by commuters, particularly those with mobility impairments, according to The Times of India report. The report says that the station’s entrance is marred by debris, compelling passengers to dangerously navigate through railway tracks to access platforms. This daunting scenario came to light when Lavanya Maheshwari, a 56-year-old wheelchair user, found herself waiting for 45 minutes for assistance from railway staff…
12. Do not use derogatory words for persons with disability: ECI tells parties- December 21, 2023 Source: Hindustan Times- India
ECI said that the the violation of these guidelines may lead to an imprisonment of up to five years under Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Usage of such semantics in speeches/campaigns by members of any political party or their candidates can be interpreted as an affront to the PwDs, said the ECI. Their public speeches, campaigns and other activities should also be accessible to PwDs, and so should their websites and social media, it said…
13. Free public transport for the disabled will enhance their opportunities, accessibility- December 21, 2023 Source: The Sun- Malaysia
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pix), has lauded the provision of complimentary public transport services by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) for persons with disabilities, emphasising its role in enhancing opportunities and accessibility for the disabled community. She underscored the significance of this initiative, viewing it as a clear indication of the Unity Government's commitment to the well-being of the people…
14. Air Canada fined more than $97K for violating accessible transportation regulations- December 21, 2023 Source: City News- Canada
Air Canada has been fined $97,500, after a B.C. man with a disability was forced to drag himself off of a flight. The Canadian Transportation Agency says the fine was issued due to “several violations” of Canada’s accessible transportation regulations. On Aug. 30, a Prince George resident who uses a wheelchair was forced to drag himself off an Air Canada flight in Las Vegas when airline staff failed to assist him. The agency says the man has spastic cerebral palsy and can’t move his legs…
15. ‘They’re doing the wrong thing’: accessible taxi drivers at Melbourne airport filmed refusing service to wheelchair user- December 21, 2023 Source: The Guardian- Australia
When a storm forced her Canberra-bound plane to divert back to Melbourne, Samantha Connor, a disability advocate, and her partner found themselves trying to hail a wheelchair taxi at Melbourne airport late on a Friday night in early December. Earlier that day, Connor had spent eight hours filming training about the discrimination faced by people with disabilities when needing a taxi. While trying to leave the airport, she said four accessible-vehicle drivers refused to take the pair due to her wheelchair…
Accessibility Blogs, Information, & Videos
- Meet Idan Meir- Canvas Rebel
- Building for accessibility- Google
- Tilting the Lens first Annual Report
- MVP and Accessibility- Nic Steenhout
- How to program for blind - The Conservative Nut
- Jenna's ACI Journey- Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Case Study: Accessibility Is Not an Option- MediaPost Live (YouTube)
- #NoSightNoLimits Our Favorite Stories This Year- BrailleWorks
- Screen Reader Accessibility: Event Ticket Troubles- Michael Taylor
- Creating A Culture of Accessibility: What HR Needs to Know- Microssist
- 2023 Health Canada Accessibility Progress Report- Government of Canada
- Tara Chavez: Paving the Way for Accessibility in the USDA Forest Service
- The Intersection of SEO and Accessibility – Designing for All Users- Bdaily
- 6 Medical Conditions That May Cause Memory Loss- Alzheimer's San Diego
- Designing Your Home For Accessibility: How to Get Started- FINE Magazine
- Screen Reader Struggles: Navigating Restaurant Reservations- Michael Taylor
- ChatGPT Is Not Ready to Handle Web Accessibility Remediation- Karl Groves
- Exclusive: D2L spearheading accessible eLearning revolution- IT Brief Australia
- Utility pole smack dab in middle of Miami sidewalk creates access issues- Local10
- Potential problems with accessibility audits and what to do about them- Bogdan Cerovac
- The impact of technology-enabled passenger accessibility initiatives - Intelligent Transport
- After losing vision, passenger brings new perspective to transit accessibility- Metro Transit
- Making workspaces accessible for people with conditions not visible to the naked eye- Newstalk (Podcast)
- Eye On America: Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s research and new helmet makes football accessible- CBS
- ‘This is a business process’: Improving accessibility for neurodiverse, visually impaired audiences- PR Daily
- 2023 Progress Report on the Accessibility Plan for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) of Canada: Moving Toward a More Accessible OPC
Federally Speaking
- Past JAN Webcasts
- JAN Newsletter - Winter 2023
- FCC Adopts Rules to Protect Consumers' Cell Phone Accounts
- IP CTS Compensation Formula Extended through June 30, 2024- FCC
- Guide to the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards
- Improving the Efficacy and Quality of Video Relay Service (VRS)- FCC
- FCC proposes full hearing aid compatibility for mobile phones - News is My Business
- FCC Disability Advisory Committee Meeting- January 30, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time
- FCC's Expansive New Rules Prohibiting "Digital Discrimination" in Broadband Access- Davis Wright Tremaine
- In partnership with ODEP, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA)- ePolicyWorks national online dialogue titled “Exploring the Future of Public Transportation Research.”
Higher Education Blogs & Information
- Keeping campus accessible in the winter - The Western Front
- December 2023 Rebel Accessibility Hero- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University commits to inclusive digital spaces with new accessibility policy- University of Rochester
- How disability awareness, advocacy became a mission for ASU grad- ASU News - Arizona State University
- UC program and Siemens breaking educational barriers for students with disabilities- University of Cincinnati
- Accelerating the Accessibility and Safety of Power Wheelchairs- Northwestern Engineering - Northwestern University
Legal Blogs & Information
- A beginner’s guide to litigating a web accessibility case- Ken Nakata
- What the Quest Lawsuit Means for Kiosk Accessibility- Thomas Logan
- SCOTUS Decides Important Website ADA Lawsuit- Klein Moynihan Turco
- Supreme Court Sidesteps Ruling on ADA 'Tester' Case... For Now- Miles & Stockbridge
- New Saskatchewan law continues accessibility legislation trend- Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
- The Supreme Court Keeps Issue of “Tester” Standing Alive, Dismissing ADA Website Appeal as Moot- Ballard Spahr
- District Attorneys’ Unfair Competition Claim Against Serial ADA Litigant Barred By Litigation Privilege- CDF Labor Law
Accessibility Training & Meetings
- Learn Accessibility
- Video Accessibility 101
- Accessibility fundamentals
- Accessible PowerPoint Training NEW
- Introduction to Web Accessibility
- Fun4theDisabled- Events Calendar
- Get Started with Web Accessibility
- Accessibility training- Access for all
- JAN 2024 Webcast Series Registration
- Archived JAN Webinars and Webcasts
- GSA Section 508 Accessibility Training
- Accessibility Training Resources- HHS.gov
- Introduction to Accessible Web Development
- Upcoming IAAP Webinars - Digital Accessibility
- CAST: The Accessible Learning Experience Podcast
- Legal Frameworks and Responsibilities for Accessibility
- Accessibility Training for Developers, Testers, and Content Creators
- ITU Academy Web Accessibility - The cornerstone of digital society
- Great Lakes ADA Center - Section 508 Best Practices Webinar Series
- The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): Introduction to Web Accessibility
- W3C Course List - Digital Accessibility Education, Training, and Certification
- State of Minnesota’s free e-Learning program on how to create accessible PDF document
- Testing & Remediation Strategies for PDF Accessibility – The Basics (Austin, TX) – Offered January 3 and February 7
- Sporting: The Spectator’s Experience - Thursday, January 4, 2024
- How Booking.com sparks cross-team collaboration through accessible and inclusive research practices- January 9th at 10:00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
- StrategicA11y - Virtual Strategic Web Accessibility Workshop January 10–11 & 17–18, 2024
- Ask an ADA Professional Questions RE: Accommodations in the Court System- January 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 AM Eastern Time Zone
- I've Been Diagnosed With Glaucoma. Now What?- January 11, 2024 04:00 PM CT
- Testing & Remediation Strategies for PDF Accessibility – Intermediate Edition (Austin, TX) – Offered January 11 and February 16
- State Government as a Model Employer of People with Disabilities - Tuesday, January 16, 2024
- Persons with Disabilities, Technology, and the Evolving Legal Landscape: Part 2 - Wednesday, January 17, 2024
- Making Accessible Videos Webinar- January 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET
- Accessible PowerPoints- January 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time Zone
- Testing & Remediation Strategies for PDF Accessibility – Advanced Edition (Austin, TX) – Offered January 24 and February 29
- WCAG 2.2: What's New?- January 26, 2024 at 2:00 - 2:45 pm CST
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Sensory-Friendly Morning- January 28, 2024 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am CT
- Highlights from the new Government-wide Section 508 Assessment - January 30 2024
- FCC Disability Advisory Committee Meeting- January 30, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time
- Creating Accessible PowerPoints 2020 Essentials (Austin, TX) – Offered, January 30 and February 13
- What's new in WCAG 2.2- January 31, 2024 at 7:00 AM CT
- How to Begin and Grow an Adaptive Sports Program and the Resources Needed- February, 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time Zone
- Creating Accessible Word Documents 2020 Essentials (Austin, TX) – Offered, February 22
- A Review of Various Notable ADA-Related Settlement Agreements and Conciliations by Federal Enforcement Agencies- March, 20, 2023 at 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time Zone
- Prepare for the CPACC (or any) Exam — Strategies for Learning Success - March 28, 2024
- How to Produce a Livestreaming Event (that is Accessible, Green, and Open Source) - May 21, 2024
- Batteries included Accessibility: A Pragmatic Guide to get started today - August 27, 2024
- Starting your career as Digital Accessibility Professional - November 19, 2024
Accessibility Conferences
Date: January 9-12, 2024
Date: January 12-26, 2024
Date: January 25-27, 2024
Date: February 20-22, 2024
Date: February 21-23, 2024
- Florida DrupalCamp- Orlando, FL
Date: February 23-25, 2024 - Resilient and Maintainable CSS Dev with Miriam Suzanne- Online
Date: February 26-March 12, 2024
Date: February 27-29, 2024
Date: March 3-6, 2024
Date: March 6 – 8, 2024
Date: March 7, 2023
Date: March 15, 2024
Date: March 18-24, 2024
Date: March 20-21, 2024
Date: March 20-21, 2024
March 21-22, 2024
Date: March 25-26, 2024
Date: March 27 and 28, 2024
Date: April 7-10, 2024
Date: April 8-9, 2024
Date: April 11-13 2024
Date: April 28-30, 2024
Date: May 13-14, 2024
Date: May 13-16, 2024
Date: May 14-16, 2024
Date: May 27-28, 2024
Date: July 3-8, 2024
Date: September 23-27, 2024
Accessibility Employment Resources
- Upwork
- SideHusl
- Inclusively
- A11YJOBS
- Ability Jobs
- WIRED Hired
- Higher Ed Jobs
- WorkforceGPS
- Disabled Person
- Digital A11y Jobs
- Texas HireAbility
- Disability Solutions
- SSI Youth Solutions
- U.S. Department Of Labor
- National Industries for the Blind
- PEAT Future of Work Newsletter
- Job Accommodation Network- JAN
- National Industry Liaison Group (NILG)
- Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)
- National Organization on Disability (NOD)
- Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA)
- 6 Best Job Posting Sites for Employers of 2023
- American Council of the Blind Job Connection
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
- Mentra is a Neurodiversity Employment Network
- Workplace Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Disability Employment Resources for Staffing Firms
- American Job Center (disability job-driven resources)
- Federal Exchange on Employment & Disability (FEED)
- The State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED)
- National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials
- Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT)
- Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN)
Accessibility Employment Opportunities
- Accessibility Consultant - UserWay
- Web Accessibility Specialist - Nelnet
- Accessibility Specialist - Utah Valley University
- Digital Accessibility Specialist - Fidelity Investments
- Senior Software Engineer - ADA Tester - Wells Fargo
- Accessibility Specialist - UK Parliament Digital Service
- Digital Accessibility Specialist - Colorado Department of Public Health
- DDaT - Chief Technology Office - Accessibility Consultant - UK Home Office
- Web Designer - Libraries and Museums- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Assistant Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services - UNC Greensboro
- Senior Airport Infrastructure Project Manager – Registered Accessibility Specialist - City of Houston
- Upwork Study Finds 64 Million Americans Freelanced in 2023, Adding $1.27 Trillion to U.S. Economy
Accessibility Announcements & Products
- Gallery Tour in American Sign Language
- Leeds Rhinos to host Accessibility Meeting
- Enjoy These Gift Ideas for Wheelchair Users
- Accessibility devices on roads in city proposed
- City of Portage unveils two-year accessibility plan
- 5 Non-Slip Ice Cleats That Boost Stability On Slick Surfaces
- Your suggestions wanted for Austin's first All Abilities Playground
- Disabilities Comm. Informed of Grant for Accessibility Assessment
- $5.2 Million Grant Boosts Transportation Accessibility in Wisconsin
- Michigan state parks system leads the nation in accessible recreation
- ‘Birdability’ hosts accessible Christmas bird counts in NE, nationwide
- Avanti West Coast partners with GoodMaps for accessible wayfinding
- Stratford teen's stop-gap ramp project nabs him city accessibility award
- Reviewed Returns to CES with Second Annual AccessABILITY Awards
- TravelAbility & Destinations International partner for travel accessibility
- Metro Transit updates accessibility features for people with low or no vision
- Province Seeks Members for Public Transportation Accessibility Committee
- Knocksense Shorts | Braille maps and signs to enhance accessibility in Indore
- Chapel Hill plans to become more disability-accessible over the next five years
- Roll Mobility provides accessibility reviews of public places-- and you can help
- As Vision Pro’s Launch Purportedly Nears, Its Accessibility Story Must Be Told
- NaviLens Launches Accessible QR Codes, Revolutionizing Digital Accessibility
- "Nagish" opened its app to the deaf and hard of hearing for free and unlimited use
- Telefónica and ONCE Collaborate to Enhance Accessibility in Immersive Experiences
- Somerville American with Disabilities Act Transition Plan Task Force Seeks Members
- For Vuzix CEO Paul Travers, The Future Of Accessibility Is Literally In People’s Faces
- CaixaBank and ONCE improve the bank’s touch POS terminals’ accessibility for blind people
- MTA board approves major accessibility projects for subway and LIRR, Metro-North yard project
- Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Grant Program to Promote Inclusive Outdoor Recreation
- Accessibility Standards Canada and ULSE collaborate on accessibility standards research and development
Accessibility Forums, Tips, & Gaming
- Keywords is now doing accessibility QA testing
- 15 ChatGTP Prompts For UX (User Experience)
- The 10 Most Accessible Video Games of 2023, Ranked
- The design business tips, thoughts and advice you needed this year
- Quest Pro VR tongue tracking hailed as “accessibility at its finest”
- Over Half Of Call Of Duty: MW2's Players Have Used The Game's Accessibility Settings
- Accessibility Inspector- Reveal how your app represents itself to people using accessibility features
- WCAG Cheat Sheets WAI-ARIA Cheat Sheets & Mobile Accessibility Cheat Sheets - DigitalA11Y
- Controller grips and thumbsticks have changed the way I play - because of accessibility, not performance
- Baldur's Gate 3's color filters are a sore reminder that most color-blind accessibility options are still a total mess in games
Accessibility Statements |
If you know of any others that would benefit from my newsletter please forward this email to them or have them subscribe at Accessibility in the News. If you have missed any of my Accessibility Statements or past issues of Accessibility in the News please see all of my archived issues since 2016.
Jack McElaney
VP of Sales & Marketing and Accessibility in the News Publisher
P: 512-794-8440
Microassist | LinkedIn | Accessibility in the News
Follow Accessibility in the News on Social Media
Threads (Meta)
X (Formerly Twitter)
Masotodon
MicroAssist, Inc.; 8500 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 4-225, Austin, TX 78757-7591, Phone: (512) 794-8440 Fax: (512) 794-8742