Accessibility in the News- April 26, 2024

[Jack McElaney]

Accessibility in the News- Knowledge is Power

Crafted while listening to: The Mavericks- In Time (10th Anniversary Deluxe) & Caroline Rose - "Soul No. 5" & 60's 70's RnB Soul Groove

 

 

“Life is a series of choices. Every yes is 1,000 no’s.” ―  John Mark Comer

 

 

DOJ Ruling ADA Title II Resource Page- Bookmark It!

 

 

National News (U.S.)

 

1.    The Next Frontier for Brain Implants Is Artificial Vision- April 15, 2023 Source: WIRED

 

Brian Bussard has 25 tiny chips in his brain. They were installed in February 2022 as part of a study testing a wireless device designed to produce rudimentary vision in blind people. Bussard is the first participant. Bussard, who’s 56, lost vision in his left eye at age 17 after his retina detached. The right eye followed in 2016, leaving him completely blind. He remembers the exact moment it happened. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through,” he says. Eventually, he learned to adapt…

 

2.    How Colorado's first legislator to use a wheelchair reveals accessibility gaps- April 18, 2024 Source: USA TODAY

a.    Prescription Label Accessibility for Blind Coloradans Passes House- April 19, 2024 Source: Colorado House Democrats

b.    House Approves Bill to Improve Airport Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities- April 24, 2024 Source: Colorado House Democrats

 

The Colorado Capitol looks different than it did four years ago. One notable addition: the ramps on the House floor didn't used to be there. When Democratic Rep. David Ortiz of Littleton took office in 2021, he became the first Colorado legislator to use a wheelchair, highlighting critical gaps in accessibility needs in the historic building. Although accessible ramps have been installed, the Capitol building still poses safety concerns for those using wheelchairs, as some areas are still inaccessible despite elevators…

 

3.    BART commits to addressing elevator issues in new settlement- April 18, 2024 Source: The Mercury News & The Daily Californian & Disability Rights Advocates & Smart Cities Dive

 

In a new settlement agreement approved by a federal judge Thursday, the Bay Area Rapid Transit District agreed to take specific steps toward improving train accessibility for riders with mobility disabilities, according to a news release from groups that pushed for the change. “This settlement ensures that people with mobility disabilities are not excluded from the Bay Area’s mass transit system and do not receive a level of service vastly inferior to nondisabled people,” said Jinny Kim, supervising attorney at Disability Rights Advocates…

 

4.    Chuck E. Cheese partners with American Society for Deaf Children to improve accessibility- April 19, 2024 Source: Pizza Marketplace

 

Chuck E. Cheese is partnering with the American Society for Deaf Children to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families, according to a press release. The collaboration will include fundraising events with 20% of proceeds benefiting ASDC, employee training on ASL greetings and deaf culture and an "ASL Sign-Along" series featuring the Chuck E. Cheese birthday song and other content. "Entertainment and play are universal, and children who are deaf or hard of hearing deserve equal opportunities to enjoy the fun at Chuck E. Cheese," David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese, said in the release…

 

5.    New Starbucks cups reduce plastic and water waste while bettering accessibility to the visually impaired- April 19, 2024 Source: CBS News

 

Starbucks unveiled a new cup lineup that the company says will keep more than 13.5 million pounds of plastic out of landfills every year. The new cups, announced ahead of Earth Day, are made with up to 20% less plastic and will require less water to make, but come amid a new report that found plastic production continues to pose a major problem, producing more emissions than even the aviation industry. The company's Seattle-based innovation lab developed the new cups, which will be used for cold drink purchases…

 

6.    Sensory accessibility: Theaters create a welcoming space for guests- April 21, 2024 Source: TribLIVE

 

When Amy Hart caught a glimpse of daughter Sophie jumping up and down in her seat in the theater, she began to tear up. Artists from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” were dancing on stage in a sensory-friendly performance in 2021, and 14-year-old Sophie and her friend were smiling and moving to the music. “I was just sitting there looking at them and I just started to cry,” Amy Hart said. “Sophie just loved this show and she was there with her (neuro)typical friend. They didn’t need to speak to each other. They were looking at each other and then looking at the stage. Theater is a universal experience for everyone.”…

 

7.    Ski resorts and accessibility: How well are they doing?- April 21, 2024 Source: Travel Weekly

a.    Accessible Tourism Sees a Major Milestone in Global Travel and Tourism Industry- April 22, 2024 Source: Travel & Tour World

b.    AI And Digital Tech: Enabling Inclusive Tourism- Aprill 22, 2024 Source: Eurasia Review

 

The ski industry has made strides over the years in offering adaptive skiing and riding opportunities, but individuals with mobility limitations continue to face challenges upon arrival at the mountain, said Marina Gardiner, guest services director for the nonprofit Achieve Tahoe. Achieve Tahoe's mission is to provide affordable and inclusive recreational activities in the Lake Tahoe Area. "Resorts in general have a difficult time with access from parking to the snow," Gardiner said at the Mountain Travel Symposium at the Palisades Tahoe resort on April 18…

 

8.    NJ gives counties $313K to make public spaces more accessible for those with hearing loss- April 22, 2024 Source: NorthJersey.com

 

The state Department of Human Services announced $313,000 in grants Friday to five counties to make public services more accessible to people with hearing loss. The money is part of a continuing New Jersey effort to tackle barriers to county services and community programs that started in 2022, and the state has since awarded $1.18 million to 17 counties. The funding will pay for assistive hearing devices, captioning and hiring American Sign Language interpreters at government buildings and public spaces…

 

9.    For people with disabilities, affordable accessible housing a major challenge in North Dakota- April 22, 2024 Source: The Bismarck Tribune

 

Joe Yasenchack lucked out when he was forced to move from his closing Harvey Manor housing complex in late July 2023. A vacant clinic smack in the center of Harvey was available and reasonably priced for someone who is disabled and on a fixed income. It was close to his church, to restaurants, the bingo games he attends at the senior center, two blocks from his in-laws, and catty-corner from his case worker’s office. After several months renting, he secured a loan to purchase the 1,200-square-foot building…

 

10. Works from artists with disabilities featured in historic exhibition in San Francisco- April 22, 2024 Source: PBS NewsHour (Video)

 

Creative Growth is an art center in Oakland that supports artists with disabilities. The center has artworks in museums across the country and plays a big part in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's new exhibition. Jeffrey Brown reports for our ongoing look at health and the arts for our CANVAS series. It's a center for art by artists with disabilities, which has the larger art world paying major attention…

 

11. A disabled woman planned a 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip to Disney World. Then the park changed its disability policy- April 22, 2024 Source: Business Insider

a.    Petition urges Disney to reverse changes to Disability Access Service program- April 23, 2024 Source: KTLA

 

Savannah spent nine weeks and thousands of dollars planning her family's trip to Walt Disney World. "For me and my husband, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip," Savannah, 36, told Business Insider. It wasn't a simple process for the Indiana-based couple, who planned to travel with Savannah's 72-year-old mother. They had to ensure that Savannah, a lifelong Disney fan, could navigate the sprawling theme parks as someone with a physical disability. "I have had physical issues for the last 10 years that have prevented me from doing a lot of things," she said…

 

12. New group will advocate for increased voting access for Alabamians with disabilities- April 22, 2024 Source: Alabama Reflector

 

A national group focused on expanding access to the ballot box for those with disabilities is launching a chapter in Alabama. Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power (REV UP) is a movement organized by the American Association of People with Disabilities. Advocates for those with disabilities launched the nonpartisan group in Texas in 2016, and now have chapters in 20 states. “It is a movement of disability advocates for voting rights,” said Katie Toro, a peer advocate with the Disability Resource Network in Huntsville and one of the REV UP AL leaders during its inaugural news conference Thursday at the Statehouse…

 

13. LGBTQ and Disability Advocate Speaks on Vision Impairment, Accessibility- April 23, 2024 Source: OutSFL

 

When talking about myths of people with disabilities, Katherine Allen says there’s more to deafness and blindness than people think. “Just about everything [is on] a spectrum,” said Allen, who is visually impaired. Allen, 68, is active in the Philadelphia-area disability and LGBTQ communities. She is an accessibility consultant for Philly Touch Tours, an organization that provides “equal opportunities in cultural settings for people with vision loss,” as per the organization’s website…

 

14. PBS Looks To Make Kids’ Shows More Accessible- April 23, 2024 Source: Disability Scoop

 

PBS Kids is reworking many of its most popular shows to be more accessible to children with disabilities. The network is offering up alternate versions of episodes from six shows to add American Sign Language interpreters in a bid to better serve children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Given that PBS Kids content is aimed at those ages 2 to 8, the network said that many are not yet able to read captions and would benefit from ASL. “PBS KIDS aims to reach kids across the country with accessible, high-quality content,” said Jen Rodriguez, director of research and inclusive design at PBS…

 

15. Who coined the term ‘neurodiversity?’ It wasn’t Judy Singer, some autistic academics say- April 23, 2024 Source: The 19th

 

Last month, six autistic academics published a letter in “Autism,” a journal dedicated to autism research, with an explosive assertion: Sociologist Judy Singer, who has been described as the “mother of neurodiversity,” should not be regarded as such and did not originate the concept she has built her career on. The claims come on the heels of a rocky year for Singer, who has been accused of making transphobic statements on social media, allegations she denies. The letter’s authors say it has been those comments that spurred them to speak out…

 

16. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities- April 24, 2024 Source: Federal Register & Fact Sheet

 

The Department of Justice (“Department”) issues its final rule revising the regulation implementing title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) to establish specific requirements, including the adoption of specific technical standards, for making accessible the services, programs, and activities offered by State and local government entities to the public through the web and mobile applications (“apps”)…

 

17. Churches Don't Have to Be Accessible. That's Bad News For Voters- April 24, 2024 Source: Mother Jones

 

Eli. Underwood likes the experience of voting in person, but they now have to vote by mail. Underwood went to a Detroit church to cast a ballot in the 2022 general elections, but chronic health conditions meant the two flights of stairs to the basement taxed them badly; living with Long Covid as well, Underwood was frustrated by the unventilated space and unmasked poll workers.  It caused me great physical pain and anxiety, which made me angry and sad,” Underwood said. “It communicated to me that my vote doesn’t matter and I shouldn’t bother.” Extreme fatigue, pain, nausea, and headaches followed…

 

18. Para-standing tennis clinic serves up accessibility- April 24, 2024 Source: MoCo360

 

In 2001, Raquel Godin contracted bacterial meningitis and had less than a 10% chance of living. She survived but her legs had to be amputated and most of her fingers were either partially or fully amputated. Today, the 49-year-old Gaithersburg resident tries to help other amputees adjust. Godin works as an amputee care coordinator with Hanger Clinic, a Washington, D.C.-based orthopedic rehabilitation center that co-sponsored Montgomery County’s first para-standing tennis clinic on Sunday at Rockville’s Georgetown Prep Tennis Club…

 

 

Jack Fact — Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans with disabilities made up an active, rapidly growing segment of the travel industry. In 2018 and 2019, at least 70% of Americans with disabilities (28 million people) collectively spent $58.7 billion on trips, according to a 2020 nationwide study conducted by the Harris Poll.

 

 

Hit The Road Jack — Inside the UK spa leading the way for accessibility & Orihuela Unveils Strategic Plan for Accessible Tourism, Enhancing Inclusivity in Heritage Sites & Seattle Ensures Accessibility For All & An Enduring Commitment to Enhancing Accessibility: Beaches® Resorts Renew Advanced Certified Autism Center™ Designation

 

 

International News

 

1.    Enhancing Accessibility and Safety: The District Election Officer Announces Postal Voting for Absentee Voters in South Goa District- April 18, 2024 Source: Herald Goa- India

 

The upcoming 2024 elections have brought some major changes in the voting process for the residents of South Goa. The District Election Officer (DEO) of the district has recently notified the schedule for voting by absentee voters through postal ballot papers. This move aims to facilitate the voting process for specific categories of voters, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, COVID-19 suspects or affected individuals, and those on essential services. The DEO has taken this step to ensure maximum participation and inclusivity in the democratic process…

 

2.    Research center identifies accessibility challenges for middle and lower classes- April 21, 2024 Source: Tehran Times- Iran

 

The Research Center of the Iranian Parliament has reported that a significant portion of the middle and lower classes of society, as well as the disabled and elderly, have been deprived of the benefits of tourism due to the lack of infrastructure and supportive policies. The center's studies also indicate that policymaking in the field of domestic tourism development has been unsuccessful in recent decades, and tourism is not a quality and accessible product for the general public, ISNA reported…

 

3.    Making Passover accessible: Haggadah for people with disabilities – April 22, 2024 Source: The Jerusalem Post- Israel

 

Beit Issie Shapiro, a charity that creates educational materials and resources for children and adults with disabilities, has created a digital interactive Haggadah. The resource was developed with the intention of making the seder accessible for global Jewry, allowing those with cognitive or communication disabilities to be fully involved. The charity also held a model seder for 40 children at one of their schools for special needs in Raanana…

 

4.    'A real letdown': Disabled B.C. man reacts to federal disability benefit- April 22, 2024 Source: Globalnews- Canada

 

B.C. man James Schultz lives with bipolar disorder. He has been anxiously awaiting Canada’s federal budget, hoping it will help lift him out of poverty, as he is reliant on government support. “I was looking forward to the idea of being able to be brought up above the poverty line,” he told Global News. “Provincial disability rates sit at $1,480. I was thinking that the federal government’s new disability plan would at least get me bumped up to about $2,000 or $2,100 (a month).”…

 

5.    Disability benefit won’t lift Canadians in need above poverty line: advocates- April 22, 2024 Source: Global News- Canada

 

Pam Bristol from Regina is the caretaker for her 18-year-old son, David Rheault, who was born with a severe case of cerebral palsy. The term is used to describe a group of brain disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance. Rheault can say some words but mostly communicates with assisted technology, Bristol says. She says she isn’t worried about being able to support her son while he lives at home, but “as an adult trying to live independently, $200 a month is a pittance.”…

 

6.    Saskatchewan recognized ASL and Indigenous sign languages as official languages — and resources are needed for services- April 22, 2024 Source: The Conversation- Canada

 

Saskatchewan recently became one of four Canadian provinces that recognize sign languages as official languages with the passing of the Accessible Saskatchewan Act or Bill 103 in December. The bill states, “Sign languages are recognized as the primary languages for communication by deaf persons in Saskatchewan,” including American Sign Language (ASL) and Indigenous sign languages. Nationally, the Accessible Canada Act was passed in 2019 also recognizing ASL, Langue des signes du Québec and Indigenous sign languages in Canada…

 

7.    How comic books are becoming more accessible- April 23, 2024 Source: Creative Review- UK

 

According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), around 340,000 people are registered blind or partially sighted in the UK, while more than two million people are estimated to be living with sight loss. Despite the existence of legislation that aims to protect their rights, the charity’s research suggests that blind or partially sighted people “experience a significant information and inclusion gap because of their vision impairment” and that “the accessibility of products, information and services is still not an area where people with sight loss have equality of experience”…

 

8.    Wait for train accessibility funding 'incredibly disappointing'- April 25, 2024 Source: BBC- UK

 

A train firm says it has been waiting two years for a decision on government funding it requested to improve access at three stations. In 2022, Great Western Railway (GWR) applied to the Department for Transport (DfT) for Access for All funding for Teignmouth, Exeter St Thomas and Tiverton Parkway. DfT said it had received more than 300 nominations. It said it would announce successful applicants in "due course". Matt Barnes, GWR head of strategic service development, said the company "hopes for the best"…

 

9.    President Cyril Ramaphosa: Transport Summit on Universal Accessibility- April 25, 2024 Source: South African Government

 

This coming weekend, as celebrations take place across the country, we will reaffirm our commitment to build a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it. We will reaffirm our commitment to a South Africa where we are united in our diversity, to build a nation founded on equality and human rights for all. Over the past 30 years, guided by our Constitution, South Africa has made considerable progress in both protecting and advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities…

 

10. Regina's accessibility plan, election bylaw approved by city council- April 25, 2024 Source: Regina Leader Post- Canada & CTV News Regina

 

City council checked off a number of outstanding items at the end of a lengthy meeting Wednesday, voting unanimously to approve the latest consent agenda (a group of non-controversial items that is voted on without discussion). The Regina Accessibility Plan was approved with unanimous support, solidifying the new strategic framework designed to make all City of Regina spaces, services and programs more inclusive to residents with disabilities…

 

11. Why digital inaccessibility is everyone's problem – and how to fix it- April 25, 2024 Source: Charity Digital- UK

 

Global Accessibility Awareness Day on the 16 May is an opportunity to get talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. One in four people in the UK have a disability – that’s 16 million people, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. And when it comes to accessing digital and online services, people with disabilities are over 50% more likely to face barriers than non-disabled people. This limits independence, choice, and control for people with disabilities – for example making it difficult or impossible to submit job applications, book medical appointments, purchase goods, or attend events such as protests organised online…

 

12. New technology trials to enhance bus accessibility across New South Wales- April 25, 2024 Source: Intelligent Transport- Wales

 

In a bid to improve accessibility and support for individuals with visual impairment or mobility challenges, new technologies are being trialled in selected regions across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The initiative, spearheaded by Transport for NSW through its Open Data programme, aims to explore innovative ways to make public transport more inclusive and user-friendly. Simone Roberts, Executive Director of Advanced Analytics and Insights at Transport for NSW, highlighted the importance of this initiative…

 

Accessibility Blogs, Information, & Videos

• Donna Bungard Speaker Reel (YouTube)
• Our Way- RightHear’s April Newsletter
• Liberté, Égalité, Accessibilité- Christiane Link
• Challenge and conformity- Peter Torres Fremlin
• Increasing Accessibility for MS - National MS Society
• State of Colorado Accessibility Newsletter- April 2024
• Can accessible design be interesting? - Creative Review
• Kiyun Kim: From Intern to Accessibility Advocate - NASA
• Advocating for Better Accessibility in Athens- WOUB NewsWatch (YouTube)
• Playgrounds: Almost half not accessible for disabled children- BBC (Video)
• 10 States With the Healthiest Populations- U.S. News & World Report
• Making Play Accessible for All with Team UP and Easterseals- Comcast
• Digital access denied: why inclusivity can no longer wait- The Independent
• The Critical Role Of Ethical Leadership In Enhancing Accessibility- Jia Rizvi
• When does ‘old age’ really begin? Seniors think 75 is the new 65- Study Finds
• Including Disability In Children’s Storytelling Universe- Reframing Disability
• More Than Accessibility: One Nonprofit's Design for Independence- Buildings
• Meet Cheryl Jacobs: a wheelchair user and scientist- United Spinal Association
• Designing for Web Accessibility: A Complete Guide to WCAG- Julia Schonrock
• Making the business case: accessibility for differently-abled people - HR Executive
• Conducting Accessibility Research In An Inaccessible Ecosystem- Michele Williams
• D&I Weekly News Round-Up: Accessibility, Mental health, and more- Caroline Berns
• Crafting internal accessibility guidelines for social media content - Ragan Communications
• Welcoming Museum Visitors with Unapparent Disabilities- Edited By Beth Redmond-Jones Please use the code RLFANDF30 for 30% off)
• Inclusivity Unveiled: Decoding Why Accessibility Is Critical in Web Development- ITPro Today
• COMIC: To prevent digital eye strain, give those peepers a little love- Andee Tagle & LA Johnson
• Innovating Accessibility: Leveraging Technology to Support the Visually Impaired- Daniel CF Ng
• JAN Webcast Series- April 2024- Accommodating Employees w/Diverse Cognitive and Neurological Needs (YouTube)
• The European Accessibility Act Compliance Deadline Is Approaching — Are You Ready?- Gina Bhawalkar
• Empowering Communities: Enhancing Accessibility to Autism-Friendly Dental Care- The Oconee Enterprise

 

Federally Speaking

• 411 on Disability Disclosure: Employer Edition- EARN
• Justice Department Launches Updated Voting Rights and Elections Website- Department of Justice
• Voting Experiences Since HAVA: Perspectives of People with Disabilities- U.S. Election Assistance Commission
• The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities- ADA.gov
• Veterans Affairs Tech Compliance Boss Chet Frith Talks ‘Leading The World’ In Accessibility In Interview- Steven Aquino
• Harry S Truman National Historic Site Seeks Public Input on Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan- National Park Service
• New U.S.-Supported Elevator Improves Accessibility at the Bayalinov Youth and Children's Library- U.S. Embassy in The Kyrgyz Republic
• In Case You Missed It: Capito, Duckworth Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Promote Accessibility At Amtrak Stations- U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito
• Biden-Harris Administration Takes Historic Action to Increase Access to Quality Care, and Support to Families and Care Workers- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship- Building an Inclusive Registered Apprenticeship Program: Best Practices from Adaptive Construction Solutions- U.S. Department of Labor

 

Higher Education Blogs & Information

• Exploring accessibility initiatives at Drake- The Times-Delphic
• Speech Accessibility Project now sharing recordings, data- Newswise
• UPEI student frustrated by lack of wheelchair access on campus- CBC
• An ambassador for accessibility - Penn Today - University of Pennsylvania
• Students and faculty share perspectives on disability at WSU- South End-Wayne State
• 2024 Campus Safety and Accessibility Walk focuses on ADA compliance- ESU Bulletin
• Episode 49: Innovation: Innovation as a Driver of Accessibility- Southern Utah University
• Student view: Advancing web accessibility at MSU- MSU Today- Michigan State University
• Equity and accessibility services in greater Washington, D.C., metro area- Virginia Tech News
• Quintero presented essentials of accessible communications at Hackfort 2024- Boise State University
• CUNY Introduces New Accessibility Policy for Students with Disabilities- The City University of New York
• Students and faculty share perspectives on disability at WSU - South End-Wayne State - Wayne State University
• Citizen Science at Work: How Project Sidewalk is Revolutionizing Sidewalk Accessibility- Network of the National Library of Medicine (YouTube)
• Campus Planning, Design and Construction Makes Progress on Creating More Accessible and Equitable Campus- Syracuse University News

 

Legal Blogs & Information

• ADA Kiosk News – DOJ Title II final rule
• City Urges Judge to Toss Anti-Open Streets Lawsuit- Street Blog NYC
• States Can Make Digital Accessibility Easier for Municipalities (Part 2)- Ken Nakata
• Justice Department Secures Agreement with Virginia Beach, VA, to Ensure Accessibility (PDF Settlement Agreement)
• Digital Accessibility and Legal Updates in 2024: WCAG Accessibility and Beyond- TPGi
• Virginia Beach needs to improve building accessibility after settlement with DOJ - The Virginian-Pilot
• Cosponsors - H.R.7525 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): Special District Grant Accessibility Act- Congress.gov
• Five Proven Techniques To Ensure Your Website Is Accessible To Everyone—And Legally Compliant- Forbes
• United States DOJ Releases New Rule Mandating Digital Accessibility For State And Local Governments- Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith
• DOJ Publishes Regulation Requiring Local Agencies to Make Websites and Mobile Apps Accessible to Persons With Disabilities- Burke Public Law Update
• DOJ’s Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Final Rule- William Goren
• DOJ Final Rule on Website Accessibility for State and Local Governments Portends Significant Changes for Private-Sector Websites- Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart

 

Accessibility Announcements

• Accessible State Parks- Sierra Club Iowa Chapter
• Campbell's Soup Accessibility Upgrades to Labels
• Scottsdale aims to become accessible tourism spot
• Glasgow station accessibility project is Stepping up
• Two accessibility apps selected for trial on NSW buses
• Enhancing Accessibility at the Ancient City of Pompeii
• Step in the right direction for Anniesland accessibility project
• P&G aims to make 100% accessible advertising across Europe
• Cross-Vermont canoe organization seeks input on accessibility
• Content Guru Adds Enhanced Accessibility Features to storm®
• Tambua Utu Foundation Match Campaign- Double your impact!
• LNER installs 600,000 studs on platforms to enhance accessibility
• American Dream theme parks designated ‘Certified Autism Centers’
• ALL OF ME - A Hot Disabled Love Story performing Off-Broadway!
• Orangeville’s 2024 Accessibility Champion Awards open for nominations
• Minister Haggie Announces Recipients of Accessible Communities Grants
• Shapiro Administration invests over $49.5M to enhance public accessibility
• Autism Awareness Month: Group donates sensory bags for MB Pelicans' fans
• Lewiston High School's resource fair enhances accessibility for disabled adults
• City of Durham celebrates improvements to train stations to improve accessibility
• Courageous Kids Climbing returns to Boise for a free event for people with disabilities
• Bowled over: Muskoka club pleased with presentation of provincial accessibility award
• Sesame Place will host low-sensory days to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in June
• MBTA Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month with Inaugural Participation in the Autism Transit Project
• Accessibility, Deluxe Amenities Eyed for New Stadium; Structure To Be Built on Former Tsukiji Market Site
• UniCredit switches to Mastercard Touch Card™ with accessibility features for blind and partially sighted people
• athenahealth and the American Council of the Blind Collaborate to Expand Digital Accessibility for athenahealth Patients

 

Accessibility Products & Services

• Challenge accepted: new app trial to improve bus accessibility
• Haptic Solution to Support XR Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
• PIA Unveils New Android App – Redesigned for More Customization
• Muirhead promotes accessibility with neurodiverse-friendly seat covers
• Microsoft's Surface event spotlighted new accessibility features and accessories
• The AI Tool Enhancing Web Access For Those With Color Vision Deficiencies
• 3Play Media Revolutionizes Localization with Human-In-The-Loop AI Dubbing Services
• Content Guru Adds Enhanced Accessibility Features to storm® to Enable Inclusive User Experiences

 

Accessibility Forums, Tips, & Gaming

• Pocket Gamer Connects conference
• Can touchless tech create 'equitable' gaming?
• Write Alt Text Like You’re Talking To A Friend
• Why Accessible Gaming Is About More Than Games
• How To Use PlayStation's Chat Transcription Accessibility Feature
• Designing for disability: how video games become more accessible
• Activision Blizzard and AbleGamers’ fundraiser champions inclusive design
• Deep Dive: Expanding accessibility for As Dusk Falls' PlayStation port - Game Developer

 

Accessibility Employment Opportunities

• 508 Compliance Tester - Peraton
• TTS Accessibility Lead - US Gov
• Accessibility Consultant - Centurion
• Accessibility Lead - Amazon Games
• Senior Accessibility Specialist - GBH
• Senior Product Manager, Accessibility - Walmart
• Manager - Accessibility Design - Charles Schwab
• Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Officer - TSA
• Instructional Accessibility Specialist - University of North Dakota
• Principal Accessibility Product Manager, Devices & Services - Amazon

 

Accessibility Training & Meetings

• Learn Accessibility
• Video Accessibility 101
• Accessibility fundamentals
• Accessibility in Digital Society
• Accessible PowerPoint Training
• 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
• NEAT's Spring 2024 Webinar Schedule
• 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
• Archived Sessions Section 508 Best Practices Webinar Series
• Inclusive by design: an 8-week journey to digital 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
• IAAP 2024 Professional Education Webinar Series: Digital Accessibility
• The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): Introduction to Web Accessibility
• W3C Course List - Digital Accessibility Education, Training, and Certification
• Web App Accessibility (feat. React) with Marcy Sutton Todd- Frontend Masters
• State of Minnesota’s free e-Learning program on how to create accessible PDF document
• Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Accessibility and Disability Policy Webinars
• Get informed about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards (IASR) in one course
• Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Accessible Events Calendar
• Webinar series name: Development of International Code Council (ICC) A117.1 Standard- A117.1 Development April- 2024 thru June- 2024
• What's New in the World of Digital Accessibility?- April 26^th at 1:00 PM EST to 2:00 PM EST
• Capstone Team Presentation: Improving Accessibility at Nichols Arboretum- April 26, 2024 at 11:00 am ET
• Discover Exploration, Adaptation, and Accessibility: Join Us at The Maryland School for the Blind’s 3rd Annual See Beyond Festival!- April 27^th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET
• Sensory-Friendly Morning At Lincoln Park Zoo- Sensory-Friendly Morning at Lincoln Park Zoo - April 28^th from 8:00 a.m. - 10 a.m. CT
• Improving Employment Outcomes: The Critical Role of Financial Education- April 29^th at 2:00 p.m. CT
• ACCESS is one of North America’s premiere accessibility conferences- Save the Date: Tuesday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 1
• Changing the disability narrative: From unseen to understood- April 30^th at 6-8pm BST
• Financial Planning Webinar 2: Using ABLE Accounts to Support Workers in CIE Positions- May 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM CT
• Small Business Series: Local and State Disability Inclusion Incentives and Resources for Small Businesses- May 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
• Teaching Café – Accessible Pedagogy at the University of Manitoba- May 1, 2024, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT (Doors open at 9:30 AM) Room 200 – Education
• Accessibility Camp Bay Area- May 5, 2024
• OZeWAI online event - Ask the Professionals – May 6^th at 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm CDT
• Advancing Disability Inclusion in Very Small Businesses Online Dialogue- The dialogue closes Monday, May 6- IdeaScale
• Overview of the U.S. Department of Justice Final Rule on Web Accessibility for State and Local Government- May 6, 2024 at 2:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
• A11yNYC, Let's Schmooze and Network!- May 7^th at 6:30 PM CDT
• Virtual Web Accessibility Training- May 7-8, 2024
• Scaling accessibility, starts with hearts and minds- May 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
• Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities- May 9, 2024 at 1:00PM CDT
• The International Symposium on Making Websites Real Good- May 9, 2024 at 3pm UTC
• Intopia Webinar: Ask Me Anything – GAAD Edition- May 14 at 12:00 pm AEST
• Open Source Accessibility NOW!- May 15, 2024 12:00pm (EDT)
• A11y Week 2024: Progress Over Perfection- May 15-17- at 10:00 am to 5:30 pm at 140 Hill Street Singapore, Singapore 179369 Singapore (Live & In Person)
• Attend a UC Global Accessibility Awareness Day event- May 16, 2024, at 10 – 11:30 a.m. (PT)
• 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)- May 16, 2024
• A Conversation with Alice Wong-  May 16 at 12 - 1pm CDT
• Free GAAD Workshop: Stem to Stern Accessibility- May 16^th at 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET
• Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024: Built Without Barriers- Online sessions via the University of Minnesota- May 16, 2024
• The Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) will hold the fourth meeting of its fifth term on May 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. EDT
• Vendors and Accessibility: Doing Due Diligence without Getting Bogged Down- May 17, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
• 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
• How to Produce a Livestreaming Event (that is Accessible, Green, and Open Source) - May 21, 2024
• Durham Accessibility Conference- May 22 at 10:00 am – 2:00 pm EDT
• Accessibility Standards Canada Annual Public Meeting- May 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. EDT
• How to maintain your website’s accessibility- May 23^rd at 10:30 am UK time
• Web Accessibility for Developers- May 29^th at 10:00 AM in CT
• You're Getting Sued: What Happens Now?- May 29^th at 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
• Accessibility for Designers- Workshop, 4×2h + Q&A • Mon & Wed, June 3–12 2024- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm pt • 18:30 – 21:00 cet
• Accessibility Summer Camp- June 14, 2024 at 8:00 am - 4:00 pm CDT
• Blindness And Mental Health Summit 2024- June 14, 2024
• Accessibility Summer Camp 2024- June 14 · 8am - 4pm CDT
• UX Virtual Training- June 15-21, 2024- Online
• UX Virtual Training- June 24-27, 2024
• HighEdWeb 2024 Accessibility Summit- Online- July 30, 2024
• Batteries included Accessibility: A Pragmatic Guide to get started today- August 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM  EDT
• Inclusive Design 24 (#id24)- September 12, 2024
• Symposium on Dis/Ability & Debility in Appalachia on September 28th, 2024
• Accessibility testing with NVDA- November 11, 2024, at 5:00 pm – November 25, 2024, at 7:00 pm CST
• Starting your career as Digital Accessibility Professional - November 19, 2024

 

Accessibility Conferences

• devopsdays Denver- Denver, CO

Date: April 29-30, 2024

• ACCESS 2024- Online

Date: April 30- May 1, 2024

• Scalable CSS Masterclass with Andy Bell- Online

Date: May 9-23, 2024

• Human-Computer Interaction (CHI) 2024- Honolulu, HI
  Date: May 11-16, 2024
• Beyond Tellerrand Düsseldorf- Düsseldorf, Germany

Date: May 12-13, 2024

• Web4All Conference 2024 - Singapore

Date: May 13-14, 2024

• John Slatin AccessU - Austin, TX

Date: May 13-16, 2024

• The Web Conference 2024- Singapore

Date: May 13 - 17, 2024

• Virtua11y Web Accessibility Conference 2024- Online

Date: May 14-16, 2024

• Inclusive Africa Conference - Nairobi, Kenya

Date: May 14-16, 2024

• International JavaScript Conference 2024- Online and San Diego, CA

Date: May 20-23, 2024

• Accessible Canada – Accessible World - Montreal, QC

Date: May 27-28, 2024

• UX Scotland- Edinburgh, Scotland

Date: May 29-31, 2024

• Open Source North- Saint Paul, MN

Date: June 5, 2024

• Accessibility Club Summit 2024- Amsterdam, Netherlands

Date: June 8-9, 2024

• 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference- Online

Date: June 10-14, 2024

• UI/UX Global Summit '24- Online

Date: June 11-12, 2024

• Pixel Pioneers 2024- Bristol, England
  Date: June 14, 2024
• UX London 2024- London, England
  Date: June 18-20, 2024
• Web Directions Code- Melbourne, Australia

Date: June 20-21, 2024

• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)- Denver, CO

Date: June 23-26, 2024

• UXPA 2024- Fort Lauderdale, FL

Date: June 24-27 2024

• National Federation of the Blind National Convention- Orlando, FL

Date: July 3-8, 2024

• International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs - ICCHP 24, JKU Linz, Austria

Date: July 8 -12, 2024

• Disability:IN 2024 Annual Conference- Las Vegas, NV

Date: July 15-18, 2024

• THAT Conference- Wisconsin Dells, WI

Date: July 29-August 1, 2024

• HighEdWeb 2024 Accessibility Summit- Online

Date: July 30, 2024

• devopsdays Minneapolis- Minneapolis, MN

Date: August 6-7, 2024

• UX Australia 2024- Melbourne & Online

Date: August 27–30, 2024

• Twin Cities Drupal Camp- Minneapolis, MN

Date: September 12-14, 2024

• The UX Conf- Online and London, England, United Kingdom

Date: September 13, 2024

• HighEdWeb 2024 Annual Conference- Online and Albuquerque, NM

Date: September 22-25, 2024

• W3C Technical Plenary and Advisory Committee (TPAC)- Online and Anaheim, CA

Date: September 23-27, 2024

• Paris Web- Paris, France

Date: September 26-28, 2024

• #a11yTO Conf- Toronto, Canada

Date: October 3-4, 2024

• UI/UX Global Summit '24- Online

Date: October 8-9, 2024

• M-Enabling Summit in Washington, DC

Date: October 15 - 17, 2024

• Accessing Higher Ground- Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference- Denver, CO

Date: November 11-15, 2024

• Better by Design- Washington, D.C.

Date: November 18-19, 2024

• CES 2025- Las Vegas, NV

Date: January 7-10, 2025

• 40th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference- Anaheim CA

Date: March 10 -14, 2025

 

Accessibility Employment Resources

• Upwork
• SideHusl
• Inclusively
• A11YJOBS
• Ability Jobs
• WIRED Hired
• Higher Ed Jobs
• WorkforceGPS
• Disabled Person
• Peak Performers
• 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 Statements
X
Trinseo
UsableNet
A Couple Cooks
Willamette University
Musée Gustave Moreau
Brown, Goldstein & Levy
Sandbox Software Solutions
Zoological Society of London
Office of Multicultural Interests

 

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

E: jmce...@microassist.com

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