Accessibility in the News — 9/29/2023.
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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ― Edgar Degas
The 7th Annual ICT Accessibility Testing Symposium
Feature Stories
A Supreme Court case about hotel websites could blow up much of US civil rights law
September 25, 2023 | Source: Vox
Deborah Laufer has filed more than 600 different lawsuits — many of which, according to a federal court in Maryland, appear to follow the same pattern. The defendants are typically small hotels, and Laufer accuses them of failing to comply with a federal regulation requiring that they disclose on their websites whether their rooms are accessible to people with disabilities. She also has a remarkable penchant for hiring ethically challenged lawyers. One, Tristan Gillespie, was suspended from the bar of that same Maryland court, in large part because of a scheme where he would use Laufer’s cases to squeeze money out of these hotels for work that he never did…
National News (U.S.)
This Is How The Marriage Penalty Screws Over Disabled People
September 19, 2023 | Source: HuffPost
If anyone can get us to pay attention to how ableism strips people of their right to thrive, it’s disability rights activist Imani Barbarin. In a recent TikTok, Barbarin sheds light on the “marriage penalty,” a term used to describe the legal rule that robs disabled people of a chunk of their supplemental security income (SSI) if they decide to get married. “Will you marry me? Imagine that was a question you could never actually answer,” Barbarin says in her viral 40-second post. “Well, that is the case for thousands of disabled people.”…
Prince George’s County to create more accessible homes
September 21, 2023 | Source: NBC4 Washington
A new measure in Prince George’s County aims to make housing more inclusive by creating more accessible homes. The purpose of recently passed universal design legislation is to ensure there are housing options available to people with disabilities. “It is huge to have it inside of the county, because there’s just simply not enough houses available for individuals with disabilities, who may be using wheelchairs for mobility,” said Chandra Smith, who was crowned Ms. Wheelchair of America in 2023, after becoming a triple amputee two years ago…
Disability Advocates Fret As Government Shutdown Looms
September 22, 2023 | Source: Disability Scoop
With lawmakers on Capitol Hill struggling to reach a deal to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month, advocates say that people with disabilities have a lot at stake. Many federal workers, including those with disabilities, will be furloughed leaving government agencies to operate in a bare-bones fashion come October if the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives can’t agree on a funding plan by the end of next week. While advocates say services including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits, special education and Medicaid would be expected to continue uninterrupted if a shutdown does occur…
FACT SHEET: Building Digital Experiences for the American People
September 22, 2023 | Source: The White House
Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released policy guidance to Federal agencies which will transform the way government communicates with the American people digitally to ensure it is providing information that is easy to use, trustworthy, and accessible. The Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience (OMB M-23-22) guidance provides a robust policy framework for the next decade of digital modernization across government so agencies have common standards for delivering online tools and experiences that meet today’s expectations…
Late-onset Pompe disease prompted an interest in accessibility issues
September 22, 2023 | Source: Pompe Disease News
Before I was diagnosed with Pompe disease, I had never previously thought about accessibility. I had never pondered what accessibility means, why it is important, or what I would do if I ever had to deal with it in my lifetime. Then the year 2018 hit me like a brick and knocked some sense into me. I started having issues climbing stairs. My legs grew weaker and weaker. I couldn’t get up from the floor or stand up from a seated position without using my arms. Months later, doctors told me I had late-onset Pompe disease…
Elderly and disabled residents stranded in Boston public housing apartments due to broken elevator
September 22, 2023 | Source: WGBH
Robert Burres is effectively trapped in his fifth-floor apartment. He uses a wheelchair to get around, and the one elevator in the building is out of service. Burres lives at the Ruth Lillian Barkley public housing complex in Boston’s South End, and the elevator frequently leaves him and other elderly and disabled residents stranded. But this time is the “worst.” “This is the ninth day I’ve been held up in the apartment,” Burres said. “I’m trapped. I can’t even check my mail, it’s in another building. You can’t call to get something. You can’t order anything because no one’s going to bring it up to the fifth floor.”…
Durango ADA improvements underway, but universal accessibility a distant goal
September 23, 2023 | Source: The Durango Herald
Minor inconveniences for some can make or break the walkability of Main Avenue for others. Cracked sidewalks, missing curb ramps and inconveniently placed utility poles can pose real challenges for people with disabilities trying to navigate the streets of Durango. The city of Durango is addressing these issues, in addition to upgrading about 17 Durango Transit bus stops on north Main Avenue where it’s feasible to do so. But the city still has a long way to go to address accessibility as a whole, according to leaders of area organizations that provide disability services in Durango and Southwest Colorado…
Beyoncé Flies Out Disabled Man After He’s Denied Flight For Oversized Wheelchair
September 24, 2023 | Source: HuffPost and BOTWC
The Beyhive helped a disabled fan’s irreplaceable dream of meeting Beyoncé come true. Longtime fan Jon Hetherington, 34, said he was on his way to finally see the iconic singer perform on her Renaissance Tour stop in Seattle, Washington, before the unthinkable happened. He was denied access to his flight on Sept. 14 when the airline couldn’t accommodate his wheelchair because it was reportedly too tall. Hetherington, who says he waited 25 years to watch her onstage, aired out his frustrations that same day in a TikTok video that has since garnered nearly one million views as of Sunday…
American Airlines class action alleges company refuses to give disabled workers reasonable accommodations
September 25, 2023 | Source: Top Class Actions
American Airlines violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the way it treats its disabled workers, a new class action lawsuit alleges. Plaintiff Santrise White, who is a disabled American Airlines employee, claims the airline, in regard to its disabled employees, refuses to engage in interactive processes, refuses accommodations, impermissibly terminates them and fails to rehire them. White argues American Airlines has an illegal policy that requires its employees with disabilities to wait for an accommodating position to open, at which point they allegedly must compete with other employees with disabilities for the position…
Crouch tours Cummins to learn more about accessibility for disabled workers
September 26, 2023 | Source: The Republic News
Indiana Lt. Gov. and gubernatorial candidate Suzanne Crouch visited Columbus on Tuesday and met with Cummins Inc. leaders to highlight a company she said is a leader in increasing employment opportunities for Hoosiers with disabilities. Crouch privately toured Cummins’ headquarters along with a group that included Kim Dodson, CEO of The Arc of Indiana, and Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, who said the tour was an opportunity to learn about unseen barriers facing disabled workers…
San Antonio looking to build more handicap-accessible apartment complexes
September 26, 2023 | Source: KABB
One in five people in San Antonio lives with a disability. So finding an accessible home that’s also affordable can be very difficult. But there’s a big city-wide effort underway to address that. For Jane Paccione, finding an adequate place to call home that accommodates her disability has been a struggle. “Finding affordable homes is hard, but finding affordable accessible homes, even harder it’s almost like finding a unicorn,” says Jane Paccione. She’s teamed up with the San Antonio Housing Trust (SAHT) to address the situation. Since 2011, SAHT created or preserved more than 11,000 units which includes Greenline North on the city’s South Side…
DOL Invests Millions Into Helping Employ People with Disabilities
September 27, 2023 | Source: SHRM
Ahead of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, the federal government has made moves to support the employment prospects of individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced in August that it’s making available more than $69 million in grants to states to develop innovative strategies to help marginalized youth and young adults with disabilities join the workforce. “When it comes to finding and exploring opportunities for employment, youth and young adults with disabilities have historically faced systemic barriers related to their disabilities.”…
Day 14 with no elevator for disabled and elderly residents in a Boston public housing building
September 27, 2023 | Source: WGBH
Disabled residents living in a South End public housing complex that has been without elevator service for 14 straight days will be temporarily relocated to hotels if they choose, city officials said Wednesday. Brian Jordan, a spokesperson for the Boston Housing Authority told GBH News that “residents who have mobility impairments” at the Ruth Barkley Apartments would be moved until the elevator is fixed. The BHA also has offered “expedited permanent transfers” to units in other BHA buildings, but it is not clear when those moves will be made…
United will improve accessibility features for wheelchair users
September 28, 2023 | Source: The Points Guy and Forbes and NBC
United Airlines on Thursday announced two new programs to improve the travel experience for passengers who rely on wheelchairs for mobility. The airline will introduce a digital filter on its website that allows travelers to enter the dimensions of their wheelchair, and prioritize itineraries with flights that are operated by aircraft that can safely carry the chair. The size of wheelchair that can fit on an aircraft is limited by the size of that plane’s cargo door, meaning that some larger, more expensive chairs can’t fit properly on some smaller planes…
Jack Fact — In 2022, the Global Assistive Technology market was valued at $21.95 billion and is expected to hit $31.22 billion by 2030.
Hit The Road Jack — All-terrain Tramper mobility scooters boost accessibility in fifth National Park beauty spot and Oregon Mountain Bike Trails Adapted for Accessibility and More ADA accessible trails coming to Tennessee State Parks
International News
Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to fix accessibility issues in Kilambakkam
September 23, 2023 | Source: The New Indian Express- India
Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) together with C R Narayana Rao, a leading architectural firm, has constructed an almost ‘complete’ public transport terminal in Kilambakkam that violates the most basic accessibility requirements, according to Disability Rights Alliance (DRA). Releasing Kilambakkam Bus Terminus Access Visit Observations report after an access audit was conducted on September 15, DRA said ramps in the bus terminus not only fail compliance with Harmonised Guidelines 2021 – the Rights Of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016 statute standard, but they also do not match with CMDA approved drawings…
Motability Operations investing £300m on more affordable and accessible electric vehicles
September 25, 2023 | Source: THIIS- UK
Andrew Miller, Chief Executive of Motability Operations, has stated that £300m has been set aside to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and accessible to its 700,000 disabled customers, with their lived experience essential in making the switch to EVs work for everyone. Addressing an audience of senior industry leaders and government representatives at the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s (BVLRA) Fleets in Charge conference last Thursday, Miller highlighted the company’s investment and innovation to transition the UK’s largest fleet to electric as it tackles the challenges of accessibility, availability and affordability…
Inability to get cataract surgery close to home ‘failure of our provincial health care,’ says Brandon man
September 25, 2023 | Source: CBC- Canada
A Brandon man who is facing hours-long trips to another city for cataract surgery says Manitoba’s next provincial government urgently needs to tackle wait times and accessibility for the procedure. Grant Fines retired at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, soon after he began developing cataracts. He went to see his doctor when he noticed his vision was getting hazier and was referred to an optometrist, but waited almost a year for an appointment and diagnosis. He was officially diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes last October…
Elizabeth line: Viral video of stranded wheelchair user leads to calls for TfL accessibility review
September 25, 2023 | Source: Yahoo- UK
Calls have been made for a review into the accessibility of the Elizabeth line after a viral video showed a wheelchair user left stranded at an east London station due to a lack of staff. Katie Pennick, a campaigner for Transport for All, was unable to board the train at Maryland Station earlier this month because the ticket office was closed and no staff were available to help with the manual boarding ramp. In a video posted on X, she said: “I’m trying to get the Elizabeth line, the brand new multi-billion pound line, that I can’t use without a manual boarding ramp…
Accessing the river: How a community worked with Metro to increase accessibility at Oxbow Regional Park
September 25, 2023 | Source: Oregon Metro
Len Otto has a lifelong bond with the Sandy River. It’s where his earliest memories take place. Born in Troutdale, Otto grew up in a home on the Sandy, and has fished the river since he could walk. In his adulthood, he was a community activist who participated in work to protect the river. Now, his relationship with the river is almost spiritual. “The river is coursing through my blood, let’s put it that way,” Otto said. As the years turned to decades, 71-year-old Otto eventually became a part of demographic that nearly a third of Americans will join by the time they are 75, those with mobility issues…
Retailers not prioritising accessibility risk losing billions beyond the purple pound
September 26, 2023 | Source: Retail Technology Innovation Hub- UK and Retail Times
A survey of 2,002 Brits, commissioned by e-commerce agency Quickfire Digital, reveals that 51% have discarded a purchase due to accessibility issues either online or in-store. And this abandonment extends well beyond the confines of the ‘purple pound’. The same amount also believe retailers should include people of various disabilities when testing their e-commerce websites. Many that don’t consider themselves to be or fit into the definition of disabled still struggle with less obvious accessibility issues…
Hull: New accessible buses to improve transport
September 26, 2023 | Source: BBC- UK
Young people with disabilities will benefit from 12 new accessible buses in Hull, the council has said. The buses, which are wheelchair accessible, will be able to transport up to 16 passengers. Hull City Council said their main use would be to provide transportation services for young people who require help in getting to and from school. It said the new buses would ensure “young children with disabilities have access to safe and reliable transport”. Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transportation, roads, and highways, said: “These new buses will allow young people with disabilities to travel in more comfort…
Make Way Day marked in Dundalk to raise awareness around street accessibility
September 26, 2023 | Source: Independent- Ireland
National Make Way Day was marked in Dundalk when John Morgan of Accessibility for All, Independent Cllr Maeve Yore and Gardai Darragh Prior and Paul McAvinney got together on the town’s streets of Dundalk on Friday to highlight the difficulties people with disabilities can face when using public spaces. The Disability Federation of Ireland’s Make Way Day is a public awareness annual event to highlight what needs to be done to make public spaces accessible to people with disabilities…
Calgary’s housing solutions need to address accessibility challenges
September 26, 2023 | Source: Calgary Herald- Canada
Eighteen months. That is how long I, Ryan, looked for an accessible house to call my own in Calgary. After an extensive search that came up empty, I decided my only option was to make one. Paralyzed from the chest down after surviving the Humboldt Bronco bus crash in 2018, my housing needs now include accessible features such as ramps, wider doorways and lower countertops. I am working to renovate a home I purchased earlier this year to ensure it is functional and supports my independence, but it is an option not everyone who needs accessible housing can afford…
The everyday technologies essential for accessibility
September 27, 2023 | Source: The Spinoff- New Zealand
We often think of technology as irking us – Duolingo scolds, Instagram pesters and TikTok steals time. But, if I did throw my phone out the window of a speeding car, what would wake me up in the morning? For the one in four New Zealanders who have a disability, technology can be even more essential. Features and products that the other three quarters of people take for granted can be crucial for people’s ability to live independently and participate fully in society…
TD rolls out accessibility tool to ease web browsing for people with disabilities
September 27, 2023 | Source: Moose Jaw News- Canada and Financial Post and TD Stories
Encountering a pop-up video that plays automatically may be a mere irritant to most while browsing the web, but for Susan Santola, the consequences could be far more dire. It could potentially cause a seizure. Santola, a governance and compliance specialist at TD who lives with epilepsy, has spent decades relying on colleagues and family to monitor for situations where an unexpected flashing light could trigger her symptoms. With workspaces becoming increasingly digital, she said she’s always on guard for situations that could increase the risk of her having a seizure…
Disability commission threatens to seal organisations flouting accessibility laws
September 27, 2023 | Source: Punch Newspapers- Nigeria and News Agency of Nigeria and Peoples Gazette
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James Lalu, has threatened to seal off public facilities and organisations that do not comply with the commission’s accessibility laws. Lalu said the law mandates organisations and other business premises to make their facilities accessible to persons with disabilities in Nigeria. ”Failure to comply, the law also mandated us to seal the organisations through law enforcement agencies,” Lalu warned…
Halifax research institute to examine accessibility in tourism industry
September 27, 2023 | Source: CBC- Canada
A Halifax travel blogger who uses a motorized wheelchair says the tourism industry needs to become more accessible for people with disabilities, and he’s hoping upcoming policy discussions will lead to those improvements. Kevin Penny, who is also an accessibility advocate, has been travelling for almost 30 years and he often runs into challenges on flights and in hotels. He said mobility aids like wheelchairs are often damaged when they’re stored with luggage on airplanes, and hotel rooms are often advertised as fully accessible but that’s not always the case…
Eastleigh Council’s website ranked least accessible in Hampshire, second lowest in UK
September 28, 2023 | Source: Eastleigh News- UK
Eastleigh Borough Council’s website has been ranked as the least accessible among Hampshire councils and the second lowest in England and Wales, according to a new report by software provider NEC Digital. The study raises concerns about the accessibility of public sector websites for users with disabilities or visual impairments. NEC Digital’s “Digital Divide” report analysed over 1,300 public sector websites, including 342 local council websites. The report found that some council websites, including Eastleigh’s, have accessibility errors that could prevent users with disabilities or low vision from accessing essential information…
$5 million to elevate accessible tourism
September 28, 2023 | Source: Ministerial Media Statements- Australia
The Palaszczuk Government has celebrated World Tourism Day and Queensland’s Year of Accessible Tourism with the launch of $5 million in inclusive tourism grants. Queensland’s $5 million Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund will support more tourism operators to create more world-class, inclusive visitor experiences. Included is $2 million in Access Starter Grants and $3 million for Access Project Grants. $5,000 Access Starter Grants are available for accessibility audits and plans, website upgrades and staff training, as the first steps to transforming visitor experiences…
Accessibility Blogs, Information, and Videos
- Inclusive event design- Google
- Tom’s Pitch For Awareness- HuffPost (Video)
- Peter Torres Fremlin- Heroes and victims
- Disability and Accessibility- Diversity Council Australia
- Real AI Solutions for Accessibility Challenges- Equal Entry
- First Steps To An Accessible Website (Part 9)- Jeff Singleton
- A Day in My Wheels: How accessible is Ireland?- Irish Independent (YouTube)
- Co-creation as a force to drive inclusive design awareness- Microsoft
- A Collaborative Approach to Web Applications Accessibility – InfoQ
- Editor’s Picks for The Design + Accessibility Summit 2023- CreativePro
- Providing Accessibility for All Users- Peterborough Community Website
- Ecommerce Accessibility: Lessons from Hardware Stores- Michael Taylor
- How Does SEO Impact Website Accessibility and Inclusivity?- Film Daily
- “People living with disabilities are done waiting for accessible designs”- Dezeen
- OPINION: Architecture should support accessibility, not limit it- Connor Anderson
- Federal CIO touts ’10-year-plan’ to build a truly digital federal government – Nextgov
- How can healthcare practice managers ensure accessibility for all patients? – LinkedIn
- Interview with Robert Smelser, Accessibility Expert and eLearning Designer- CreativePro
- Miki Gudermuth: Her mission was highlighting accessibility challenges- Southeast Missourian
- ‘Why is it still so hard?’: Blind woman fighting for accessibility urges NZ to do better- Newshub (YouTube)
- A Landlord’s Guide to Accommodating Disabilities in an Office Space for Rent- Free Office Finder
- Embassy of Israel in India organises event to champion inclusion and accessibility- The Times of India
- Breaking Barriers: This Snowboarder’s Mission to Make Snowboarding Inclusive and Accessible- Snow Boarder (Video)
- The Power of Telemedicine: Charles Nader’s Mission is Making Healthcare Accessible For All of Us- USA Today
- FCC FACT SHEET- Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – WC Docket No. 23-32 (PDF)
- 988 Suicide And Crisis Lifeline Made More Accessible To Deaf, Hard-Of-Hearing People With Newly-Added ASL Support- Steven Aquino
- Nova Scotia’s consultation on Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment and the Nova Scotia Building Code- Retail Council of Canada
Higher Education Blogs and Information
- Accessible language for all – News – Missouri State University
- Digital accessibility of Library collections- UC Berkeley Library
- Advocates for accessibility – Show Me Mizzou – University of Missouri
- Develop Accessible Websites and Applications- University of Minnesota
- Closed captions: Stepping stones for more accessibility- The Daily Texan
- Concert industry needs to chart its way to accessibility- The Queen’s Journal
- Apprentice Hiring Project supports accessible workplace- Okanagan College
- Students Raise Accessibility Concerns Amid Increased Construction- The Phoenix
- University Staff, Student Serving on IHL Accessibility Task Force- Ole Miss News
- Exploring the Impact of Autonomous Taxis on People with Disabilities- University of Warwick
- UC teams up with local nonprofits for ‘SOAR Expo’ to offer accessibility resources- LOCAL 12 (YouTube)
- Neurodivergent students and alumni discuss accessibility, community on campus- Duke Chronicle
- Govt scientist Dr Alka Rao gets national award for bridging accessibility gap for deaf- Daily Pioneer
- Five members of MU community recognized for contributions to accessibility – Columbia Missourian
- Meet Jordan Lome, Emerson’s first assistant director of accessible engagement- The Berkeley Beacon
- Innovative VR Tool Empowers Students to Explore Ableism and Accessibility- India Education Diary
- State COVID-19 Websites Fail to Meet Accessibility Standards- NC State News – NC State University
- JCC Accessibility Services help students overcome barriers to classroom success- Olean Times Herald
- EDITORIAL | State College must evaluate zoning, prioritize student accessibility- The Daily Collegian
- Director of the Banacos Center, Sarah Lazare, on Accessibility and Awareness- Westfield State University
- Texas Tech University’s Student Disability Services is hosting “Accessibility is for Everyone! Week”- KLBK
- University Accessibility Center offers accommodations for students who face challenges- The Daily Universe- BYU
- How this McMaster professor is educating people about dementia- Faculty of Health Sciences- McMaster University
- Reviewing the multi-sensory room in the TFDL: A triumph in accessibility at the University of Calgary- The Gauntlet
Legal Blogs and Information
- Casey hearing focused on accessible government technology- Bradford Era
- Senate Bill Looks to Improve Federal Technology Accessibility – MeriTalk
- New bill would beef up accessibility reporting requirements for agencies- Nextgov
- ADA Guidelines: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know- Diabetes In Control
- U.S. Senate Committee Addresses Accessible Government Technology- Franklin County Free Press
- Justice Department Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act- U.S. Department of Justice
- DOJ proposes new accessibility rules for government websites and apps, third-party vendors- Hogan Lovells
- DOJ Issues Proposed Rules Regarding State And Local Government Website Accessibility- Shipman and Goodwin
- Lainey Feingold and Kim Charlson: Advocates + lawyers working for change #id24 2023- Inclusive Design 24 #id24 (YouTube)
- October marks 50th anniversary of disability inclusion law, while work remains in Kansas and U.S.- Kansas Reflector
- ‘It takes political will’: Williamsport man testifies before Senate committee on accessibility- Williamsport Sun-Gazette
- HHS Proposes To Update Disability Nondiscrimination Regulations For First Time In Nearly 50 Years- McDermott Will and Emery (PDF)
- Testing the Testers: The Supreme Court is Set to Consider the Standing of Private Citizens Who Sue to Enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act- The Federalist Society
Accessibility Announcements and Products
- Fringe Day 12: That’s a wrap
- Helping all visitors see as O’Keeffe saw
- The complete guide to accessibility software
- 2023 Accessibility Plan Adopted by Council
- New amenities make ND state parks more accessible
- Amtrak makes ADA upgrades to Jefferson City station
- Make Way Day returns to highlight accessibility issues
- Selma Blair Shares Her 6 Favorite QVC Adaptive Products
- Genetic health testing for service dogs now more accessible
- Wheelchair Accessible Self-Driving Taxi Coming Next Year
- New accessible playground honors late friend of Mister Rogers
- TransLink presents accessibility plan amid HandyDART concerns
- Wellbeing, inclusivity, and accessibility all in evidence at Hotel Brooklyn
- Fully accessible business podcast launches during National Inclusion Week
- Manitoba Liberals promise funds for seniors to make homes more accessible
- LinkedIn adds accessibility features with the help of Microsoft’s Immersive Reader
- Children to auction off artwork to raise money for much-needed accessibility equipment
- AI for a better tomorrow: Google’s commitment to inclusive technological advancements
- Testing Resources for People Who Are Blind, Low Vision, or Need More Accessible Tests
- Tim Cook Meets with Paralympian Teresa Perales to Discuss Apple Watch and Accessibility
- Amazon Announces Eye Gaze, Call Translation Accessibility Features At Annual Fall Event
- Providing Accessibility: General Dacey Trail Hay Ride For People With Mobility Restrictions
- Federal Government’s First-Ever Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council Marks One Year
- Victoria’s Secret Makes Its Adaptive Fashion Debut on the Runway of Dreams During NYFW
- Aquarium of Niagara partners with Deaf Access Services to Recognize Deaf Awareness Week
- Veico Car Rental Commits to Universal Accessibility Offering Assistive Devices Free of Charge
- Penn State Partners with TPGi® to Make Food Service Kiosks Accessible for Blind and Low-Vision Users
- Equitable Navigation at AUS: Accessibility Services for Our Passengers with Visible and Non-visible Disabilities
- Adobe Announces Accessibility Principles, Accessibility Board Meant To ‘Move The Needle Forward’ For Inclusiveness
Accessibility Forums, Tips, and Gaming
- Why Starfield is an Accessibility Embarrassment
- 10 FAQs about creating accessible digital content
- Forza Motorsport’s Accessibility Features Have Been Revealed
- Cost concerns still hamper accessibility hardware, says advocate
- Creating Responsive Designs: A Guide for Modern Web Designers
- How can you ensure web accessibility when scripting with HTML?
- 17 Reasons To Conduct Manual Testing Of Websites And Software
- Games Accessibility Is The Future. Implementation Is The Challenge
- How can you improve website accessibility and usability for different audiences?
- Mortal Kombat 1 includes audio descriptions for Fatalities in accessibility features
- “They don’t care”: Inside the triumphs and failures of accessible gaming hardware
- The PlayStation Portal: A Breakthrough in Accessibility for Gamers with Special Needs
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 builds on accessibility in previous titles and introduces new features
- Empathy in Design: How Human-Centred UX Design in Singapore Can Transform Digital Interactions
Accessibility Statements
- gov
- Teachstone
- Lantmateriet
- National Star
- SPKmagazin
- Roland-Garros
- SNCF Voyageurs
- Neil Squire Access
- Destination Canada
- Congressman Seth Moulton
Microassist Digital Accessibility Services
Have you received an accessibility demand letter because of your website or application? Please contact us for any questions you have about our accessibility services and how we might support your organization.
Services include:
- Accessible Website and Application Development— We rely heavily on accessibility best practices and using HTML5 and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) standards to build WCAG-compliant and human-tested accessible environments. Our teams are proficient in open source technologies such as WordPress, Drupal and Moodle, as well as custom frameworks in .NET, PHP, AngularJS, and other frameworks. Our Learning and Development team can also help you create accessible custom training.
- Accessible Document Services— Whether you’re dealing with a few or a warehouse of Microsoft Office documents, PDFs, or other files, there are several ways Microassist can enable your team to offer documents and materials that meet stringent accessibility standards.
- Accessibility Remediation— Our accessibility remediation services help you fix existing materials so that they conform to WCAG, Section 504 and 508, Department of Education OCR, and ADA Title II/III requirements. We remediate websites, applications, documents, and elearning, recommending re-creation when that is more efficient and economical. Especially for website and applications, to find out what is in need of remediation, we’ll start with an Accessibility Audit.
- Accessibility Training— With several courses available for developers, testers, and content creators, your team can become equipped to consistently and expertly produce accessible digital products and online environments.
- VPAT®Evaluation Services— Primarily used by government purchasers and government vendors during the procurement and sale of ICT products and services under Section 508, a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template® (VPAT) attests to the accessibility of a given product or service. Contact us to make sure the VPAT you write or review is accurate and meaningful.
Learn More About Digital Accessibility
Our Digital Accessibility Digest blog covers our Accessibility in the News archives as well as expert commentaries on digital accessibility issues.
Our most popular commentaries include:
- What is a VPAT®? A VPAT Primer
- Understanding Digital Accessibility in the Procurement Process
- Accessibility in the News, Legal Edition: Updates on ADA Title III News and More
- What Lawyers Need to Know: A Primer on Digital Accessibility Terms and Today’s Legal Landscape
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