Accessibility in the News- Knowledge is Power – 6/16/2023.
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AITN Quote of the Week
“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” ― Clarence Budington Kelland
Feature Stories
MIA earns global accreditation for accessibility
June 12, 2023 | Source: Airline Routes and Ground Services and Passenger Terminal Today
MIA becomes first airport in Florida, second in U.S. to earn global accreditation for accessibility
June 13, 2023 | Source: Caribbean National Weekly
Albany airport first in nation to receive accessibility accreditation
June 12, 2023 | Source: NEWS10
Expecting strong summer, Albany International Airport announces accessibility upgrades
June 13, 2023 | Source: WAMC Northeast Public Radio
In recognition of its commitment to “prioritizing and ensuring an accessible, safe, and inclusive traveling experience for passengers with disabilities,” Miami International Airport has been accredited by the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) program. MIA is the first airport in Florida and the second in the United States to be accredited by the program, which was created by ACI in September 2022 based on existing international best practices and recommendations, including those in the ACI Airport and Persons with Disability Handbook…
National News (U.S.)
The normalization of ADA accessibility at Boston Calling Music Festival
June 9, 2023 | Source: The Review
With a golf cart to help festival attendees get around and the willingness to make accommodations as needed, the American Disabilities Act (ADA) team at Boston Calling Music Festival made an effort to ensure that all persons could enjoy the festivities to the fullest extent this year. The ADA program offered a 50-seat wheelchair-accessible seating platform near the two main stages for those with physical disabilities, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters on a raised platform by the stage for those who are hard of hearing or deaf…
The biggest assistive technology and accessibility triumphs of 2023 (so far)
June 11, 2023 | Source: Mashable
Only halfway through and the year’s already been a whirlwind of both technological advancements and unwelcome changes, from the continued hype around artificial intelligence to the ups and downs of social media giants. Similarly, within the push for greater digital accessibility and improvements in assistive technology, 2023 has ushered in immense successes and unfortunate failures among the industry’s leading forces and pioneers — a clash of creativity and profit alongside a wider cultural conversation on the need for increased support and visibility for the disability community…
Nonprofit fighting for access for disabled says Foxboro state police barracks needs a ramp
June 11, 2023 | Source: The Sun Chronicle
A non-profit group fighting for wheelchair accessibility is pushing for the state to install a ramp at the Foxboro state police barracks. Citizens for Access Inc., a Newton-based non-profit, says the barracks is not in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act because it lacks accessibility for the disabled. The landmark 1990 legislation prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. Maryan Amaral, president of Citizens for Access, says the solution is simple: install a wheelchair accessible ramp at the front of the Route 1 building…
Twitter – Microassist
Walk, Talk and Roll tour explores Uptown Athens’ accessibility issues
June 12, 2023 | Source: Athens Messenger
A recent event asked Athenians to envision visiting Uptown Athens from the perspective of someone with a physical disability. Over 50 people attended Friday’s fifth annual Walk, Talk and Roll walking tour. The outing was made possible by The Accessibility and Advocacy Committee of the Athens City Commission on Disabilities. Committee Chairperson Davey McNelly and committee member Rob Delach guided the group, which started its trek at Passion Works Studio on East State Street…
Despite Gaps, Telehealth Can Increase Access to Care in Minnesota
June 12, 2023 | Source: mHealthIntelligence
A study from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) indicated that amid the growth of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, in-state residents reported a relatively high level of satisfaction, along with increased usage of telehealth for behavioral health services. A new law in Minnesota extends audio-only telehealth coverage beyond the expected end date of June 2023. This, along with increased telehealth use throughout the last several years, led the Minnesota Legislature to ask MDH to conduct a study examining telehealth and its future in the state…
10 things to think about before organizations “celebrate the ADA” July 26th
June 12, 2023 | Source: Sheri Byrne-Haber
The 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act is in about six weeks. Many companies create positive social media and advertising campaigns trying to convey how much the ADA means to them. But these posts, tweets, and press releases can go wrong in many ways if the company’s words on the holiday don’t match their day-to-day actions. Here are ten situations all organizations should think about and avoid when celebrating any disability-related holiday or event…
How Dealers’ Concerns About Accessibility Pushed Basel’s Liste Art Fair to Relocate
June 12, 2023 | Source: ARTnews
A video artwork by French artist Florian Fouche at Parliament gallery’s booth at the Liste Art Fair shows the artist’s father, who is hemiplegic, navigating the streets of Paris in a wheelchair. It is unlikely that Fouche’s father—or, for that matter, any wheelchair users at Liste’s VIP preview today—could have navigated the art fair’s previous venue, a maze-like former brewery. The fair’s decision to stay in the convention center where Art Basel is held for several more years, as opposed to returning to its longtime home, hinged in part on dealers’ concerns about accessibility…
The Office for Civil Rights’ Processing of Web Accessibility Complaints
June 13, 2023 | Source: U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General and Oversight.gov and Final Report PDF
Our objectives were to review the Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) process for resolving web accessibility complaints that were previously dismissed and subsequently reopened as directed investigations and OCR’s approach to evaluating web accessibility complaints submitted after the November 2018 revision of its Case Processing Manual. Among our findings, we determined that OCR’s resolution of web accessibility complaints previously dismissed under section 108(t) and subsequently reopened as directed investigations differed from how these reviews were resolved in the past…
Why disabled users joined the Reddit blackout
June 13, 2023 | Source: The Verge
The Reddit blackout is in its second day as more than 8,000 communities go dark to protest the tech giant’s plans to implement API pricing that users say is too high, too fast. It’s created a ripple effect from bored people not being able to access r/relationships to academics missing r/AskHistorians. In the process, it’s also highlighted an issue that often lurks in the darkness: accessibility. Subreddits like r/blind, r/HardofHearing, and r/deaf are relatively small, but their concerns loom large in the protest…
United Airlines class action alleges airline’s website not accessible to legally blind customers
June 14, 2023 | Source: Top Class Actions
Panama Jack class action alleges website not fully accessible to disabled users
June 14, 2023 | Source: Top Class Actions
The United Airlines website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired people using a screen reader, in violation of federal law, a new class action lawsuit alleges. Plaintiff Sumaya Hussein filed the class action lawsuit against United Airlines Inc. on May 31 in an Illinois federal court, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hussein is legally blind and uses a screen reader to view websites on the internet, she said in her complaint…
California Congressman Introduces Accessible Tech Act
June 14, 2023 | Source: Government Technology
Congressman Mike Thompson, D-Yolo, introduced the Access Technology Affordability Act this week that, if passed, would provide a refundable $2,000 credit to blind and vision-impaired people to purchase equipment that allows them to work. “No one should be excluded from the workforce because of a disability,” Thompson emphasized. “The Access Technology Affordability Act will provide those with vision loss the resources they need to access tools and equipment that will help them pursue a career. Proud to work with Rep. Kelly to Introduce this bill and help more Americans participate in our economy.”…
UN chief calls for digital accessibility for PLWD
June 14, 2023 | Source: Voice of Nigeria
Co-creating digital solutions for persons with disabilities – Policies and strategies for tomorrow’s digital challenges- UN Web TV – the United Nations (Video)
Ensuring accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities in health and support services
June 14, 2023 | Source: UN Web TV – the United Nations (Video)
16th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16)
June 14, 2023 | Source: UN Web TV – the United Nations (Video)
UN Secretary General, António Guterres on Tuesday called for improved digital accessibility for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD). Guterres made the call at the opening of the 16th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at UN headquarters in New York. According to him, a “cascade of crises” is putting global progress towards ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities in danger…
I’m being targeted by shoplifters and predatory lawyers: New York designer store owner
June 14, 2023 | Source: New York Post
As the owner of a Manhattan small business, Tiffany Keriakos realizes the city isn’t for the meek. But rampant crime, merciless hackers and a looming federal lawsuit are pushing her luxury consignment shop to the brink. Keriakos sells preowned luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana and Burberry at Designer Revival on the Upper East Side. This month a shoplifter stole three bags valued at a total value of $8,000 from the E81st Street store. Then she was sued over a claim her website isn’t accessible to blind people — a shakedown by legal means, says Keriakos…
New partnership reviewing beach accessibility
June 14, 2023 | Source: The Martha’s Vineyard Times and Survey
A coalition of three Island organizations — Healthy Aging MV, the Island Disability Coalition and the Dukes County Commission — launched an Island-wide survey this week to determine needs to make sure that every beachgoer can independently access Island public beaches. The effort is being called Beach within Reach. Dukes County Associate Commissioner for Disabilities Richard Cohen says the questionnaire is being sent to each Island town, county officials, Trustees of Reservations, Land Bank, and Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation. There are nearly 40 public-access beaches on Martha’s Vineyard…
First-Ever Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails in Vermont Open Accessibility for All Users
June 14, 2023 | Source: Bicycling
There’s nothing better than that ribbon of dirt surrounded by nature on a mountain bike. Sailing through the trees, maneuvering over rocks, launching off jumps. And in Vermont, they’ve been working to widen the ribbon so that more people can get in on the action. Vermont is opening its first fully adaptive mountain bike trail system—The Driving Range—on 256 acres of private land in Bolton. The project has been a collaboration between Richmond Mountain Trails (RMT), the Kelly Brush Foundation, Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), a variety of local businesses, and community volunteers…
It’s about Accessibility
June 15, 2023 | Source: The Mining Journal
Airline travel can be stressful. You have to deal with long lines at security, missing or damaged luggage, even a delayed flight or two. For Laura Hall, the program director at the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition in East Lansing, air travel can be even tougher. Hall has cerebral palsy and uses a power chair to get around. She said she hasn’t had pleasant experiences while traveling by plane, and there were three instances where her chair was damaged…
Creating inclusive communities: Advocating for accessibility and dialogue in NJ
June 15, 2023 | Source: northjersey.com
When we examine the word “disability,” it is striking that it contains the word “ability.” It reminds us that individuals with disabilities possess unique talents and capabilities. However, not everything within our communities is accessible to individuals with disabilities. As a 35-year-old woman with a physical disability, I yearn for increased accessibility within our municipalities, enabling me to lead a more independent life. Whether the absence of hearing loops for the hearing impaired or the lack of ramps to access places of worship, numerous barriers prevent me and others from fully participating and engaging independently in community life…
Jack Fact — According to the Current Population Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in September 2022, the unemployment rate for workers with disabilities was 7.3 percent compared to 3.1 percent for workers without disabilities.
Hit The Road Jack — Handicap accessibility new priority for Muskegon beaches, parks and Friends of the Columbia Gorge plans a new accessible, inclusive viewpoint at Cape Horn
International News
RightHear Is Israel’s ‘Waze For The Blind’
June 8, 2023 | Source: Jewish Business News- Israel
Every morning in prayers, Jews recite a blessing thanking God for “opening the eyes of the blind.” The Talmud asks if a blind person should recite this blessing given that the blind cannot actually see. The answer is – yes they should. This is because sighted people help the blind to get around and “see” the world around them. And so, RightHear is doing just that in fulfillment of the spirit of this blessing. As Israel marked “Blind Day,” the Knesset launched a new audio guidance system, one of the many accessibility facilities and initiatives in use in the parliament complex…
Discouraging drivers from taking accessible Delta parking spots
June 9, 2023 | Source: Delta Optimist- Canada
The City of Delta will look at how to better discourage drivers from occupying parking spots designated for those with mobility issues. That was the assurance from staff during a meeting of the Mobility and Accessibility Committee last month where members expressed concern regarding the number of unauthorized vehicles utilizing accessible parking spaces. The advisory committee members recommended that the city update their signage to include the fine amount to deter drivers from parking illegally…
Launch of Mayo Fit Stick Walking Trails enhances accessibility and inclusivity
June 11, 2023 | Source: Connaught Telegraph- Ireland
Mayo County Council has announced the highly anticipated launch of Fit Stick Walking Trails, a series of short walking trails thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals with mobility challenges and support those on their journey to recovery from illness or injury. This fantastic initiative, made possible through funding by the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, aims to provide accessible outdoor spaces that are inclusive of people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels…
Cabbie incentives proposed to boost low supply of accessible taxis
June 12, 2023 | Source: CBC- Canada
Ottawa city councillors are being asked this week to endorse new financial incentives for taxi drivers to jumpstart the low stock of accessible taxis serving the city. According to a new city report, of the 191 fully wheelchair-accessible vehicles that could be operating, only about 80 are. Of those 80, approximately 20 fall under the city’s Para Transpo system, which takes pre-booked rides only. That makes the current levels “not sufficient,” said Jerry Fiori, the past president of the Ottawa Disabilities Coalition…
Accessibility improvements unveiled at Dumfries railway station
June 12, 2023 | Source: Scottish Construction Now- Scotland
Dumfries residents will get the first chance to see the proposed plans for accessibility improvements within the town’s railway station. Scotland’s Railway has confirmed that Dumfries station will benefit from the Department for Transport’s Access for All funding. This scheme enables Network Rail to deliver accessibility improvements, including step-free access, at stations across Britain. Most recently, the Access for All programme has delivered made Croy and Johnstone stations more easily accessible for passengers and similar work is now underway at Port Glasgow…
Call for urgent works to improve accessibility in Headford
June 12, 2023 | Source: Connacht Tribune- Ireland
There’s a call for urgent works to improve accessibility in Headford. Councillor Mary Hoade says wheelchair users in particular are having an extremely tough time doing business, or taking up employment, in the town. She’s hoping the matter will be given serious consideration in a traffic management study set to get underway in the coming weeks. Councillor Hoade says these issues need to be addressed urgently to ensure equal access for all…
‘More than just parking spaces and doorways’: Clarington seeks input on accessibility needs
June 12, 2023 | Source: Peterborough Examiner- Canada
Residents can help improve accessibility in Clarington through a new survey. The municipality has launched the survey to collect feedback on accessibility needs in the community to help inform the creation of a new multi-year accessibility plan that will guide accessibility efforts over the next five years. “Accessibility is more than just parking spaces and doorways,” said Lesley Scherer, chair of the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee. “We need to hear from the same community we support about what matters most to them, and that is why this survey is so important. I highly encourage all residents to complete it.”…
The Indispensable Need for Accessibility of ICT to Persons with Disabilities in Housing Communities: The Dr. Kalyan Kankanala Vs. Adonmo Case
June 12, 2023 | Source: openPR.com- India
The role of accessibility of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in housing communities is becoming increasingly critical in today’s technologically advanced and digital age. Ensuring housing communities are equipped with accessible ICT is fundamental in providing a safe, secure environment for people with disabilities, and in promoting social inclusion. Access to ICT provides numerous benefits to people with disabilities, particularly in fostering independence and keeping them connected to the world…
Plan to restore Grade II listed Bristol pedestrian bridge under fire for lack of accessibility
June 12, 2023 | Source: New Civil Engineer- England
Bristol City Council has come under fire for approving a £1M plan to raise and restore a Grade II listed cast iron pedestrian bridge that will mean it will no longer meet accessibility standards. The footbridge across Kingsweston Lane dates from the early 1800s and is a crucial pedestrian crossing over a busy road but has been closed since 2015 after it was struck by a lorry. It then suffered another lorry strike in 2018. Users of the footbridge have long cried out for its repair and earlier this month the council finally agreed a £1M job that will see the bridge restored but also raised by 1m to comply with modern standards and avoid further bridge strikes…
‘Big joy’: How a mother and son are making hiking more accessible, one trail at a time
June 12, 2023 | Source: CTVNews- Canada
After Patricia Pyrka and her son Finnan, who has cerebral palsy, moved to Toronto from Germany for treatment, they wanted to enjoy the great outdoors together. Having a lifelong love of hiking, Patricia looked for places to take Finnan out for a hike in his wheelchair. She initially asked friends to recommend stroller-friendly trails, but soon realized they were harder than expected to navigate with a wheelchair. When Patricia reached out to an Ontario hiking community group on Facebook for some advice and answers to her questions, she says the response was “heartwarming.”…
City urged to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities
June 13, 2023 | Source: City of Johannesburg- Africa
Chair of Chairpersons of Section 79 committees, Councillor (Cllr) Llyod Phillips hosted People with Disabilities in an engagement to discuss issues affecting their daily lives in the City of Joburg. The event was held under the theme “Freedom without us is not free”. This was held at Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Brixton on Friday, 09 June 2023. Cllr Phillips was accompanied by two Chairs of Section 79 portfolio committee and a Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu…
National Arts and Disability Awards’ Leadership winner Eliza Hull on the arts’ accessible future
June 13, 2023 | Source: Australia Council for the Arts
Research from the Australia Council for the Arts has found creative participation among people with disability is growing. But artists with disability are also under-represented, earn less than their counterparts without disability, experience unemployment at higher rates, and are more likely to identify a lack of access to funding as a barrier to their professional development. To carve out a career as a musician is challenging for anyone. But for people with disabilities, ambition is often no match for inaccessibility…
More GO Transit riders flag issue with accessibility at Exhibition station
June 13, 2023 | Source: CityNews- Canada
Just one day after CityNews reported on the accessibility issues plaguing the Exhibition GO Station, another wheelchair user said they were left stranded on the platform. Calls are now growing louder for Metrolinx to provide a better solution for those who rely on the elevators while they remain out of service. Hannah, who relies on a wheelchair, was left stranded on Friday night after taking the GO train from Oshawa to see a concert at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage…
Wayfinding strips laid at Calgary CTrain stations to improve accessibility
June 13, 2023 | Source: LiveWire- Canada
Calgary Transit is currently conducting a pilot project regarding the implementation of tactile strips placed at the Bridgeland and City Hall CTrain stations. The tactile strips have been implemented as part of Calgary Transit’s push to increase accessibility and wayfinding. “It’s important for us to make sure that all of our CTrain stations or platforms are accessible for all customers,” said Jenn Boyer with Calgary Transit. Calgary Transit collaborated with an accessibility consultant and an accessibility committee to determine what different aspects of the tactile strips would be most beneficial to those who would use them…
How accessible is our city? The City of Stratford wants to know
June 14, 2023 | Source: Stratford Today- Canada
Stratford residents are being asked to voice how accessible the Festival City is and what changes, if needed, could improve accessibility. The City of Stratford is updating its multi-year accessibility plan (MYAP) and has opened a survey on EngageStratford to hear from the public. The short survey asks how accessible the city is overall and if there are any barriers to City-led programs or activities, among other things. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) set five key standards for an accessibility plan: information and communication, employment, transportation, design of public spaces, and customer service…
Jefferson Frank report reveals widening digital skills gap due to lack of accessibility in technology
June 14, 2023 | Source: THIIS Magazine- UK
A report by Jefferson Frank has revealed that the digital skills gap is widening between disabled and non-disabled tech professionals that have started but not finished a certification. While there’s been an increase in reporting especially on gender disparities in tech, it’s also vital to expand the conversation around disability access and inclusion in tech, says recruitment agency Jefferson Frank. Accessibility in technology has become an increasingly present and pressing discussion in tech over the last few years…
Lack of accessibility in technology causes widening skills gap for disabled tech professionals
June 14, 2023 | Source: Assistive Technology- UK
The findings from a new report have revealed that the digital skills gap is widening between disabled and non-disabled tech professionals, with focus on those who have started but not finished a certification due to the lack of accessibility in technology. While there’s been an increase in reporting especially on gender disparities in tech, it’s also vital to expand the conversation around disability access and inclusion in tech. Accessibility in technology has become an increasingly present and pressing discussion in tech over the last few years…
Accessibility issues at Pride events, LGBTQ spaces can be isolating, say people with disabilities
June 15, 2023 | Source: CBC- Canada
Heartbreaking: that’s how Ariana Giroux describes being excluded from LGBTQ events because of her disabilities. Giroux is a neurodivergent person with a physical disability. She uses a cane for walking and also sometimes uses a wheelchair. Giroux says she sometimes has to sit out of events with friends because of accessibility issues. That feeling of isolation is particularly hard to stomach at a time when gender and sexually diverse people are coming under increased attack…
Montreal needs more accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities
June 15, 2023 | Source: Cult MTL- Canada
“Access plays a major role in my day to day life,” says Marie-Eve Veilleux, a wheelchair user who lives in Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie. “Every time I see an ad for a new store, for a public event or for the 10 coolest restaurants in Montreal, I systematically ask myself if it’s accessible. More often than not, I’m disappointed.” At one point or another, most of us may have noticed the sheer number of stairs and out-of-order escalators in certain Montreal metro stations and wondered how a senior, someone in a wheelchair, or a young parent with a stroller can possibly navigate them…
Digital accessibility is important for business
June 15, 2023 | Source: The Hindu Business Line- India
Digital accessibility, in simple terms, means ensuring accessibility of digital products and services to People with Disabilities (PwDs). This could be a website through which one orders clothes or groceries, or a ticket-dispensing kiosk at a theatre. As per the Census of India 2011, there are 26.8 million PwDs in the country. This is substantial, and hence proactive measures are necessary to ensure accessibility for all as digital India progresses. Here are four ways businesses can do so…
Accessibility Blogs, Information, and Videos
- Top 100 in the NIRF Rankings!- Anita Sharma
- Bad people took pity on us- Peter Torres Fremlin
- Making kid’s eye care more accessible- Newswise
- The Benefits of Accessible eLearning Software- TechBullion
- Sign Language fosters equality and accessibility – Loop PNG
- Disability Inclusion in the Workplace: Why It Matters- EARN
- Habitat for Humanity launches ‘Age in Place’ program- KEYC (Video)
- Why Widgets Are Not Best For Digital Accessibility- Michael Taylor
- Accessible Design: Creating Inclusive User Experiences- HackerNoon
- Common Mistakes to Avoid in Online Retail Accessibility- Total Retail
- Supporting Workers with Long COVID Factsheet- Department of Labor
- Cornell Ag Connection: Making Gardening Accessible- Press-Republican
- Local organization works to create accessible living spaces- NBC Chicago (Video)
- How accessible is downtown Halifax? This advocate went to find out- CBC (Video)
- Best practices for designing accessible e-learning content- Data Science Central
- France Digital Accessibility Laws: An Overview- Bureau of Internet Accessibility
- How Server-side Rendering Enhances the Accessibility of Your Website- CityLife
- Building Accessibility: How Buildings Should Become More Inclusive – We Heart
- How to spot the signs of dyslexia and support your teen with their studies- My Tutor
- Inclusion and Resilience: A Glimpse into Cuba’s Programs for the Blind- Mike Calvo
- Disability-inclusive spaces: Temple accessibility in Taiwan- Radio Taiwan International
- Wheelchair Travel Newsletter: Accessible Summer, Air Travel Optimism, ADA Event Tickets
- ARIA Team Announces Assistive Technology Support Tables- Bureau of Internet Accessibility
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion—and Accessibility: How Cities Can Lead- National League of Cities
- How AI Transcription and Captioning Improve Accessibility for People with Disabilities- TFIGlobal
- Amazon Shares ‘11 Most Helpful Accessibility Features’ In Newly-Published Blog Post- Steven Aquino
- Guide to Making Accessible and Engaging Conference Presentations- 13th International Mammalogical Congress
- Nothing about us without us. International Colloquium on Accessibility Rights of Persons with Disabilities- India News Calling
Higher Education Blogs and Information
- PDF Best Practices- Yale School of Medicine
- Embracing Accessibility and Adaptations- The Intelligent Driver
- Plymouth student’s plea for more access at university – BBC News
- “I wish every college student with a disability could watch this.” #shorts- SNHU (YouTube)
- Creating an accessible, inclusive campus – UND Today – University of North Dakota
- Accessibility audit of edu institutes from July 1, to pinpoint infra lacunae- Times of India
- BMCC Grad Looks to Make Restaurants More Accessible- Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
- Nominations sought for disability advocates, accessibility leaders- The University Record – University of Michigan
Legal Blogs and Information
- UserWay Will Stop Lying to WAVE- Adrian Roselli
- Legal Considerations to Keep in Mind When Creating a Website- Legal Reader
- Win Gold: Guidance for Achieving ADA Website Compliance- Foley and Lardner
- FCC Extends Accessibility Requirements to Videoconferencing Services- Cooley
- NFIB Urges Supreme Court to Protect Small Businesses from ADA Lawsuit Abuse- NFIB
- Plaintiff-Friendly New York Courts Change Course in Three Recent Decisions in Website Accessibility Cases- Seyfarth Shaw
- FCC Finally Determines Scope of “Interoperable Video Conferencing Services” under the CVAA, Seeks Comment on Accessibility Performance Objectives- Wiley
- Justice Department Secures Settlement with Dayton, Ohio, Police Department to Ensure Non-Discriminatory Treatment of People with Disabilities and Settlement Agreement (PDF)
Accessibility Announcements and Products
- Year of Accessible Tourism update
- AAVAA Receives Grant from Canada
- Dark Mofo is accessibility-friendly in 2023
- ADA-Accessible Kayak Launch Opens at Ohio Park
- Safran Announces Accessible In-Flight Entertainment
- Habitat for Humanity launches ‘Age in Place’ program
- All Meow Wolf locations are now Certified Autism Centers
- Lewisburg Area approves two projects to improve ‘accessibility’
- Stellantis and Hype deploy wheelchair-accessible hydrogen taxis
- A new app evaluates accessibility of Boston streets and buildings
- Citroën’s adorable Ami city car set to become accessibility champion
- New project looks to address lack of accessible housing in Kansas City (Video)
- VA Wayfinding Now Available at Tuskegee And Montgomery Campus
- New App Registers Women With Disabilities for Accessibility Services
- Mission becomes the first City in BC to support Colour Accessible Travel
- ‘Sense of belonging’: Durham seeking members for accessibility committee
- FCC Requires Video Conferencing Accessibility and Proposes ASL Support
- North Jersey firm offers $25K in awards to nonprofits that address disability
- Apple Vision Pro’s accessibility features could be a game-changer for everyone
- City Receives Updated Street, Sidepath, Sidewalk and Accessible Curb Ramp Condition Data
- LAT Multilingual and Asign Join Forces to Enhance Accessibility with Sign Language Services
- Lancaster, PA Takes Accessibility to a New Level as the First AbleVu Accessible City in Pennsylvania
- Millennium Partners with Crawford Technologies to Efficiently Create Accessible Marketing Documents
- $10,000 grant will help residents with disabilities gain easier access to Stanly Community College Library
- WordPress Accessibility Day Secures Nonprofit Status for Annual Event, Calls for Speakers and Sponsors
- The American Council of the Blind (ACB)’s Audio Description People’s Choice Award is open for nominations!
- Channel Islands National Park Seeks Public Input on a Plan to Improve Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities
- Developing New Standards for Accessibility Reporting: Request For Interest / Request For Information (RFI)–a precursor requirement for responding to future RFPs for development contracts
Accessibility Forums, Tips, and Gaming
- Accessibility Tips, Tricks, and Tools
- 8 Android accessibility tips to make life easier
- Complete guide to accessibility on Chromebooks
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Accessibility Spotlight
- The Director of Street Fighter 6 Uncovers Its ‘Modern’ Updates
- The Rise of AI in Web Development: What You Need to Know
- Exploring the Impact of AI on Web Development and Design Trends
- Ubisoft Reveals Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Accessibility Features
- Blind Diablo 4 player praises accessibility features: “I’m loving the game”
- In Just 15 Minutes, Create your voice with Apple’s New ‘Personal Voice’ Feature
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s accessibility options stopped me turning to the Dark Side
- Starfield’s Lack of Key Accessibility Features Attracts Major Criticism For Bethesda’s Ambitious Game
- Access-Ability Summer Showcase Spotlights Sniper Elite 5, Bossgame: The Final Boss Is My Heart, and More
- This Week’s Vision Pro Demonstrations Raise More Accessibility Questions—Yet Also Portend A Bright Future
- Exploring GitHub with the redesigned navigation, now in public beta and How we improved accessibility in Gitlab’s new navigation
Accessibility Statements
- Careerpuck
- Tate Gallery
- Amex Canada
- France-Visas
- Public Storage
- OneMain Financial
- University of Glasgow
- Creative Services, Inc.
- Specialty Food Association
- Medical University of South Carolina
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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