Accessibility in the News — 4/26/2024.
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AITN Quote of the Week
Accessibility in the News- Knowledge is Power
“Life is a series of choices. Every yes is 1,000 no’s.” ― John Mark Comer
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Feature Stories
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
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…
National News (U.S.)
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…
How Colorado’s first legislator to use a wheelchair reveals accessibility gaps
April 18, 2024 | Source: USA TODAY
Prescription Label Accessibility for Blind Coloradans Passes House
April 19, 2024 | Source: Colorado House Democrats
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…
BART commits to addressing elevator issues in new settlement
April 18, 2024 | Source: The Mercury News and The Daily Californian and Disability Rights Advocates and 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…
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…
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…
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.”…
Ski resorts and accessibility: How well are they doing?
April 21, 2024 | Source: Travel Weekly
Accessible Tourism Sees a Major Milestone in Global Travel and Tourism Industry
April 22, 2024 | Source: Travel and Tour World
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities
April 24, 2024 | Source: Federal Register and 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”)…
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…
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 and Orihuela Unveils Strategic Plan for Accessible Tourism, Enhancing Inclusivity in Heritage Sites and Seattle Ensures Accessibility For All and An Enduring Commitment to Enhancing Accessibility: Beaches® Resorts Renew Advanced Certified Autism Center™ Designation
International News
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…
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…
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…
‘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).”…
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.”…
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…
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”…
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”…
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…
Regina’s accessibility plan, election bylaw approved by city council
April 25, 2024 | Source: Regina Leader Post- Canada and 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…
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…
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, and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 Forums, Tips, and 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 Statements
- X
- Trinseo
- UsableNet
- A Couple Cooks
- Willamette University
- Musée Gustave Moreau
- Brown, Goldstein and Levy
- Sandbox Software Solutions
- Zoological Society of London
- Office of Multicultural Interests
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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