Accessibility in the News — 6/9/2023.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to enforce accessibility requirements on video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex. Despite the widespread use of video conferencing for work, education, and personal communication, individuals with disabilities often face challenges in effectively using these platforms. Issues include inadequate captioning, difficulties in displaying sign language interpreters, limited control of accessibility tools, and the absence of easy access to telecommunications relay services (TRS). The FCC’s action aims to make video conferencing accessible to all. The decision resolves a longstanding legal question, provides a one-year compliance period for video conferencing service providers, and proposes specific performance objectives for enhancing accessibility. It also seeks feedback on integrating TRS into video conferencing services.
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AITN Quote of the Week
“As long as trans disabled people like me exist, disability issues are trans issues, and trans issues are disability issues.” ― Dominick Evans
Feature Stories
FCC vote requires providers to make video-conferencing more accessible
June 8, 2023 | Source: United Press International and AVIXA and FCC and FCC Statement (PDF)
Sen. Markey, Rep. Eshoo Applaud FCC Vote Advancing New Accessibility Standards For Video Conferencing
June 8, 2023 | Source: Senator Edward J. Markey
FCC Proposes Action To Expedite The Transition To Next Generation 911
June 8, 2023 | Source: FCC (PDF)
Video-conferencing platforms will have to comply with Communication Act accessibility requirements after an FCC vote Thursday. The FCC said in a statement that providers including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex and others will have a year and 30 days from publication of the Federal Registry summary to comply with Thursday’s order. It added that the order applies to all services and equipment that meet the definition of “interoperable video conference service.”…
National News (U.S.)
Plano adopts resolution for closed captioning on public televisions
May 31, 2023 | Source: Community Impact
All public-facing televisions in Plano will now have closed captioning on to benefit those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Plano City Council unanimously voted to adopt a resolution that will require all city-owned televisions to have closed captioning turned on during its May 22 meeting. The resolution also encourages local businesses to do the same, according to the agenda item. According to the resolution, closed captioning will make audible content more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those with developmental disabilities, sensory disabilities, non-native speakers and others…
From strollers to wheelchairs, can Oakland build housing that’s accessible to all?
June 1, 2023 | Source: The Oaklandside
When a band of UC Berkeley students took sledgehammers to sidewalks in the late 1960s, they ignited a series of protests that led to the creation of the first official “curb cut” program in a U.S. city. Eventually, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act mandated that cities across the country include dips in the asphalt to make it easier for people with wheelchairs, like the ones used by those young East Bay activists, to cross streets. But it turned out that “curb cuts made life better for everyone,” not just wheelchair users, said Fatimah Aure, an Oakland resident who works in housing accessibility…
Moran introduces legislation to support aviation safety, accessibility
June 2, 2023 | Source: Salina Post and Senator Jerry Moran
Bill to expand research into accessible air travel set to benefit Wichita State
June 5, 2023 | Source: WIBW
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) – members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation – introduced legislation to invest new federal resources into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Center of Excellence (CoE) formed by Wichita State University and the University of Washington, according to a statement from his office. The Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Safety Act broadens the scope of research conducted at the Centers of Excellence to include testing for accessible air travel for people with disabilities…
A look at the ADA 33 years later
June 2, 2023 | Source: KFYR
It’s been 33 years since the all-encompassing Americans with Disabilities Act passed to remove discrimination toward people with disability. Your News Leader explored some of its successes as well as areas that need progress.
Kyle Erickson, research associate with North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, said he’d like to start a project related to the state’s sub-minimum wage law. “I’m putting together a paper exploring the pros and cons of this practice and just whether or not it adds to success for people with disabilities,” said Erickson…
Russellville Elementary School installs wheelchair-accessible playground after anonymous donation
June 2, 2023 | Source: WAFF48
It was December 2021 when now Russellville Elementary principal Tiffany Warhurst received word that someone had anonymously donated $50,000 to her school. The donor only had one request for the money and that was to put it toward students with special needs. Warhurst said that is exactly what school leaders did and now a new wheelchair-accessible playground is almost ready to go. “The person that donated this will never know truly how much this means to our students and to our faculty here,” Warhurst said…
Business events are back – but are they inclusive?
June 2, 2023 | Source: Raconteur
When footwear retailer Schuh held its spring-summer 2023 press launch in April, the team responsible for organising the event decided to focus on putting accessibility at the heart of the planning, communication and production. For instance, to help attendees manage any conditions they might have, the event agenda was sent out ahead of time, explaining what to expect throughout the day; a two-hour ‘quiet’ slot was set aside when no music would play; and shoe displays were set at various heights to suit every guest’s needs. The event was praised widely on LinkedIn by people impressed by the consideration shown…
Twitter – Microassist
10-year-old with muscular dystrophy advocates for inclusion
June 4, 2023 | Source: Spectrum News
While many kids are excited for summer fun in the sun, research shows that elementary school students on average lose nearly 40% of their school-year gains during the summer break, according to the American Educational Research Journal. Learning can be tough in general for some kids, especially those who work through disabilities and other challenges. Harrison Gattis, 10, of Durham is a fierce advocate, not just for summer learning, but for accessibility and inclusion in schools, something he became passionate about due to his disability…
Does proposed Fresno law protect accessibility for disabled or criminalize homeless?
June 5, 2023 | Source: The Fresno Bee
The city of Fresno is considering imposing stricter limitations on where the homeless can set up camp — arguing that the measures are necessary to promote public safety and comply with federal disability rights laws. But disability rights advocates, homeless advocates and unhoused residents say the proposed rule would criminalize homelessness. They say if the city is concerned about disability rights, it could take more substantive measures to improve access for disabled Fresno residents…
Demystifying digital accessibility programs in financial services: A story about Capital One
June 5, 2023 | Source: TEARSHEET
Making financial products accessible is a bit of a moral no-brainer. But it is also an objective that can help financial institutions do better business. For example, US companies that put disability inclusion at the forefront of their goals can see 28% higher revenue and 30% better profit margins than other companies in the Disability Equality Index, according to research by Accenture. The problem however is that it can be difficult to ascertain just how to prioritize accessibility in digital financial experiences, especially for organizations that have significant digital footprints…
Children’s Museum Of The Magic Valley: Accessibility for all
June 5, 2023 | Source: Twin Falls Times-News
Let’s dive a little deeper beyond our focus on diversity and contemplate accessibility. Inclusion for all is of the upmost importance to us at the Children’s Miusem of the Magic Valley. Our mission statement says that we strive for engagement of children of “all ages and abilities.” Dr. Jonathan Myers said, “inclusion is the currency of self-worth.” What is the connection of inclusion and accessibility? Accessibility is creating spaces and activities that are easily used by everyone, including small children, older adults, wheelchair users, strollers, people needing increased time for movement or processing, and assistance for vision and hearing…
NJ offers accessible voting options for people with disabilities in Tuesday’s primary
June 5, 2023 | Source: northjersey.com
Ahead of New Jersey’s primary election Tuesday Secretary of State Tahesha Way said the state has taken steps to ensure access for voters with disabilities. “Every voter should be able to cast their ballot privately and securely,” Way said in a statement last week outlining the procedures. “We appreciate the opportunity to extend this voting option to New Jersey’s disabled voters.” Voters with accessibility needs can be accommodated at local polling sites where equipment awaits to help them view a ballot on a screen or hear an audio version that will help them mark and cast the ballot…
Bridging Digital Divide for the Disabled Remains a ‘Big Deal’
June 5, 2023 | Source: The Examiner News
New Rochelle’s Ann Chiappetta, like most blind people, maneuvers around all manner of challenges on a daily basis that most folks likely never consider. For instance, in our digital age, just imagine what it’s like to navigate a website that fails to consider her disability. She recalls the aggravation of receiving e-mail newsletters from government agencies, with images teasing valuable information. “They send out this Constant Contact e-mail blast, and they show an image of a flyer,” she recounted in a phone interview last week…
People with disabilities give feedback about the accessibility of the Honolulu rail
June 5, 2023 | Source: Hawaii Public Radio
The city is set to take control of the first segment of Honolulu’s rail system on Friday. Honolulu transportation officials hosted a couple dozen members of the disabled community last week to get feedback about accessibility on the train and its stations. For those with disabilities, the rail will offer an alternative to TheHandi-Van or TheBus. Dean Georgiev, who is blind, said it was helpful to tour one of the stations. “I thought, for the most part, it’s a good experience. I did notice a couple of things that maybe in time could be improved. But that’s typical of anything done initially,” he said…
First Look: Air4All Wheelchair Securement Space by Delta Flight Products
June 6, 2023 | Source: Wheelchair Travel and Insider
TAMS Sees Accessibility Campaign Leading To Best Practices, Standards
June 8, 2023 | Source: The Company Dime
I arrived in Hamburg with questions and concerns about the seating system — previous design concepts depicted a wheelchair docking system similar to the EZ Lock, which would have limited the compatibility of the securement space to powered wheelchairs with an installed connector. Delta Flight Products has instead unveiled a new concept, with retractable securement straps integrated into a panel resting on the aircraft’s floor. This securement system will accommodate a wide range of powered and manual wheelchairs that meet relevant crash test safety standards…
Northwestern University class action claims website inaccessible to blind, visually impaired users
June 6, 2023 | Source: Top Class Actions
Northwestern University operates a website that is not fully accessible to and independently usable by blind or visually impaired individuals, according to a class action lawsuit filed May 25 in New York federal court. Plaintiff Joseph Ortiz is legally blind and requires screen-reading software to access website content on his computer, the Northwestern University class action lawsuit explains. He says he has unsuccessfully attempted to obtain information on the Northwestern website about the university’s sports teams, rosters, schedules, statistics and news…
New York Subway Begins Accessibility Improvements
June 6, 2023 Source: Planetizen
A station renovated as part of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s effort to improve accessibility at its subway stations won a ‘Construction Project of the Year,’ modeling how transit agencies can improve accessibility at older stations. According to a press release from TAP Electric, a partner on the project team, “The rehabilitation included the installation of two elevators with a street-level elevator machine room; a passageway above the tracks to connect the platforms, new platform windscreens and canopies; new ADA compliant stairs to station platforms and passageways; and station agent booth upgrades…
Local woman returns from Mars simulation, promotes accessibility
June 6, 2023 | Source: WTVG
A Bowling Green woman just returned home from a so-called Mars colony in Arizona. She had one mission: making sure space is accessible for everyone. “Like what if you’re on Mars and you lose your vision, it’s not like we can swap you out and send you home,” said Sheri Wells-Jensen, who teaches linguistics at Bowling Green State University for the past 23 years. Wells-Jensen, who is fully blind, spent six days with four crew members in a hermetically sealed habitat located at the University of Arizona Biosphere 2, learning about what it would be like living on Mars or the Moon…
Sen. Menendez, Rep. Titus Introduce Legislation To Expand Accessible Transportation Options For Individuals With Disabilities
June 6, 2023 | Source: Senator Bob Menendez
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nev.01) today reintroduced the bicameral Disability Access to Transportation Act (DATA), legislation that would address numerous persistent challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when they use transportation services. It would establish a one-stop pilot program to help paratransit riders avoid excessive wait times between multiple trips, streamline the process for submitting accessibility complaints, and assist local communities with identifying gaps in transportation accessibility…
Does shingles vaccination cut dementia risk? Large study hints at a link
June 6, 2023 | Source: Nature
Vaccination against shingles might also prevent dementia, such as that caused by Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study of health records from around 300,000 people in Wales. The analysis found that getting the vaccine lowers the risk of dementia by 20%. But some puzzling aspects of the analysis have stirred debate about the work’s robustness. The study was published on the medRxiv preprint server on 25 May and has not yet been peer reviewed. “If it is true, it’s huge,” says Alberto Ascherio, an epidemiologist at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who was not involved in the study…
Philadelphia officials show off citywide effort to improve accessibility
June 7, 2023 | Source: Audacy and Phila.gov and WHYY and NBC10
In celebration of Disability Pride Week in Philadelphia, city officials unveiled a newly accessible City Hall on Wednesday. Mayor Jim Kenney joined Amy Nieves, executive director of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, and her team to present the work they have been doing to ensure access for everyone to all city services and programs. “One in five Philadelphians are a person with disabilities,” Nieves said. “Philadelphia has the highest disability rate of all of our large U.S. cities, at 17% — and they face barriers every day.”…
Museums for all: Dismantling barriers for accessibility
June 7, 2023 | Source: Illinois Times
My child is lying on the floor, screaming. Everyone is looking at us. He’s causing a ruckus, but at 70 pounds he’s too big for me to carry out of the museum. My only hope is to calm him down so that we can leave for a safer, less-stimulating environment. Enter the security guard, who yells repeatedly over my son’s screaming that we need to leave immediately. “I’m trying,” I tell him, as I feel my own resilience beginning to dissolve. My child did eventually calm down and we left, not returning for several years…
New York City Sues Queens Library Architects Over Lack of Accessibility
June 7, 2023 | Source: The New York Times
A few years back, architects designed a public library in Queens that has been lauded as one of the most stunning public buildings produced in New York in a century. But it is also rife with obstacles for people with disabilities, according to city officials who are now suing the designers for the $10 million they say it will cost to fix. At the Queens Public Library at Hunters Point, a staircase that runs from the lobby to the second floor is the only way to access three areas that have built-in desks with charging stations…
How Governments Can Improve Customer Experience With Digital Accessibility
June 7, 2023 | Source: Government Technology
Americans spend an average of 11.5 billion hours per year on required government paperwork. This enormous volume of time creates a considerable administrative burden on the population. Furthermore, this burden is unevenly distributed. Individuals with resource limitations (cognitive, financial, educational, etc.) tend to confront more administrative burdens with less capacity to effectively navigate the demands. Government agencies are keen to promote accessibility and decrease the administrative burden for several reasons…
Human rights ensure all spaces are accessible to women in all their diversity
June 8, 2023 | Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Women’s equal and meaningful participation in decision-making is not only a right in itself, but also represents a necessary condition for women’s human rights to be respected and their interests to shape public decisions. Globally only 26.5 per cent of parliamentarians are women and in about 22 countries women make up less than 10 per cent of parliamentarians, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a global organization of national parliamentarians…
Jack Fact — According to the Kessler Foundation, among workers ages 16-64, the 5,962,000 workers with disabilities represented 4 percent of the total 148,009,000 workers in the U.S.
Hit The Road Jack — Manatee Public Beach increases ADA accessibility with mats and Greece – Greekend – Beach Life
International News
Accessible Transport: Committee publishes raft of written evidence received since launching inquiry
June 2, 2023 | Source: Committees – UK Parliament
The Transport Committee publishes written evidence received as part of its inquiry into the laws and rules that govern access to transport for disabled people and people with other access needs. Among the 72 organisations and individuals who submitted evidence were Transport for All, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and Wheels for Wellbeing. You can search for and read the evidence submissions on the Committee’s website…
WPHC: Becoming accessible for para hockey
June 2, 2023 | Source: Hockey Canada (Video)
Two months ago, the Moose Jaw Events Centre was not accessible for para hockey. But after undergoing renovations to, in part, level the ice and widen rink access, the facility is proudly hosting the 2023 World Para Hockey Championship and the changes will leave a lasting legacy to grow the game in Saskatchewan…
Saskatchewan Parks make inclusion accessible for everyone
June 3, 2023 | Source: SASKTODAY- Canada
Investments over the last few years have made Saskatchewan’s provincial parks more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for people of all abilities, according to a Parks, Culture and Sport press release. New features range from beach wheelchairs and beach access mats to accessible campsites and buildings, with more upgrades on the way. Major projects opening this summer and planned accessibility improvements include: A new pedestrian bridge across Fisher Creek in Candle Lake Provincial Park. The bridge replaces an older structure, providing an accessible grade and width, along with other accessibility features…
Fully accessible community garden in Sudbury
June 4, 2023 | Source: CTV News- Canada
Another newly-designed accessible community garden is now open in Sudbury. There are 15 raised garden beds that are wheelchair accessible at the Delki Dozzi Community Garden. This weekend, volunteers were busy planting the garden that is opening up new opportunities for people who could not access the space before the improvements. Amy Adair, 26, told CTV News she was happy to be putting her green thumb to work. Adair has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. “Being out in the sun and being connected to nature like that has done me a world of good today,” she said…
Childhood Friends Revolutionise Digital Accessibility this week on ABC’s Australian Story
June 5, 2023 | Source: TV Blackbox- Australia
Mick Curran and Jamie Teh were childhood friends who bonded over their love of music and technology. As their friendship grew, so did their idea to transform the world for people just like them. Mick and Jamie are both blind.
The pair first met at braille music camp in NSW aged 9 and 10 and reconnected six years later. These two teenage computer nerds were frustrated that they had to buy expensive screen-reading software to make their computers accessible…
WOMAN+ Adopts AI For Accessibility And Busy Women
June 5, 2023 | Source: Scoop- New Zealand
WOMAN+ prides itself on offering a diverse and all-embracing digital home for women in New Zealand. Building a welcoming community for like-minded women means thinking broadly about all women and what their needs may be. “We definitely know women are multitasking constantly,” says Melissa Platt, GM of Digital and Content, “they often don’t have the time to stop and read so we wanted to make our content accessible in multiple formats.”…
Europe is enforcing accessibility laws – what it means for all Baltic businesses
June 5, 2023 | Source: The Baltic Times- Europe
In a world that values diversity and inclusivity, it is crucial to ensure that everyone can fully participate in society, regardless of their abilities. The European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882) is a significant milestone in promoting inclusion for people with disabilities in Europe. Adopted by the European Union in 2019, this comprehensive legislation directly affects various sectors of the economy and companies across almost all industries. businesses with products and services covered by the EAA will be required to comply with its obligations by June 28, 2025…
Mobility For All: FIA Discusses How To Build A More Accessible Sustainable Mobility Future At ITF 2023 Summit
June 6, 2023 | Source: FIA- Germany
Held this year from 23-26 May in Leipzig, Germany, the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum is the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers and the premier global transport policy event. FIA Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism Tim Shearman was invited to take part in a panel discussion on “How to capture accessibility benefits in transport planning”, along with Ann Frye, Director of Ann Frye Ltd, Heather Thompson, CEO of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and Daniel Eui-Seok Kim, CEO of Autocrypt…
New NHS guidance established to improve eye care accessibility in England
June 6, 2023 | Source: Ophthalmology Times Europe- England
A new initiative from the National Health Service is intended to make eye care more accessible to patients in England. NHS leaders announced their efforts late last month.1 The measures aim to reduce wait times for care, a goal that government officials labeled as a “top priority.” Earlier in May, researchers raised concerns about eye care accessibility throughout the UK. According to the NHS, ophthalmology is the busiest outpatient speciality in secondary care. Ophthalmology practices make up almost 10% of the secondary care waiting list…
Australian bank launches accessible cards for vision impaired
June 6, 2023 | Source: ABC News- Australia
After he became blind, Brett Anthony discovered just how hard it was to pay at the counter. Every piece of plastic inside his wallet felt identical. “I get the cards all mixed up — I’ve got to really wait for someone that’s able to see the cards to help me,” he said. “All these things are very frustrating. It just takes away a little bit of that independence.” Faced with the problem, the retired public servant tried doing what he could to make his wallet easier to navigate. “I make some physical changes to the existing cards like … cutting off a corner in this corner.”…
UK Transport Committee investigates accessibility laws for disabled people
June 7, 2023 | Source: Intelligent Transport- UK
The UK Transport Committee has unveiled crucial written evidence it has received as part of its inquiry into the laws and regulations governing access to transport for disabled individuals and those with other access needs. A total of 72 organisations and individuals, including prominent entities like Transport for All, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and Wheels for Wellbeing, have submitted their evidence. Interested parties can now access and review these submissions on the official website of the committee…
Accessibility in Books: Australia’s New Publishing Guide
June 8, 2023 | Source: Publishing Perspectives- Australia
You may recall that last year, Australia’s Institute of Professional Editors (IPED) made a point of firmly backing up the Australian Publishers Association as it released its first major effort in analyzing the diversity and inclusion of its industry’s workforce. Today (June 8), we learn that the Institute of Professional Editors is releasing a 200-page guide designed to assist publishers and editors everywhere to create accessible books. Books Without Barriers: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Publishing may throw some industry players who’ve seen the word “inclusive” used in relation to workforce and content diversity…
Accessibility Blogs, Information, and Videos
- The AbilityNet Podcast
- A New, Exciting Era for WebAIM
- Insights: AI and Accessibility- Fable
- Accessible arts
- June 7-13, 2023- Real Change
- Air Travel and Barriers- Accessible Travel Press
- Accessibility and Inclusivity Toolkit- Digital.NSW
- Accessibility an easy step for Walk Darwin- Austrade
- Accessibility Resources – Iowa Department for the Blind
- Where are we at with accessibility in packaging?- Packaging Europe
- Disability news from 50+ countries, June 2023- Peter Torres Fremlin
- Accessibility Testing – Pay Attention To The Details!- Jeff Singleton
- How to Create an Accessible Website and Why It Matters- HackRead
- 6 Considerations for Digital Accessibility and Generative AI- CMSWire
- Gardening can be accessible to all with some adjustments- Chinook Observer
- Prioritizing Your IT Accessibility Program and Policy Roadmap- Sanjay Nasta
- Building Your Arsenal: Empowering Conversations for Web Accessibility- Jeff Adams
- The Emergence of AI in Web Development: Trends and Predictions- Digital Tech Guru
- Four Ways to Ease Anxiety When Traveling with a Neurologic Condition- Brain and Life
- Easy Read versions of free disability and technology factsheets now available- AbilityNet
- Accessibility an easy step for Walk Darwin- Australian Trade and Investment Commission
- 2nd Annual Durham Accessibility Conference hosted by Abilities Centre and Durham Region (YouTube)
- Chatbots and Accessibility: How AI is Making Digital Content More Inclusive- Red Skins 101
- The Future Of Work: Personalization, Accessibility, And Inclusion As Catalysts For Success- Forbes
- ADA Compliance and Digital Kiosks: Ensuring Accessibility in Healthcare Settings- Corsicana Daily Sun
- How Governments Can Improve Customer Experience With Digital Accessibility- Government Technology
- The importance of making micro-mobility services more accessible for disabled people- Intelligent Transport
- Why Ditching Tangible Tags On Clothes For Digital Ones Is A Big Deal For Accessibility Too- Steven Aquino
- LEAD On! Newsletter – The Power of the Community Reinvestment Act: Strategies for Success- The LEAD Center
- Resetting the Bar on Brand Building: Why Brands Need to Prioritise and Elevate Standards for Accessible Advertising- Procter and Gamble
- Episode 28: Accessibility in a Global Context- Host Nathan Slauer discusses accessibility practices with Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Steve Wright (Podcast)
Higher Education Blogs and Information
- Thoughtful By Design- Syracuse University iSchool
- Accessibility – Digital – Inside Augsburg- Augsburg University
- Accessibility Information- Accessibility News- Cornell University
- ADA transition plan is a pathway to improving accessibility- The Harvard Press
- OCR and DOJ Send A Message to Higher Ed: Make Your Websites Accessible- Seyfarth Shaw
- Harvard University Shares Details Of Global Accessibility Awareness Day Festivities- Steven Aquino
Legal Blogs and Information
- Skilled nursing facilities with ADA violations are breaking the law- Top Class Actions
- SCOTUS UPDATE: Opening Brief Filed in Acheson Hotels v. Laufer- Seyfarth Shaw
- The Impact of ADA on Website Accessibility: A Legal and Ethical Imperative- The Hiltonian
- OCR and DOJ Send A Message to Higher Ed: Make Your Websites Accessible- Seyfarth Shaw
- AODA: Meeting design of public spaces accessibility standards during reconstruction – Part 1- Miller Thomson
- AODA: Meeting design of public spaces accessibility standards during reconstruction – Part 2 – Miller Thomson
- Legal Experts Bat for Accessibility Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Society at a Conference at HP National Law Varsity- HimbuMail
Accessibility Announcements and Products
- Safran to launch accessible IFE
- Museum of disABILITY History
- Oliver seeking help with accessibility plan
- Garden ‘needs £35,000’ for accessibility changes
- Canada Calls for Youth-Driven Accessibility Projects
- Regina looking for public opinion on accessibility plan
- NSM names new leader for Home Accessibility, Canada
- Westpac launches accessible cards for visually impaired
- 15 DIY Updates That Make Any Home More Accessible
- Scotiabank Proudly Releases Inaugural Accessibility Plan
- Accessible Citroën Ami Concept Proves It’s A Friend For All
- Provincial Government Provides Update on Accessibility Plans
- $200,000 Grants Pave the Way for Accessibility at Oregon Coast
- Botanical Garden accessible path unveiled: Push, roll, walk, strut!
- Durham looking for members for accessibility advisory committee
- New Louisiana State Police website tools offers better accessibility
- 8 accessible Cape Town restaurants that accommodate mobility aids
- Salford Central station reopens after platform accessibility upgrades
- GNWT extends nomination period for Accessibility and Inclusion award
- The 10 Best Accessibility Features for Amazon Kindle, Fire TV, and Alexa
- Wingfoot Lake State Park improves accessibility for kayakers with disabilities
- Apple previews new accessibility features, including a way to clone your voice
- BART Seeks Out New Task Force Members To Make Transit More Accessible
- UNWTO And San Marino To Host European Conference On Accessible Tourism
- Apple’s Vision Pro Is A Technical Tour De Force, But Accessibility Fascinates Most
- Reddit will exempt accessibility-focused apps from its unpopular API pricing changes
- 11 of Amazon’s most helpful accessibility features, from Dialogue Boost to Show and Tell
- Brooklyn’s Livonia Avenue Station ADA Modernization Wins Construction Project of the Year
- Apple Highlights Vision Pro’s Accessibility Features with Head, Wrist, and Index Finger Controls
- $10,000 grant will help residents with disabilities gain easier access to Stanly Community College Library
- Somerville residents and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Division imagine a more accessible city
Accessibility Forums, Tips, and Gaming
- Defining PDF Accessibility
- Create accessible spatial experiences (Video)
- How video games are focusing on accessibility
- Pokemon GO fans angry at lack of accessibility options
- 4 ways your business can solve ethical issues with UX design
- How to create audio descriptions for accessible YouTube videos
- Why are progressive web apps becoming the future of web development?
- How to Enable Grayscale on Your iPhone to Curb Smartphone Addiction
- Pokemon Go players demand more accessibility options for 7th anniversary
- Microsoft announces new accessibility features for Xbox: Here’s what’s new
- Tears of the Kingdom Player Builds Giant Laser to Make Combat More Accessible
- How To Use PS5’s Screen Reader Accessibility Feature (And Why You Might Want To)
- Accessibility leaders are using Star Wars Jedi: Survivor to highlight the importance of easy modes
- “It has no accessibility settings”: Pokemon GO player criticises Niantic before game’s 7th anniversary
Accessibility Statements
- BNED
- Sweet Briar
- Thoughtworks
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Feels Like Home
- Accessible Pharmacy Services
- European Personnel Selection Office
- Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
- University of California Office of the President
- College of Natural Science Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment
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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