FTC Sues Accessibility Overlay Company For False Claims That They Can Make Websites WCAG Compliant

Accessibility in the News — 1/10/2025.

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AITN Quote of the Week

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” ― Albert Einstein

 

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Feature Stories

 

FTC Order Requires Online Marketer to Pay $1 Million for Deceptive Claims that its AI Product Could Make Websites Compliant with Accessibility Guideline

January 3, 2025   |  Source:  Federal Trade Commission and Tech Crunch and Consumer Affairs and PYMNTS and CTech and Troutman Pepper Locke and Lainey Feingold and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein and Selz

The Federal Trade Commission will require software provider accessiBe to pay $1 million to settle allegations that it misrepresented the ability of its AI-powered web accessibility tool to make any website compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for people with disabilities. “Companies looking for help making their websites WCAG compliant must be able to trust that products do what they are advertised to do,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection…

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National News (U.S.)

 

“Many places in this town are not handicap accessible, you just have to look around,” people in Pueblo express concerns about ADA accessibility

December 24, 2024   |  Source:  KKTV

People in Pueblo have been reaching out to 11 News saying their city buildings are not easily accessible to those with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to guarantee everyone has access to public spaces. But viewers tell us some of the rules to be ADA compatible don’t go far enough. In 2005 the Department of Justice (DOJ) gave the city of Pueblo a list of 215 buildings and locations which were not compliant with the ADA…

A young man in a wheelchair is seeking to improve accessibility for others through the courts

December 26, 2024   |  Source:  Monterey County Weekly 

It was not the life the avid runner, bicyclist and mountain climber planned, but Jackson Sherry is making the best of his situation, having suffered major injuries in a vehicle crash in Big Sur on New Year’s Day in 2016 that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Now using a wheelchair to get where he needs to go, Sherry has discovered everyday obstacles that make life difficult, like curbs, cracked sidewalks and poorly designed parking spaces…

New bill would mandate gyms to carry equipment for Americans with disabilities

December 26, 2024   |  Source:  Fox News and Athletech News

Congressional Democrats are pushing for federal policies mandating that gyms and fitness centers in the U.S. be accessible for Americans with disabilities. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., introduced a bill “to promote the provision of exercise machines and equipment, and exercise and fitness classes and instruction, that are accessible to individuals with disabilities” earlier this week, the Congressional Record shows. It appears to be a companion bill to the “Exercise and Fitness For All Act” introduced in the upper chamber by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., earlier this year…

 A 1975 law helped kids with disabilities access education. Schools now need more help

December 26, 2024   |  Source:  Iowa Public Radio News

For a long time, children with disabilities had pretty dismal prospects when it came to schooling. Many were simply forced to stay home. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of a landmark federal law that helped change that by guaranteeing all children with disabilities the right to a free public education. But today, the costs of special education have led to a crisis for many schools. NPR’s Cory Turner has been digging into the archives and has this look back at how we got here…

 3 trends that worry disability advocates as they look ahead to 2025

December 27, 2024   |  Source:  STAT

Brace yourself, people with disabilities. 2025 could be a wild one. Donald Trump’s second term in office is shaping up to be even more consequential than the former president’s first term. Longtime vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., — who popularized the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism — is poised to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Republicans want to slash Medicaid, the main vehicle for people with disabilities to receive long-term care…

Schools are learning how to harness AI to assist students with disabilities

December 28, 2024   |  Source:  Associated Press

For Makenzie Gilkison, spelling is such a struggle that a word like rhinoceros might come out as “rineanswsaurs” or sarcastic as “srkastik.” The 14-year-old from suburban Indianapolis can sound out words, but her dyslexia makes the process so draining that she often struggles with comprehension. “I just assumed I was stupid,” she recalled of her early grade school years. But assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence has helped her keep up with classmates…

Accessibility Is Worth Investing In: Why Hollywood Must Prioritize Disability Inclusion

December 30, 2024   |  Source:  Variety

When “CODA” — a film that starred multiple actors who are deaf or hard of hearing — won numerous awards, including best picture, in 2022, disabled creatives and advocates had reason to hope: Maybe Hollywood had learned that disability inclusion was, aside from being the “right thing to do,” also business savvy. People with disabilities represent 28.7% of the viewing and purchasing audience in the U.S. (more than 70 million people), or about 16% of the world’s population (1 billion people)…

The Quest to Create the Most Accessible Museum in the World

January 3, 2025   |  Source:  AFAR Media 

The first time I ever touched a historical artifact was in the Egyptian wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Running my fingers over the ancient hieroglyphics carved into the sarcophagus felt transgressive and delicious. A security guard had given only me permission, and my sighted partner observed that other visitors watched with a mixture of fascination and envy. While many museums now offer “touch tours” for blind visitors, which may include opportunities to interact with art and artifacts using 3D models or tactile images…

Disabled New Yorkers weigh in on congestion pricing launch

January 5, 2025   |  Source:  Spectrum

New Yorkers with disabilities have a unique stake in some key components of the city’s congestion pricing policy. Currently, the MTA says less than 30% of subway stations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. One of the agency’s main promises is the revenue from congestion pricing will go towards capital improvement projects, including accessibility upgrades in the transit system. Advocates for people with disabilities were among those who sued the state after Gov. Hochul put the policy on pause last summer…

25 years later, federal autism funding law is Brick family’s legacy

January 6, 2025   |  Source:  Asbury Park Press

In the mid-1990s, Brick Township residents Bobbie and Billy Gallagher were desperate to find help for their two young children with autism. “I had started attending a parents’ support group, and it seemed like there were a lot of parents sitting around the table whose children had been newly diagnosed,” Bobbie Gallagher recalled. “So I sent out a survey to parents in the town asking if anybody had a child with autism, because it seemed like there were so many of them.”…

This Wheelchair Hiking Group Models a Future For Trail Accessibility

January 6, 2025   |  Source:  Backpacker

Every Monday, Franklin Ouchida, 61, waits in his wheelchair at a trailhead in Portland for friends to arrive for their regularly scheduled group hike. Always on his lap is his dog Cutie, a 4-year-old miniature pinscher with big, kind eyes. “She’s a great icebreaker,” Ouchida says. “People will start to talk to me about her and then I can talk to them about Oregon Wheelchair Hiking.” Through a Facebook group with 400 engaged members, Ouchida has led group hikes around the Portland metro area for the last three years, at first sporadically and now consistently…

 Zoe Saldaña Highlights 1 Lesser-Known Dyslexia Symptom In Emotional Golden Globes Speech

January 7, 2025   |  Source:  HuffPost

Zoe Saldaña delivered an impassioned acceptance speech after winning her first-ever Golden Globe award at the ceremony on Sunday night. During her moment onstage, she talked about living with dyslexia and how the condition played a role into why she was nervous about speaking in front of the crowd. Her speech was a reminder that there are several symptoms of dyslexia that are less commonly talked about. The actor won the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for her role as Rita in musical crime thriller “Emilia Pérez.”…

Confronting the challenges of accessible travel

January 8, 2025   |  Source:  Cleveland

A former colleague reached out to me recently to ask about the Lonz Mansion, the historic home on Ohio’s Middle Bass Island, recently restored by the state as a small museum and overnight inn. Are the overnight rooms accessible? he asked. He had a friend, recently paralyzed in an accident, whom he occasionally travels with and wanted to know if there was an elevator to the second floor. I was embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t noticed.

I’ve been writing about travel, on and off, for more than two decades…

Disney World Faces Backlash Over Accessibility Issues Amid ECV Shortages And Disability Access Service Policy Changes

January 8, 2025   |  Source:  Black Enterprise

Disney World faces growing criticism over its accessibility services as Magic Kingdom struggles with a shortage of Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs), leaving disabled guests without vital mobility aids. Combined with stricter Disability Access Service (DAS) policies introduced in 2024, the changes have left many long-time visitors feeling excluded, sparking frustration and concern among the disabled community. For years, Disney’s DAS program has been a lifeline for disabled guests, allowing them to use virtual queues to avoid long lines…

Do Car-Free Zones Hurt Disabled People? We Asked Experts.

January 9, 2025   |  Source:  Mother Jones

Dani Izzie, a wheelchair user with quadriplegia, tried to take public transit, as she usually does, when visiting Miami in 2022. Heading to catch a bus, Izzie came to the end of a street without curb cuts—meaning she couldn’t safely cross it to the bus stop. She tried to get an accessible taxi; none were available. The door-to-door paratransit service wasn’t an option, since it needs advance scheduling. It ultimately took a call to police, who helped her down the curb…

S. Lebanon woman works to increase awareness of ADA accessibility issues

January 9, 2025   |  Source:  LebTown

Beth McKelvie is actively seeking to increase awareness of and eliminate accessibility barriers in commercial establishments for people with disabilities. “My hope and my prayer is that people will value people that are disabled and want them to come to their business,” she said. In a wheelchair since an auto accident in 2019 left her with a spinal cord injury, she’s experienced those barriers firsthand. Before the accident, she was aware of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), but “not to the degree I am now.”…

HBCU Graduate Ensuring an Accessible Experience Ahead of the Super Bowl

January 9, 2025   |  Source:  HBCU Buzz

A diving accident in 2016 left Mark Raymond Jr., an Xavier University alumnus, with limited mobility, requiring him to navigate his beloved New Orleans in a wheelchair. Struggling against inadequate accessibility standards, Raymond felt a wave of hopelessness. However, after confronting his emotions and reevaluating his purpose, he focused on advocacy. In 2018, two years post-accident, Raymond founded the Split Second Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the holistic wellness of individuals with disabilities…

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 Jack Fact — More than 30 million American adults have some degree of hearing loss. But only 1 in 6 Americans with hearing impairments between the ages of 20 and 69 actually use hearing aids due to high cost, lack of accessibility, poor customer satisfaction and stigma, according to the National Council on Aging.

 Hit The Road Jack — Ann Arbor becomes ‘Destination Verified’ as a result of support for accessible travel and Explore the accessible outdoors: Wheelchair-friendly trails in New Jersey’s scenic parks and Global aviation industry to create accessibility standards

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International News

 

A paraplegic man in Brazil is lifted into the clouds on one of Rio de Janeiro’s hardest trails

December 20, 2024   |  Source:  AP- Brazil

 

It’s perhaps Rio de Janeiro’s hardest trail, featuring one particularly daunting section requiring a perilous scramble that can cause hikers to freeze up with fright. But this week, Ezequiel da Luz, a 40-year-old paraplegic, traversed jungle and surmounted rocks to reach Pedra da Gavea’s peak that towers over the Atlantic Ocean. Da Luz had been waiting since 2021, and traveled more than 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles) by bus from southern Brazil when his chance arrived to ascend with the assistance of an organization called the Inclusion Collective…

 

The Sydney to Hobart crew challenging perceptions of disability and bringing inclusion to the sport

December 21, 2024   |  Source:  ABC- Australia

 

Sailing is in Alyson Gearing’s blood — she has fond childhood memories of going out on the water with her dad, and after she had her own children, her brother invited her to compete with him in his two-person skiff. But one challenge the 63-year-old hasn’t faced until now is the world-famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Gearing, who has lived with hearing loss for 20 years, knows she’ll face several obstacles during the race, including difficulties communicating with her crewmates…

 

At Least One in Four Ukrainians Needs Accessibility – Olena Zelenska

December 24, 2024   |  Source:  President of Ukraine and Ukrinform

 

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the final meeting of the Accessibility Council, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Oleksii Kuleba. “The uniqueness of Ukraine’s defense lies in the fact that we strive to develop even now, without postponing it for ‘after the war.’ This spring, a UNICEF survey showed that 83% of Ukrainians identified accessibility as a new value for the first time…

 

Manual scavenging-free India, accessibility reforms among social justice ministry’s agenda for 2025

December 24, 2024   |  Source:  CNBC- India

 

Building on the groundwork laid in 2024, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will be focusing on achieving nationwide manual scavenging-free status and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities next year. Even though the ministry has time and again said that manual scavenging no longer exists in the country, only 257 districts have uploaded their manual scavenging-free certificates on the central government portal. The ministry has urged the remaining districts to update their status promptly…

 

Transport access key ‘bridging system’ for Queenslanders with disability, but research shows more needs to be done

December 25, 2024   |  Source:  ABC News- Australia

 

With only five per cent of her vision left, Fiona Charrington relies on catching trains. “It’s really the only mode of transport, apart from walking, that I have,” she said. The office worker uses the rail network across south-east Queensland weekly. With only five per cent of her vision left, Fiona Charrington relies on catching trains. “It’s really the only mode of transport, apart from walking, that I have,” she said. The office worker uses the rail network across south-east Queensland weekly…

 

Personal trainers with a disability on a mission to help others work up a sweat

December 25, 2024   |  Source:  ABC News- Australia

 

Many people would see cerebral palsy as a barrier to a physically demanding career. But Connor Johnstone has refused to allow his disability to hold him back. He’s a fully qualified personal trainer with a degree in sports science and a masters in strength and conditioning. Now he’s determined to help other people with a disability who struggle exercising in the gym. But he hasn’t always been so self-confident. “I may not have been able to perform the movements in the gym that everyone else could, so that used to always be at the back of my mind, or I felt like I wasn’t smart enough,” he said.

 

‘No road or sidewalk in the city is 100% accessible for PwDs’

December 26, 2024   |  Source:  The Hindu- India

 

Clearly, Chennai’s infrastructure does not serve all its citizens. Many in the differently abled community and NGOs allege that the Greater Chennai CorpK. Prabhu, a resident of M.K.B. Nagar in the Tondiarpet Zone (IV), says that it has been 16 years since he last entered any cinema in Chennai. He said, “When my home got flooded during the monsoon earlier this year, my neighbours carried me in my wheelchair to their residence 150 metres away…

 

 Mastering accessibility – the Viennese inspiration

December 26, 2024   |  Source:  Eurocities- Austria

 

As over 100 million people in the European Union live with a disability, cities play a critical role in ensuring accessible and inclusive environments. But accessibility goes beyond removing physical barriers—it’s about creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in society. This includes adapting urban spaces, digital services, transport systems and public events to accommodate diverse needs, whether they relate to physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities…

 

‘Now’s the time’: As Canada ramps up housing, advocates urge more accessible builds

December 27, 2024   |  Source:  Delta Optimist- Canada and Mortgage Professional America

 

Five-year-old Beau starts each day being carried by one of his parents to the family’s living room, where his wheelchair awaits in their Beamsville, Ont., home. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 17 months old, Beau is unable to walk independently due to the disease, which damages nerves and leads to severe muscle weakness. Beau’s day-to-day living comes with barriers most would never think about when raising a child, said his mother, Rachel O’Hagan…

 

Bridging digital accessibility is fundamental for persons with disabilities

December 27, 2024   |  Source:  Dhaka Tribune- Bangladesh

 

Ujjala Banik, a person with visual disability, faced exploitation while using an ATM due to the lack of accessible banking features. Relying on someone for assistance, she later discovered he withdrew Tk10,000 from her account without her knowledge. Despite technological advancements making life easier, accessibility remains a challenge for persons with disabilities due to the high cost of assistive tools, language barriers and uncoordinated efforts among stakeholders…

 

‘Strides in Saskatchewan’: How accessibility in the province has improved in 2024

December 27, 2024   |  Source:  Global News- Canada and West Island Blog

 

Accessibility is an issue that affects everyone – whether it be today or years down the road. The government of Saskatchewan has created an accessibility committee to help improve access within the province. “You never know when you’re going to need it.,” said Bobby Jansen, accessibility committee member. One in three people in Saskatchewan identifies as having a disability. “If you do the math that’s somewhere around 300,000 people,” said David Fourney, accessibility committee member…

 

My disability admin at 27 feels like full-time job

December 27, 2024   |  Source:  BBC- Wales

 

Sofia Brizo spends four hours a day on what she calls “disability admin”. The 27-year-old PhD student, who has cerebral palsy, said she needed to spend that time on making accommodations and planning alternatives, because “the world is not accessible”. Disability Wales said disabled people endured an “immense and often daunting” amount of administration. A Welsh government spokesperson said it was committed to supporting the rights of all disabled people and creating an inclusive society…

 

How three rulings enabled disability rights in 2024

December 28, 2024   |  Source:  Deccan Herald- India

 

2024 will be remembered as a pivotal year for disability rights in India. The year was replete with significant developments – such as the opening of Miti Café in Rashtrapati Bhavan – that helped further the theme in popular discourse. Even the infamous Puja Khedkar controversy, which sparked heated debates about ableism and inclusivity in public life, underscored the centrality of disability rights in the national conversation. Among these developments, three important judgements stand out, each marking a significant stride towards the realisation of a more inclusive society…

 

Reflection 2024: Accessibility shortfalls remain in Ajax and Pickering

January 2, 2025   |  Source:  Durham Region News- Canada

Ontario set a goal to be fully accessible by Jan. 1, 2025. It’s nowhere near, experts say

January 1, 2025   |  Source:  The Star- Canada and CBC and CBC

 

A story that really stood out to me in 2024 was our update on how local businesses and municipalities are doing in when it comes to the long-planned expectation of an accessible Ontario. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires Ontario to be fully accessible by 2025. The interviews and research done for this story made it clear to me there was a lot of work still to be done, especially on the business side — but there was one individual’s story that really struck me…

 

World Braille Day: Celebrating inclusivity, accessibility

January 4, 2025   |  Source:  The Tribune- India

 

World Braille Day, observed annually on January 4, marks the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system. This day celebrates the significance of Braille as a critical tool for literacy, independence and inclusivity for visually impaired individuals worldwide. Recognised by the United Nations in 2019, the day underscores the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities for all. Louis Braille was born in 1809 in Coupvray, France…

 

From fortress to welcome mat: Accessibility at the Tower of David

January 4, 2025   |  Source:  The Jerusalem Post- Israel

 

Built as a fortress to protect Jerusalem from intruders, the Tower of David Citadel was once a barrier to outsiders. Today, it represents inclusion, transformed into one of the most accessible historic landmarks in Jerusalem. The journey hasn’t been easy. “The steps in the Old City were built for camels,” notes Gura Berger, spokesperson for PAMI, the East Jerusalem Development Company. Since 2009, PAMI has spearheaded efforts to make the one-square-mile Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible…

 

Deaf farmer champions greater accessibility in agriculture

January 4, 2025   |  Source:  Food For Mzansi- South Africa

 

People with disabilities play a crucial role in advocating for and designing adaptive tools and technologies that make farming more inclusive. Examples include wheelchair-accessible farm equipment, voice-activated devices, and specialized tractors, which help individuals with mobility impairments carry out tasks that may otherwise be challenging. Matebogo Victoria from Randfontein, Gauteng, is an inspiring individual who hasn’t let her disability hold her back…

 

Accessibility: A big part of customer strategy

January 5, 2025   |  Source:  Philippine Institute for Development Studies- Philippines

 

AS of this year, approximately 1.8 million Filipinos registered themselves as persons with disabilities (PWDs). Adding to this, a sizable portion of the population, including seniors and individuals with low literacy, qualifies as vulnerable customers. In a 2021 report published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Filipinos 65 and up had the lowest digital literacy level, with only 18 percent of seniors having at least one ICT skill. Whether they are impacted by physical disability, financial hardship, poor health, or a recent negative life event…

 

Visually impaired citizens encounter accessibility issues in Türkiye

January 7, 2025   |  Source:  Daily Sabah- Türkiye

 

In applications made by visually impaired citizens to the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (HREIT), the most common violation decision was related to the absence of “tactile guide paths,” which provide assistance in transportation and navigation. According to the information on HREIT’s website, 13 applications were made between 2022 and 2024, claiming discrimination and violation decisions were issued. The most frequent issue in the decisions was the lack of tactile guide paths, which are crucial for visually impaired individuals to navigate public spaces independently and safely…

 

Disabled York voters urged to join polling station access review

January 8, 2025   |  Source:  BBC- UK

 

Disabled voters are being urged to join a city-wide review of York’s polling stations to see if it can be made easier for them to cast their ballots. The call is part of City of York Council’s overall review of polling district boundaries and how accessible its 98 polling stations are. Council leader Claire Douglassaid: “With boundary changes made this summer and alongside our constant review of polling stations, your opinions on our proposals are important and valued – especially those of disabled residents.”…

 

Irish Cabbies Frustrated As Wheelchair Accessibility Grant Applications Close Within Minutes

January 9, 2025   |  Source:  PHTM- Ireland

 

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is facing criticism after the first round of its Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme for taxi drivers closed within just 15 minutes of opening. The scheme, which offers up to €15,000 towards the purchase of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, saw an overwhelming response, with around 2,000 applications received before the system was closed. This prompted Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín to call for an immediate review of the NTA’s technical systems…

 Accessibility Blogs, Information, and Videos

• RightHear’s Newsletter- 2024 Recap
• Paying for Accessibility- Carter Temm
• Accessibility is foundation of all rights- O Heraldo
• How to Become an Accessibility Engineer- Techloy
• NEAT – Webinars and Resources For You – January 2025
• It’s time to make accessibility a priority in real estate- Jake Cohen
• I Went on a Fully Accessible African Safari- National MS Society
• Tiffany Yu is making disability advocacy accessible for all- JoySauce
• Standard Accessibility Reporting- Quarterly Newsletter, January 7, 2025
• How to build newsrooms where disabled journalists can thrive- Priti Salian
• An advanced approach to the super-aging society- The Fukuoka 100 Project (PDF)
• Podcast: What does digital accessibility mean for charities?- Charity Digital
• Have an Accessible New Year with these 12 Resolutions- Sheri Byrne-Haber
• Braille day campaigns advocating for accessibility and inclusion- Social Samosa
• A week in the life of: An eLearning Accessibility Consultant- Training Journal
• Disneyland Paris Unveils New Accessibility Innovations- The Pinnacle Gazette
• Why accessibility should be at the forefront for Facilities Managers in 2025- FMJ
• Fighting Exclusion – Singapore’s 1st Feature Film By a Disabled Team- Reena Dean (YouTube)
• An Investigation of Online Job Application Accessibility and Usability – openICPSR
• Disability and Accessibility in FinTech: Financial Inclusion for Everyone- TechBullion
• Shared Services Canada 2023-24 Accessibility Progress Report- Government of Canada
• My Top 10 Take Aways from 2024 that Impacted Canadians with Disabilities- Max Brault
• Stark realities of appliance shopping while blind- Chris M. Law, Standard Accessibility Reporting
• Empowering Growth and Accessibility: Ana Pinzón’s Mission to Inspire Change at Bosch- SHRM
• Digital accessibility: Building an Internet for all should become a business imperative- Digital Journal
• Breaking Barriers With Accessible Technology: Empowering Lives, Promoting Inclusion- The CSR Universe
• Designing for All: Exploring Empathy, Inclusivity, Accessibility and Spatial Equity in Architecture- ArchDaily
• Nick Hamze’s Call to Make WordPress Themes Weird and Exciting Sparks Accessibility Discussion- WPTavern
• Outdoor access, inclusive language, transportation, housing, special education, are 2025 priorities- Concord Monitor
• From Braille to AI: Shaping a more accessible future- United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC)
• Year-End Review 2024: D/o Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities (Divyangjan)- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• NEW EPISODE of Accessing Life: More Accessible Shopping For Everyone- New York Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
• Accessible Tourism in Japan: Expectations vs. Reality Insights from 221 Overseas Visitors with Disabilities from 35 Countries- JTB Tourism Research and Consulting

 Federally Speaking

• 2024 in Review: A Note from the Chairwoman- FCC
• GSA: Federal Agencies Lag on Online Accessibility – MeriTalk
• Nagish Conditional Certification Order to Provide IP Relay- FCC
• InnoCaption Conditional Certification Order to Provide IP Relay- FCC
• Advancing Disability Inclusion in Very Small Businesses- ePolicyWorks
• Agencies still struggle with online accessibility, GSA says- Nextgov/FCW
• President Biden Appoints Betty Siegel as New Member to U.S. Access Board
• A win for the disabled community as Amtrak becomes more accessible- WAND
• US DOT issues final rule on accessibility standards for transit riders- Smart Cities Dive
• Compliance with Digital Content Accessibility Requirements ‘Slightly Improved,’ Says GSA- FEDweek
• FCC Announces Effective, Compliance, and Comment Dates for Video Conferencing Accessibility- FCC
• Rep. Zorn advocates support for children of military families, hearing aid accessibility- The Daily Telegram
• All Wheels Up applauds the US DOT’s ruling for safer, more accessible travel- Aircraft Interiors International
• DOL’s Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Mackenzie Williams- Ability Magazine
• State and Local Governments: First Steps Toward Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule- DOJ
• Duckworth-Capito-Molinaro-Payne Bipartisan Bill to Promote Accessibility at Amtrak Stations Passes House, Set to Become Law- Celia Olivas – Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth

 Higher Education Blogs and Information

• Explore Boise State’s new accessibility resource hub- Boise State University
• The 25th Hour: one of Canada’s most accessible campuses? – Capital Current
• Boise State initiative bridges learning gaps for dyslexic students- Idaho News
• Collaboration is the Key to Building an Accessible Canada- Carleton University
• Two visually impaired students graduated as lawyers- Universidad Nacional de Rosario
• WebAIM Celebrates 25 Years of Improving Access to Information – Utah State University
• Struggles of visually-impaired students in accessing exam websites- The Nation Newspaper
• University of Kentucky teams up with CVG to focus on air travel accessibility- NKyTribune
• Osmania University evaluated for inclusivity of PwDs by UGC team- The New Indian Express
• Architecture students in Sudbury design accessible buildings that could become a reality- CBC
• Chancellor King Announces SUNY Accessibility Advocates and Allies Faculty Fellowship Program
• Glasgow University ‘failing’ disabled students over accessibility on campus, campaigners claim- STV News
• During busy holiday travel season, UK, CVG focus on air travel accessibility- UKNow – University of Kentucky
• Building an accessible graduate experience: Addressing neurodiversity and mental health- Colorado State University
• Accessible interactive learning of mathematical expressions for school students with visual disabilities- ResearchGate
• Columbia calls itself a ‘modern and accessible campus.’ Not all of its wheelchair users agree- Columbia Daily Spectator
• University of Iowa works with nonprofit to map public spaces designed for people of all abilities- Iowa Capital Dispatch
• Unveiling the Costs of Disability: Evaluating Policies and Accessibility for Health Equity- Toronto Metropolitan University
• Accessibility, Joy, the Power of Teaching Hard Histories: Insights From the Final ‘1619’ Impact Series Webinars- Pulitzer Center

 Legal Blogs and Information

• Legal Update: December 2024- Ken Nakata
• Accessibility Under a New U.S. President- Equal Entry
• Safelite Sued over Alleged Accessibility Violations – glassBYTE
• Amendments to 43-year-old Accessibility Law sought – BusinessWorld Online
• Untangling the Web: SDNY Looks at ADA Internet Accommodations- Bradley
• 2024 U.S. Digital Accessibility Legal Update with Lainey Feingold- 3Play Media
• Preparing for the European Accessibility Act: A Guide for Irish Businesses- Business Plus
• Supreme Court to hear retired firefighter’s bid to sue ex-employer over benefits- Amy Howe
• 9 Key Accessibility Laws for Mobile Apps: What You Need to Know- Aleksandra Zadorozna
• Veteran says he was denied access to ride Ferris wheel with service dog at Christmas event- WSFA
• The 2025 LFLegal Digital Accessibility Joy Plan- With thanks to Professor Desmond Patton and his “Journey to Joy” class- LF Legal
• A guide to navigating the European Accessibility Act for online retailers, service providers and platforms- Deirdre Kilroy at Bird and Bird
• Websites Are Not Places of Public Accommodation Subject to Title III of the ADA, Federal Court in New York Rules- Ogletree Deakins
• United States Reaches Agreement With Clark County To Ensure Polling Place Accessibility For Voters With Disabilities- U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada
• U.S. Attorney’s Office Sues And Settles With Katz’s Deli To Ensure Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance- U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
• Justice Department Finds State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City Police Department Discriminate Against People with Behavioral Health Disabilities- Department of Justice

 Accessibility Announcements

• Benjamin Burr “Ben” Caldwell Obituary
• Air Serbia Partners with Union of the Blind of Serbia
• VIA Rail Canada’s Accessibility Efforts- Railway-News
• Samsung Introduces Live Translation for TVs at CES 2025
• Canadian Accessible Ready Housing Standard out for public review
• TD and March of Dimes Canada partner to improve online accessibility
• PTA signs MoU with DeafTawk to advance accessibility for the special need
• Feds’ $198k boost to help improve accessibility in Midland’s Little Lake Park
• Penny Forward Updates App to Boost Financial Education for Blind Americans
• Costain recognised as a Disability Confident Leader for commitment to disability inclusion
• City of Chicago Completes Accessibility Improvements at Over 100 CTA Bus Stops in 2024
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) 2024 Accessibility Progress Report
• Accessible Canada Regulations, Parks Canada Accessibility Action Plan Progress Report, December 31, 2024
• Progress Report for 2024 on the Implementation of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) Accessibility Plan
• Tru Mission K9s Partners with Handicap Help’s Wheel World Consulting to Address Travel Accessibility for Service Dogs

 Accessibility Products and Services

• Accessible Social
• 2024 Web Almanac Assesses Accessibility
• LG Electronics Expands Its LG Comfort Kit
• Pocket doors open way for accessible homes
• Accessible Hospitality: Marsham Court Hotel
• Everyone Should Try These 9 Android Accessibility Features
• .lumen glasses redefine accessibility for the visually impaired
• Everyone Should Try These 6 Windows Accessibility Features
• General Motors Enhances Vehicle Accessibility with GM Envolve
• Akasa Air enhances accessibility with Braille safety and menu cards
• AirPods Pro 2: Accessibility meets amplification — but is it enough?
• More than a Glitch- Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech
• Ohio Board of Pharmacy launches tool to help those living with disabilities
• Penny Forward Updates App to Boost Financial Education for Blind Americans
• The Raised Dots On The Bottom Of Starbucks Cups Play A Very Important Role
• A Life-Saving Idea: Enhancing Accessibility with Inclusive Life Safety Solutions
• Samsung enhances home appliance accessibility for visually impaired users in Korea
• TDK technologies empower accessibility innovation with WeWALK’s AI-powered smart cane
• Revealing Breakthrough Mobility Solutions in 2025: Empowering Independence and Accessibility
• Designing for Accessibility: A Collaboration that Pushes the Boundaries of Assistive Technologies
• Conscious Conversations: Understating our Blueprint for an Inclusive Future: Empowering Change and Championing Accessibility, Part Two
• Envoy America Expands Accessibility in Phoenix With New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Service, Ensuring Compassionate Mobility for Those in Need

 Accessibility Forums, Tips, and Gaming

• Inclusive Gaming at MSU Libraries
• How to enable Simple View on a Pixel phone
• How video games become more accessible (Encore)
• How to use iOS 18’s Eye Tracking accessibility feature
• Accessibility: Making Your Flutter App Welcoming in Nigeria
• Making the Web More Inclusive: Accessibility Testing with open source testing agents

  Accessibility Statements

• CO
• Cma Cgm
• Banner Bank
• This Dogs Life
• SASB Standards
• The Audience Agency
• AET Tanker Holdings
• Albuquerque Public Schools
• International Distribution Services
• Fire Department of the City of New York

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