NOTE: To get news like this every week in your inbox, before it hits our website, subscribe to our Accessibility in the News e-newsletter. There are no ads or graphics, and we never send spam. Just use the sign-up form on this page to subscribe and stay up to date! Feature Story Skip to National News (U.S.) | Skip to International News More Accessibility Resources on this Page Accessibility Blogs[…]
READ MORE about What Does Transportation Accessibility Look Like In 2024? What Are Cities Doing To Improve?What Do Technological Advances Like AI And Driverless Cars Mean For People With Disabilities?
Accessibility in the News — 3/15/2024. Advances in technology offer transformative benefits for people with disabilities, enabling greater independence, accessibility, and inclusion. We have already seen incredible innovations with accessibility tools like screen readers and speech recognition software, mobility aids including advanced prosthetics and smart wheelchairs. With communication devices like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, individuals with disabilities can access information, communicate effectively, and navigate their environments more easily.[…]
READ MORE about What Do Technological Advances Like AI And Driverless Cars Mean For People With Disabilities?Navigating Next Steps After Accessibility Litigation Settlements
Navigating Next Steps After Accessibility Litigation Settlements Take These Actions After Settling an Accessibility Lawsuit Determining what to do once an accessibility-related action has been finalized can be challenging. Actions taken by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Department of Justice, or through other sources of litigation are stressful for organizations that are frequently unprepared for the next steps. To meet the terms of the agreement efficiently and effectively, you[…]
READ MORE about Navigating Next Steps After Accessibility Litigation Settlements8 Key Elements for Creating a Culture of Accessibility
Jeff Kline is the author of Strategic IT Accessibility: Enabling the Organization and is a recognized subject matter expert in key areas of IT accessibility that includes policy, rulemaking, process integration, procurement, and risk mitigation. He formerly served as Program Director of Statewide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility at the Texas Department of Information Resources. Jeff consults on IT accessibility policy matters for federal and state agencies, educational institutions,[…]
READ MORE about 8 Key Elements for Creating a Culture of AccessibilityInclusive Design for WordPress Websites: Tips and Strategies for Accessibility
Since its release in 2003, WordPress has evolved as a platform primarily for bloggers to the most used content management system for business websites. The breadth of businesses utilizing WordPress for their online engagement spans brands from Barnes and Noble, to Nike and the NBA. As the platform continues to grow its user base year over year, the choices developers make from theme selection to plug-ins can have significant impact[…]
READ MORE about Inclusive Design for WordPress Websites: Tips and Strategies for AccessibilityCompanies Work To Show Commitment To Accessibility In 2024
Accessibility in the News — 2/23/2024. In a trend of companies taking accessibility more seriously, Starbucks has introduced a new store design emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity, debuting the concept in its Union Market location in Washington, D.C. The design, developed over a two-year period with input from Starbucks baristas, features power-operated doors, lower counters for wheelchair accessibility, and a point-of-sale system with adjustable stands, voice assist, screen magnification, and images[…]
READ MORE about Companies Work To Show Commitment To Accessibility In 2024Senator Duckworth Champions New DOT Rule for Enhanced Air Travel Accessibility and Consumer Protections for Passengers with Disabilities
Accessibility in the News — 3/8/2024. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth recently joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to highlight the U.S. Department of Transportation’s proposed rule aimed at improving the consumer experience for passengers with disabilities. The rule focuses on enhancing aviation accessibility, providing accommodations, and addressing the mishandling of wheelchairs by airlines. Duckworth, Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation, discussed her legislation and efforts[…]
READ MORE about Senator Duckworth Champions New DOT Rule for Enhanced Air Travel Accessibility and Consumer Protections for Passengers with DisabilitiesWhether By Taxi Or Subway Getting Around New York City Isn’t As Accessible As It Should Be
Accessibility in the News — 3/1/2024. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) in New York City is seeking to abandon a 10-year-old settlement that mandated 50% of yellow cabs be wheelchair accessible by 2020, which they narrowly missed. Disability advocates, including Jean Ryan of Disabled in Motion, emphasize the importance of accessible taxis, offering more flexibility compared to the rigid scheduling of the MTA’s Access-a-Ride service. Many in the disability[…]
READ MORE about Whether By Taxi Or Subway Getting Around New York City Isn’t As Accessible As It Should BeTen Accessibility Errors Automated Tools Miss on PDF Documents
To comply with accessibility law and be inclusive you must provide an equal experience for all users, regardless of disability. To accomplish this goal, you must develop all your digital content with accessibility in mind. The media platforms encompass websites, videos, e-learning, documents, and an ever-growing list of other mediums. The wide use of PDF documents on websites and in email means PDF document accessibility plays a vital role in[…]
READ MORE about Ten Accessibility Errors Automated Tools Miss on PDF DocumentsWith The General Election Coming Up Later This Year Colorado Passes Legislation To Make Ballots More Accessible
Accessibility in the News — 2/16/2024. The Colorado House of Representatives has approved bipartisan legislation, HB24-1067, aimed at enhancing representation in government by addressing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in the political process. Sponsored by Representative David Ortiz and co-sponsored by Representative Brandi Bradley, the bill passed with a unanimous vote of 64-0. Representative Ortiz, a longtime advocate for disability rights in Colorado, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that[…]
READ MORE about With The General Election Coming Up Later This Year Colorado Passes Legislation To Make Ballots More Accessible