Accessibility in the News — 10/27/2023.
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Accessibility in the News- Knowledge is Power
“For every one of us who succeeds it’s because there’s somebody there to show us the way.” ― Oprah Winfrey
Money, meals, and more for families in tough times
Feature Stories
Father and son make Halloween accessible to kids with disabilities one custom costume at a time
October 25, 2023 | Source: CNN
My daughter uses a wheelchair and is often left out of Halloween. Here are 7 ways to make the day more accessible for kids like mine
October 26, 2023 | Source: Insider
Creating a Dementia-Friendly Halloween
October 24, 2023 | Source: KGAN
From festive decorations to trick-or-treating, 18-year-old Reese Davis has always loved Halloween. But for him, dressing up was more than fun – it was a way to fit in. “Halloween was like the main time that I was just like everyone else,” the high school senior explains. “I just had a cool costume, and so it made me feel like I belonged more. I was more normal to other kids instead of always being the kid in the wheelchair.” When Reese asked his dad, Lon, to make his first wheelchair costume 15 years ago, neither had any idea the doors it would open for Reese and kids like him across the country…
National News (U.S.)
Recent Audits Show Pattern of Inadequate Polling Access for Voters With Disabilities
October 20, 2023 | Source: Democracy Docket
A series of recent audits and investigations across three states have revealed close to a thousand polling places that are non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or are otherwise inaccessible to voters with disabilities. An analysis of the 2022 midterm elections by the organizations Detroit Disability Power (DDP) and the Carter Center revealed an overwhelming number of inaccessible polling locations in Detroit, Michigan and 14 surrounding suburbs. Of the audited cities, a whopping 84% of voting locations were plagued with barriers or impediments to voting for those with disabilities…
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Architects and Builders of Hawaii Apartment Complexes to Resolve Allegations of Disability-Based Discrimination
October 20, 2023 | Source: U.S. Department of Justice and Civil Beat and Engineering News-Record
The Justice Department announced today that Hawaii-based developer, Albert C. Kobayashi Inc., and other defendants have agreed to pay $120,000 to settle claims that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The department’s lawsuit, filed in 2019 and amended in 2022, alleges that the defendants failed to design and build five multifamily housing complexes in Hawaii with required accessible features for persons with disabilities. Under the agreement, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, the defendants are required to make extensive retrofits at the properties..
New Trials Aim to Restore Hearing in Deaf Children—With Gene Therapy
October 20, 2023 | Source: WIRED
Two companies have launched clinical trials to see if they can restore hearing to children with a rare type of genetic deafness. Akouos and Decibel Therapeutics, both based in Boston, are testing experimental therapies in children with severe hearing loss due to variations in a gene called OTOF. A third firm, Sensorion, in France, is gearing up to begin a similar trial in Europe. The companies are all aiming to deliver functioning copies of this gene to the inner ear. The approach is known as gene therapy. It’s designed to be given once and have lasting effects…
Accessible NWA: Fayetteville woman fights for inclusivity
October 22, 2023 | Source: KNWA
Getting around Northwest Arkansas can be a headache sometimes. As more people move to the area, that means more traffic and increased construction. But what if you couldn’t drive yourself around? What if the bus doesn’t come to your neighborhood? What if you couldn’t walk on the sidewalk because you can’t see where you’re going? These are the challenges that face people who are disabled. “Maybe somebody will care,” said Kay Kitterman. “Maybe somebody will hear this and they can do something and it will make a difference.”…
Court Certifies Nationwide Disability Rights Class Action Against Quest Diagnostics for Use of Inaccessible Touch Screen Kiosks, and Rejects Quest’s Request to Declare That Its Inaccessible Kiosks Comply with the ADA
October 25, 2023 | Source: American Council of the Blind and Cision
The American Council of the Blind has defeated a summary judgment motion in federal court in California that sought to dismiss ACB’s claims that the self-service kiosks at Quest Diagnostics’ Patient Service Centers are inaccessible to blind patients in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The case will now be able to proceed to trial, and has been certified as a nationwide class action on behalf of all legally blind individuals who visited Quest in 2018 and 2019 and who were denied full and equal enjoyment of Quest’s services due to Quest’s failure to make its self-service kiosks independently accessible…
Structured Negotiation Helps Disability Rights Washington Improve Care for Transgender Incarcerated People
October 26, 2023 | Source: Lainey Feingold
On October 11, 2023, the AVID program at Disability Rights Washington (DRW) issued a press release with the headline “DRW Reaches Agreement With Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) To Improve Care For Transgender People With Disabilities.” The Parties used Structured Negotiation to achieve this important result for the rights of incarcerated transgender people, including those with disabilities. After the agreement was reached, the parties filed it in court on the same day a complaint was filed…
NY disability advocates want more accessible polling places
October 23, 2023 | Source: Public News Service
New York disability rights advocates are working to make polling places more accessible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds 25% of the state’s population has a disability. A Brennan Center for Justice report finds 95% of polling places in New York State weren’t disability accessible. Sharon McLennon-Wier, PhD – executive director with the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York – said one way to begin rectifying this is better poll worker training on operating ballot marking devices…
Rockettes seek holiday magic for all with sensory friendly, ASL, open caption performances
October 24, 2023 | Source: Asbury Park Press
The Rockettes want as many people as possible to enjoy their legendary holiday spectacular. So this year, for the first time, there will be a sensory friendly performance of “The 2023 Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.” That’s in addition to accessible showtimes including American Sign Language, open captioned and audio description performances. Open captioned performances provide text-based assistance to spoken word via a large, three-line, LED sign adjacent to the stage, organizers say, while audio described performances provides a live description of the onstage action via headsets to patrons who are blind or visually impaired…
Elevating and Celebrating Accessibility
October 24, 2023 | Source: WGBH
Donna Danielewski, now in her third year as GBH’s first-ever executive director of accessibility, says a sea change in attitudes about disabilities and accessibility is rippling throughout GBH. And she’s striving to make that transformation happen in public media organizations across the nation. The country is in what she calls a “post-ADA” (Americans with Disabilities Act) era, where employees with apparent and non-apparent disabilities not only know they have certain rights, but they want to work for an organization that will take actions to honor and preserve those rights…
‘It makes us feel like we don’t matter:’ Struggles of those with disabilities and how the city is working to improve accessibility
October 24, 2023 | Source: WGN
For those in a wheelchair, navigating the sidewalks of Chicago can be treacherous. Kevin Sullivan, a 32-year-old from Palatine, was born with a condition called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita which affects the range of motion in his arms and legs. Sullivan commuted to the city daily before the pandemic, and on a recent trip downtown he was shocked to still see the corner of Fulton and Jefferson. The curb at the intersection has no curb cut for wheelchairs to access the crosswalk, nor a tactile strip. Those alert visually impaired people when they are about to enter the street…
New Video Highlights Accessibility and Inclusion at NASA
October 25, 2023 | Source: NASA
NASA’s mission to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all is made possible through the contributions of its diverse workforce, including employees with disabilities. To promote accessibility and inclusion, NASA’s Mission Support Directorate (MSD) released a video in October 2023 for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. MSD fuels NASA’s Mission Support community, which provides the essential services for NASA’s missions and centers to accomplish their work…
PBS’ American Masters Launches Visibility and Accessibility Initiative
October 25, 2023 | Source: The Hollywood Reporter
PBS‘ acclaimed documentary series American Masters has launched a new inclusion effort aimed at supporting stories by, for and about disabled communities. The Visibility, Inclusion and Accessibility Initiative aims to expand American Masters‘ commitment to stories and creatives within the larger disability community, launching with a new series, Renegades, alongside a talent incubator and expanded accessibility features for programming distributed by the series…
My autoimmune disease made traveling a challenge, but accessible tech in the hospitality industry is making tourism more inclusive
October 25, 2023 | Source: Business Insider
On December 31, 2017, when I was a 25-year-old athlete and actor, I was admitted to my local hospital because I couldn’t feel anything below my chest. In the coming months, I was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica, an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, similar to multiple sclerosis. That year, I relearned how to do everything from walking to driving and reacclimated my mind to a world that didn’t know or care that my body would move and function differently forever. As a Black woman, my lived experience was already intersectional, but my NMO diagnosis added another layer…
Inaccessible private schools or underfunded public schools: Texas’ disabled students have few options with no change in sight
October 26, 2023 | Source: The Texas Tribune
As lawmakers consider creating a school voucher system, one set of Texas students — disabled kids — could face larger fallout. Where laws still require the worst public schools to provide special education, there’s no similar obligation for private schools. The proposed voucher bills in both the Senate and House to funnel taxpayer dollars to families to pay for private school tuition could put accessibility at risk for the more than 700,000 students enrolled in Texas’ public special education programs…
An empowering effort: Local artist making accessible art for blind Iowans
October 26, 2023 | Source: We Are Iowa
Local 5 first introduced you to artist Jill Wells’ art at King Elementary with her 3D tactile mural that gives children with sensory sensitivity the chance to experience art in a first of its kind way. Now, the Harkin Institute is honoring Wells for her work to make art accessible. Experiencing art through a 3D plaque at the Harkin Institute in Des Moines is giving a feeling of freedom for Bettina and Cody Dolinsek. “It allows me to independently check out the piec, to look at it, to get from it what I perceive,” Bettina said. “So it’s not coming from somebody else’s perspective. It’s my perspective.”…
U.S. Attorney’s Office Partnering with Indiana Disability Rights to Ensure Early Voting Sites are Accessible for All Voters
October 26, 2023 | Source: Legal Reader
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana (USAO) and Indiana Disability Rights (IDR) are partnering to survey the accessibility of early polling sites for 2023 General Election. The project, “Access the Vote,” uses survey results to inform County Clerks about individualized solutions to ensure their polling places are accessible to voters with disabilities. IDR has conducted accessibility surveys, based on the United States Department of Justice’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Checklist for Polling Places, during early voting in several primary and general elections…
Jack Fact — According to the Royal National Institute for the Blind, 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss and according to the Government UK Health Security Agency, 11 million people have partial or total inability to hear in one or both ears.
Hit The Road Jack — Accessible Travel in Alaska and This App Will Help You Find Accessible Fall Foliage Adventures in National Parks across the U.S.
International News
Are Australian airports leaving passengers with accessibility needs behind?
October 20 2023 | Source: Crikey- Australia
For those of us with a disability, Australian airports appear to not give a lot of consideration to our accessibility needs, and the final report and recommendations tabled last month by the Royal Commission Into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People With Disability suggest we are being left behind, as does my personal experience. I came head to head with some of these failings while travelling interstate recently on work, after my medical device triggered security screening processes at Melbourne Airport. The experience left me feeling dehumanised, and I was completely unprepared for such treatment…
New Brunswickers with disabilities face soaring costs to make homes accessible
October 20, 2023 | Source: CBC- Canada
It often takes a few tries for Jerry Roy to roll his wheelchair through the narrow door frame to get to the bathroom of his home, but on this day his wheels keep getting stuck. He eventually gives up. “I can’t get through,” he calls.
With the help of a home care worker, Roy gets a push and his wheels scrape against the wooden door frame. Inside the bathroom, he can’t turn his wheelchair around, roll into the shower or reach across the countertop. It’s inaccessible…
Making films accessible to the disabled can serve everyone
October 21, 2023 | Source: The Indian Express- India
Sarah Sunny made history recently by becoming the first deaf advocate to use Indian Sign Language (ISL) to argue a case in the Supreme Court, in the presence of the Chief Justice of India. Soon thereafter, Rahul Bajaj, a blind advocate, made the case for media accessibility in cinema halls, in the Delhi High Court while two ISL interpreters made the proceedings accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) persons. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, Bajaj is battling the entertainment ecosystem to make reasonable accommodations…
Advocate urges Ford government to hold TTC accountable for missed accessibility deadline
October 21, 2023 | Source: Global News- Canada
The TTC was given two decades to make all of its subway stations accessible, but two years ahead of the deadline, its CEO admitted recently it will be unable to reach the target. Now a prominent disability advocate is calling on the province to hold the transit commission accountable. When the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed in 2005, the TTC was given until 2025 to make all of its subway stations accessible. At a board meeting in late September, TTC CEO Rick Leary expressed disappointment about being unable to reach the target…
Accessible trick-or-treaters get an early start on Halloween in Hillhurst
October 21, 2023 | Source: CTV News- Canada
Photos: Accessible Treat Village makes trick-or-treating fun for kids of all abilities
October 22, 2023 | Source: LiveWire- Canada
Hundreds of Calgary kids went to Hillhurst Saturday afternoon to take part in an accessible Halloween initiative. It’s the second year the Treat Accessibly Halloween Village project has taken over the community. The afternoon is dedicated to helping children who identify with a mobility, sensory or intellectual disability. Halloween evenings can get a little tricky for those who may not be able to climb up front steps or ring doorbells. Nicole C. brought her daughter Avalee in from Harvest Hills. She says the event was a revelation…
Airline forgets federal chief accessibility officer’s wheelchair in Toronto
October 21, 2023 | Source: CityNews- Canada and Daily Hive and Global News and CBC and KRMG and CTV News and NY Post
Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s chief accessibility officer, has taken to social media to call out an airline for leaving her wheelchair behind after she boarded a flight in Toronto. Cadieux says Air Canada didn’t load the wheelchair onto a flight she had taken from Toronto. “Well, Air Canada left my chair in Toronto,” she posted on X, formerly Twitter. “I’m now without my essential equipment. Independence taken away. I’m furious. Unacceptable.” Air Canada worked to try to mend the situation quickly, responding to her post by apologizing and saying the chair is now on the way to her…
Govt and BHC Unveil New Accessible Housing
October 22, 2023 | Source: Bernews- Bermuda
The Government and BHC recently unveiled a newly renovated 3-bedroom 2-bathroom home which was converted to meet accessibility standards, with the Government noting they “promised to create inclusion in our society for the differently abled by designing and constructing accessible units.” Speaking at a press conference, Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch, said, “Good afternoon and thank you for being here today to witness the completion of yet another renovation project…
Improving Accessibility: Hangzhou Hosts the 4th Asian Paralympic Games
October 22, 2023 | Source: Breaking Latest News- China
The highly anticipated 4th Asian Paralympic Games kicks off tonight in Hangzhou, embracing the concept of “hosting a good game, improving a city.” The city has made significant efforts to ensure that both athletes and spectators enjoy the games without any worries. From the Asian Paralympic Village to the competition venues, Hangzhou has prioritized creating a barrier-free environment for disabled individuals. The Asian Paralympic Village has been designed to cater to the needs of athletes with disabilities. Sri Lankan rowing athlete, Donna, praised the village’s assistive device repair center after it fixed her wheelchair…
How Samsung TVs and RNIB Are Setting a New Benchmark for Accessible Technology
October 23, 2023 | Source: Samsung- UK
Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), has dedicated his career to creating an inclusive environment. In this role, he not only represents the two million blind or partially sighted people in the U.K., but also advocates for the development of inclusive technology around the world. There are many nuances around technological inclusivity, from widespread misconceptions about disabilities to the unique needs of every individual…
Advocates praise Dartmouth dental clinic that’s making routine services more accessible
October 23, 2023 | Source: CBC- Canada
Disability advocates in Nova Scotia are praising the efforts of a dental clinic in Dartmouth after it installed a lift that will make visits accessible for people with mobility issues. Transcen-Dental Group, which has several locations around the province, installed the lift mechanism in its Waverley office during renovations this summer. The automatic lift, which cost just under $10,000, is attached to the ceiling in one of the patient rooms to help those who have mobility issues or use a wheelchair get in and out of the dentist chair…
Wheelchair-Bound Woman In Bengaluru Struggles To Find Accessible Apartment
October 24, 2023 | Source: NDTV- India
The lack of wheelchair accessibility in numerous apartment buildings can significantly inconvenience people who depend on wheelchairs for their mobility. These obstacles often hinder the ability of wheelchair users to maintain independent living within standard apartment settings, necessitating reliance on others for assistance with daily activities. Recently, a Bengaluru-based woman with a disability has spoken up about the difficulty of finding a wheelchair-accessible apartment in the city…
Online virtual tour helps disabled people access Liverpool Street rail station with confidence
October 24, 2023 | Source: THIIS Magazine- UK
Greater Anglia and Network Rail have teamed up to launch Liverpool Street Station’s first-ever online virtual tour to help disabled people wanting to check accessible routes through the station. The tour has been designed to support journey planning, give passengers a clearer picture of the station before they travel, and reduce anxiety about how they’ll get around. Using the virtual tour, people can find out how to get to all public areas, including the main concourse, toilets, information point, customer lounge, ticket machines, platforms, taxi rank, and bus stops…
FSSAI recommends inclusion of QR code on food products for accessibility by visually impaired
October 25, 2023 | Source: The Hindu- India
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recommended the inclusion of QR code on food products for accessibility by visually impaired individuals stating that this will ensure access to safe food for all including individuals with special needs such as visually impaired individuals. In its recent advisory signed by Director, Science and Standards Division, Amit Sharma, the authority notes that ensuring inclusive access to information is a fundamental right of citizens…
Malaysian powerlifter: Accessibility facilities well-prepared at Paralympics
October 25, 2023 | Source: CGTN- Malaysia (Video)
The 4th Asian Para Games began on October 22 in the city of Hangzhou in east China’s Zhejiang Province and will last until October 28. Jong Yee Khie, a powerlifter from Malaysia, said his trip to China this time is a new experience for him and China has done a great job in the preparation of accessibility facilities for disabled individuals…
Opinion: To create a truly accessible society, we need to change attitudes
October 25, 2023 | Source: Edmonton Journal- Canada
The “Nothing about us, without us” Accessibility Canada Act (S.C. 2019, c. 10) states that federally regulated spaces in Canada will be barrier-free by 2040. The vision is to “proactively eliminate and prevent barriers and ensure greater opportunities for persons with disabilities.” 2040 may seem to be a long way in the future, but it takes time to bring about significant infrastructure changes. I am sure we want to have time to consult with the disability community to identify barriers, prioritize those barriers that currently have the greatest impact, and work proactively to spread the cost out across many years…
Accessible transport laws are complex, unclear and not enforced, MPs are told
October 26, 2023 | Source: Disability News Service- UK
The legislation around accessible transport is unclear and “ridiculously complex”, with the rules protecting disabled people from discrimination not enforced by regulators or the government, MPs have been told. Disabled campaigners and legal experts told the Commons transport committee yesterday (Wednesday) of the significant barriers disabled passengers face in trying to assert their right to use public transport. Their evidence was part of the committee’s ongoing inquiry into the legal obligations that are supposed to ensure accessible transport…
Accessibility Blogs, Information, and Videos
- Under the Lens
- A disability lens on conflict- Peter Torres Fremlin
- The Push and Pull for Accessibility- National Endowment for the Arts
- Six LinkedIn accessibility features that help disabled people- Kelly Chan
- E4 | Lexington Modern | Engineered for Accessibility- PBS KSMQ Video
- Busting Myths About People With Disabilities on the Job- Michael Taylor
- Is Your Website Screen-Reader Friendly? – Bureau of Internet Accessibility
- Travel firms told ‘don’t let fear prevent progress on accessibility’- Travel Weekly
- How SWISS TXT Sees AI Changing Accessibility Services and Technology- Slator
- Published Mobile Site and Native App Accessibility Testing articles- AccessibilityOz
- Is India Failing to Provide Basic Accessibility for Disabled Individuals?- Urban Debate (YouTube)
- Universal Design: The Key to Creating Accessible and Inclusive Environments – News18
- October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Making progress in serving passengers with disabilities- IATA’s Aviation Business Magazine
- SGA holds Town Hall meeting for campus safety, accessibility updates- The Daily Athenaeum
- Emerson welcomes Erin Robins as its first Accessible Design Specialist – The Berkeley Beacon
- The power of accessibility for business: why it should be a priority from the get-go- Maddyness- UK
- An adapted P.E. teacher making sports accessible | Teachers’ Lounge Podcast- Northern Public Radio
- SImple Things You Can Do To Make Your Content More Accessible With Diane Elkins- eLearn Magazine
- The CMO’s Guide to Website Accessibility: How to Create a Positive UX for All Your Users- ImageX Media
- Ways to Make Your Performances, Book Clubs and Maker Programs Accessible- ALA Public Programs Office
- Accessibility of public transport: UITP proposals to increase bus visibility within urban landscape- Sustainable Bus
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 marked a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility- Insights IAS
- Conducting A Moderated Usability Testing For Screen Reader Users And Keyboard Navigation Users- Evelyn Sakura Brokering
- Mobile Site and Native App Accessibility Testing, Step 5: Test mobile assistive technology and feature support – Day Seven- AccessibilityOz
Federally Speaking
- 31 Days of NDEAM- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- FCC November 15 Open Meeting to Consider Several Accessibility Items
- People with Disabilities and the Good Jobs Principles Factsheet- LEAD Center
- Upcoming Section 14(c) Stakeholder Engagement Session- U.S. Department of Labor
- Mental Health and the Federal Workforce: What Can I Do? A Guide for Federal Managers, Supervisors and Employees- ODEP
- On the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act, there’s still work to be done to increase disability employment- Federal News Network
- Welcome to ODEP’s National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) Initiative Core State Application Portal for 2023-2024
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Adds American Sign Language Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Callers- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Higher Education Blogs and Information
- Accessibility awareness – University of Notre Dame
- Know your campus: Accessibility Resources – Cardinal Points
- JCC Accessibility Services help students overcome barriers- The Bradford Era
- Accessibility Resources Provides Mavs With the Tools for Success – MSU Reporter
- Students Push for Accessibility, Support, and Awareness for Disabilities- CSU Signal
- Disability rights group aims to educate about inclusion, accessibility – The Sunflower
- USU’s Assistive Technology creates solutions for accessibility problems – Utah Public Radio
- Nominations open for 2023 Accessibility and Inclusion Recognition Award- Brock University
- Bowdoin’s Global Accessibility Awareness Week emphasizes equity in the digital world- The Bowdoin Orient
- Accessibility and Belonging: Cornerstones of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
- Disability Awareness/Inclusion – Events This Week- Finish as a Strong UMBC Ally for Disability Awareness Month
- As Texas bans diversity and equity offices at public colleges, Rice University’s inclusion efforts march on- Texas Tribune
- Dr. Xinyue Ren recently published “Learning in the Dark” Simulation to Teach about Accessibility- Old Dominion University
- What Do the Exceptions in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Accessibility of Web Information for Educational Institutions Mean?- Thomas Logan
Legal Blogs and Information
- The Annual Digital Accessibility Legal Summit (DALS)
- New Version Of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Released- Perkins Coie
- Mark Your Calendar: AODA Compliance Report Deadline Approaching on December 31, 2023
- Duckworth Discusses Rail Accessibility And Improvements With Metra Leadership- River Bender
- Federal Accessibility Legislation Takes Shape with Publication of Draft Employment Standard- Fasken
- Proposed Amendments to the Buildings Accessibility Act to Improve Accessibility in Public Spaces- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- ‘It’s 2023, for heaven’s sake’: 7th Circuit orders district court to consider reasonableness of wheelchair-accessible ramp at Shelbyville Post Office- The Indiana Lawyer
Accessibility Announcements and Products
- Town seeks public input on accessibility survey
- Adaptive adventures: Making the outdoors accessible
- The iPhone 15 Pro brings tangible accessibility benefits
- Making transportation more accessible around Lake Tahoe
- Naomi Malone wins Alumni Award for Service to Humanity
- CybeReady extends accessibility features within training solution
- Sunshine Coast Airport Pioneers Accessibility For All Passengers
- Oxbow Park hosts bird watching event for people with disabilities
- AccessGVL puts accessibility info online for downtown Greenville
- Roku Voice Remote and TV accessibility review: Easy blind streaming
- Glasgow Warriors and Allied Mobility launch Accessibility Partnership
- IA Labs secures €3m at CGI 2023 for global digital accessibility expansion
- Bayer launches ‘world’s first accessible QR code in healthcare’ with Zappar
- Morgan’s Wonderland’s $6 million expansion to include new rides and 4D cinema
- Progress towards Aviation Industry’s Commitment to Passengers with Disabilities
- Accessible trail around popular Rocky Mountain National Park lake has been updated
- Motorized wheelchairs increase accessibility to trails and open spaces in Colorado Springs
- Adobe Announces All-New ‘Leaders Of Accessibility’ Group Aimed At Greater Inclusivity
- Coming soon: The Newslaundry website and app made accessible for people with disabilities
- City of Toronto partners with Travelers Canada and KABOOM! to create new, accessible playground
- New York State Department of Health Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- Visit to the Barça Immersive Tour by the Catalan Association for the Promotion of Deaf People (ACAPPS)
- Inside Google’s Mission To Make Pixel 8 And 8 Pro ‘The World’s Most Accessible Camera’ To Blind People
- Sunshine Coast Airport first airport in Australia to install BindiMaps – improving accessibility for passengers of all abilities
Accessibility Forums, Tips, and Gaming
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 accessibility verdict
- Accessibility Modes Should Be An Industry Standard
- Video: Google shares accessibility updates that make everyday activities easier
- Nintendo’s new tournament controller rules are ‘a huge step back for accessibility’, it’s claimed
- Insider Q&A: AbleGamers founder Mark Barlet on the importance of making gaming accessible
- Accessibility: Your Chromebook will soon let you control the mouse and keyboard with your face
- What is the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines, and how does it promote inclusive gaming experiences?
- Access and Inclusion Technology (A&IT) I-Corps Regional Course hosted by RIT and Pitt – November 2023
- Insomniac Games, PlayStation and Marvel Aim to Be Greater Together Through Accessibility in ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launch interview: Bryan Intihar on the game’s opening sequence, ASL, accessibility options, and more
Accessibility Statements
- ACT
- OTIS
- SERVIR
- Group GTI
- Straus News
- The Beachwaver Co.
- University of Vienna
- City of Vancouver WA
- Congressman Dan Bishop
- National Black Deaf Advocates
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.
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- 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
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