Accessibility in the News — 11/8/2024.
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Accessibility in the News- Knowledge is Power
“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” — Jeff Miller
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
Feature Stories
Accessibility is the name of the game on election day, voting rights advocate says
November 3, 2024 | Source: Delaware Public Media
Coloradans with disabilities use special equipment to vote without assistance this election
November 1, 2024 | Source: CBS
‘Let’s make it easy for everyone’: Accessible options for voters with disabilities
November 1, 2024 | Source: KSBH
Disabled Voters’ Rights At The Polls
November 1, 2024 | Source: West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Federal officials to monitor voting rights compliance during Michigan’s election
November 1, 2024 | Source: The National Desk
Accessible voting: How to vote with a disability
November 2, 2024 | Source: Spectrum News
The ‘really messy system’ that limits where millions of disabled people can vote
November 3, 2024 | Source: MSNBC
Voters with disabilities want to see these issues addressed as they rally for visibility
November 3, 2024 | Source: PBS
Visually impaired Washingtonians face unique obstacles to voting
November 4, 2024 | Source: Cascade PBS
Millions of voters have disabilities. Some say the presidential candidates are ignoring them
November 4, 2024 | Source: USA TODAY
Keeping New York polling locations accessible for people living with disabilities
November 4, 2024 | Source: Spectrum News
Several laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Help America Vote Act, protect the right to vote and require that polling places be accessible to persons with disabilities. That includes providing accessible parking, routes and entrances into the building. Locations should also have a universal voting console that allows people with low vision or blindness to vote privately and independently. Voters also have a right to choose who helps them if they need assistance voting, according to the Community Legal Aid Society…
Today We Grieve- Soon enough we figure out what the election means for accessibility and other issues we cherish
November 6, 2024 | Source: Lainey Feingold
So many swirling emotions today. November 6, 2024. The day after the United States elected its first felon, a man who is transparent and loud in his cruelty, racism, and disdain for women and their bodies. A man who sees nothing wrong with mocking disabled people. Who praises and advances policies that hurt immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, the environment, civil rights, the health and safety of the nation’s people, education, and world peace and safety…
National News (U.S.)
Study: More access to Alzheimer’s treatments could ease disparities, boost equity
October 31, 2024 | Source: McKnight’s Long-Term Care News
Health system changes that bolster access to disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease could reduce the disparities in diagnosis and improve health equity in disease treatment overall, according to a new study published on Thursday in JAMA Network Open. The disease disproportionately affects older adults, women, racial and ethnic minority individuals, as well as people with lower socioeconomic and educational levels. So investigators set out to examine the cost-effectiveness and health equity impact of a hypothetical Alzheimer’s disease-modifying treatment on more than 3.1 million Americans…
VibraLife of Katy to Pay $80,000 in EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
October 31, 2024 | Source: EEOC
VibraLife of Katy, LLC, a rehabilitation and assisted living facility in Katy, Texas, will pay $80,000 and furnish other relief to settle a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) disability discrimination and retaliation lawsuit, the federal agency announced today. According to the lawsuit, VibraLife hired an employee with a sleep disorder for a night shift position. The job posting required the selected candidate to work 36 hours per week in three 12-hour shifts…
Justice Department Secures Settlement Agreement with Colorado to Ensure Opportunities for People with Physical Disabilities to Live at Home
November 1, 2024 | Source: DOJ
The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement to resolve its lawsuit alleging that Colorado violates Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. by unnecessarily segregating adults with physical disabilities, including older adults, in nursing facilities. The ADA and the Olmstead decision require state and local governments to administer their services to people with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs…
Students inspire first ADA-accessible playground in a Denver public school
November 1, 2024 | Source: KJCT
The Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS) is home to the first playground in the city’s public school district that is accessible to disabled kids. Two ten-year-olds, Vivian Palmeri and Araya Gonzalez, were the catalysts for change when they both saw other children with disabilities who could not play during recess. DCIS Fairmont Assistant Principal Meg Zimmerman said that students participated in Design for Change Week, which is a week dedicated to students finding and solving problems on a specific topic…
Disabled Workers Deserve More Than Subminimum Wage
November 1, 2024 | Source: Time
DSP Wages Up, But Disability Providers Still Struggling To Maintain Services
November 4, 2024 | Source: Disability Scoop
When I became Disabled in my late teens and started searching for work, I was confronted with barriers including disability discrimination, inaccessible environments, and attitudinal biases. I lost a job simply because a no-cost adaptation was rejected. My story isn’t unique. And it’s just one example of how systemic barriers prevent Disabled people from accessing meaningful employment. Another huge one: a nearly 90-year-old federal law from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that allows employers to pay Disabled people less than the minimum wage, sometimes just cents on the dollar…
D.C. charter school accused of violating law for students with disabilities
November 3, 2024 | Source: The Washington Post
The SEED School of Washington, D.C., a rare charter boarding campus in the District, has been accused of flouting local and federal education laws that protect students with disabilities — drawing outrage and a “notice of concern” from the city’s charter school board. A September audit found the high school, one of D.C.’s oldest charter schools, suspended students without first holding federally mandated meetings that are supposed to determine whether a child’s behavior is the manifestation of a disability or the result of an IEP — or individualized education program — that has not been fully implemented…
Delta Seeks Approval For Seats To Accommodate Wheelchairs In Flight
November 5, 2024 | Source: Disability Scoop and Travel Noire
Delta Accessible Flight Map for Vision-Impaired Travellers
November 6, 2024 | Source: Travel Radar
Plans are moving forward to allow people with disabilities to remain in their wheelchairs when they travel on commercial aircraft. A subsidiary of Delta Air Lines is seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for a seat design that would accommodate a traveler in their wheelchair, a company spokesperson said. Delta Flight Products, a Delta subsidiary that engineers aircraft interiors for airlines around the world, showed off designs for modified First Class and economy cabin seats at industry events over the last two years…
Woman with disabilities blocked from entering hospital with service dog fights for recognition of rights
November 5, 2024 | Source: Denver7
When Jennifer Snider and her black-and-white-spotted Australian Cattle Dog enter a room, it isn’t always obvious that he is her service animal. “I’m fit, I look healthy,” Snider said. So, in the 10 years she’s relied on a service dog, she’s gotten “used to being harassed about it.” But when a hospital security guard almost stopped her from entering an emergency room last month, she felt it was time to fight for better education on the laws protecting access…
New initiative to bring more accessible trails to Massachusetts woods
November 6, 2024 | Source: Spectrum News and Mass.gov
A new trail in Western Massachusetts is helping bring the benefits of a quiet hike in the woods to the disability community following the efforts of a local advocate for accessible trails. Meg Bandarra, founder of Unpaved Trails for All, said when she developed her disabling condition, everything upended, and it felt like her world got smaller. “Getting back into the woods helped my world expand again,” Bandarra said. “Accessible trails have definitely improved my health and well-being in so many ways.”…
Wilbur Theatre Enters into Agreement to Ensure Communication Accessibility
November 7, 2024 | Source: Department of Justice
The United States Attorney’s Office reached an agreement with the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, resolving a complaint that the theatre violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide a reasonable accommodation to a group of individuals with hearing impairments. The Wilbur Theatre is a performing arts theater located in the heart of Boston’s theater district. According to the complaint, the Wilbur Theatre failed to provide a group of individuals with hearing impairments an American Sign Language interpreter, or another communication aid or service, for a concert at the Wilbur Theatre…
A ‘dog date’ as peer support, disability inclusion
November 7, 2024 | Source: Maryland Daily Record
I finally visited the house of my friend, who is a fellow lawyer with a disability and seasoned guide dog handler, for an afternoon of allowing our two new dog partners recreationally to play. I recently collaborated with my fourth guide dog at a forum of the Maryland State Bar Association and also delivered the closing remarks. These opportunities enabled me to reflect that lawyers with disabilities receive certain gifts because of their disability. These include arguably such skills as good listening, good memory, and fabulous dog partners…
Abilities Dance reimagines fairytales through a disability lens in ‘Tales from the Crips’
November 7, 2024 | Source: Bay State Banner
What if Sleeping Beauty suffered from long COVID and was battling deep-seated fatigue rather than a wicked spell? What if audiences identified more with the misunderstood beast than the delicate beauty? Classic fairytales are flipped on their heads in “Tales from the Crips: Reimagining Fairy Tales from a Disabled Lens,” a new original ballet from Abilities Dance. Inspired by the book “Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space” by Amanda Leduc, the ballet looks at six different fairytales…
Lessons from 50 years of advancing workforce inclusion for people with disabilities
November 7, 2024 | Source: Benefits Pro
Earlier this year, SourceAmerica® celebrated 50 years of advocating for employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This milestone provides a natural opportunity to reflect on the strides many workplaces have made over the years to advance disability workforce inclusion. It’s also a chance for human resources professionals and employers to address the work that still needs to be done and identify the steps they can take to provide a more inclusive working environment for individuals with disabilities…
More California Kids with Disabilities Are Enrolled in a New Health Program, But Is It Helping?
November 7, 2024 | Source: California Health Report
Susan Skotzke had high hopes when she heard about a new benefit called Enhanced Care Management offered under her daughter’s Medi-Cal health insurance plan. Skotzke, who lives in Santa Cruz County, spends between five and 10 hours a day coordinating care for her daughter, Diana, who has a rare genertic condition and seizure disorder, and is unable to walk, talk or feed herself. The new benefit, known as ECM, is designed to help children like Diana and their caregivers get access to the services they need by assigning them a lead care manager to do coordination work…
How a man living with Parkinson’s is using art and music to ease his symptoms
November 7, 2024 | Source: PBS News (Video)
Art and music have long been used as therapy to help alleviate psychological and neurological disease, but there has been little study on its use by Parkinson’s patients. There’s hope for those living with Parkinson’s that art and music may help with some symptoms of the disease. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown spent time with one man who shows why an active life with arts is helping him push back. The story is part of our ongoing look at the intersection of health and arts, part of our Canvas coverage…
Jack Fact — In Canada, there are eight million people with disabilities (PWDs), an increase of five per cent since 2017. Six in 10 PWDs (4.8 million people) experience barriers related to accessing indoor and outdoor public spaces. Barriers related to physical spaces, such as entrances and sidewalks, are the most common (56 per cent).
Hit The Road Jack — Making Canada’s Parks and Protected Areas the Most Inclusive in the World and I Review Accessible Trails For a Living — Here Are 5 Standouts Across the US
International News
Scholarship program offers equal opportunities for students with visual disabilities in Peru
November 1, 2024 | Source: State Magazine- Peru
In 2023, the Regional English Language Office (RELO), part of the public affairs section in the U.S. Embassy in Peru, launched an innovative English Access Microscholarship Program to reach students with visual disabilities. In Peru, students with visual disabilities have few academic opportunities, resulting in high rates of unemployment, mental health issues, and a lack of opportunities to navigate the workforce and contribute to society…
Accessibility still an issue on Air Canada flights despite airline’s promises to ‘do better’
November 1, 2024 | Source: CBC- Canada
Paralympian Brock Richardson landed in Fredericton already knowing that a piece of equipment he requested before the trip would not be there to help move him from his seat to his wheelchair. But he didn’t expect an Air Canada staff member would also attempt to separate him from the person responsible for his care. Richardson, who has cerebral palsy, was told that his support person would have to get off the plane before employees would lift him onto a narrow wheelchair that would take him down the aisle of the plane…
City of Whitehorse asks for proposed class-action over accessibility to be tossed
November 1, 2024 | Source: CBC- Canada
The City of Whitehorse is asking for a proposed class-action lawsuit over its alleged failure to ensure sidewalks, parking stalls and transit stops are accessible — particularly in the winter — to be tossed. In a statement of defence filed to the Yukon Supreme Court on Oct. 28, the city argues, among other things, that the case doesn’t comply with territorial law, is an “abuse of process” and that allegations that it hasn’t complied with its own snow and ice removal rules are baseless…
Delhi High Court seeks CBFC stand after plea seeks accessibility features in films
November 1, 2024 | Source: Deccan Herald- India and PTI and The New Indian Express
The Delhi High Court has sought the stand of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on a petition seeking to ensure movies released after September 14 follow the accessibility guidelines for persons with hearing and visual disabilities. Justice Sanjeev Narula issued notice on the plea by Suman Bhokray, who suffers from visual disability, and asked the authorities to file a response within four weeks. The petitioner said according to the “Guidelines for Accessibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres for Persons with Hearing and Visual Impairment”…
Russia sees first rise in disability registrations in 11 years — but wartime injuries are only part of the story
November 1, 2024 | Source: Meduza- Russia
In 2023, the number of people in Russia registered as having a disability increased for the first time in 11 years. Some of this spike can be explained by longstanding issues, including a recorded rise in childhood disability as well as corruption among medical examiners in the Caucasus. Other likely drivers are new, such as the addition of people from Ukraine’s occupied territories to Russia’s disability register. Increases in categories that could be tied to war-related injuries number in the tens of thousands, though determining exactly how much of the growth is directly due to the war is nearly impossible…
Council urged to improve accessibility of ferries
November 2, 2024 | Source: BBC- UK
A disabled transport campaigner is calling for ferries in Bristol to become more accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Ferries run from Temple Meads through the harbour carrying passengers around the city centre. But the Temple Meads stop is only accessible via steps, unless passengers take a long diversion to use a ramp 230 metres (754 feet) away, and only one ferry boat is wheelchair accessible. Bristol City Council said it was exploring how to improve water transport after transport campaigner David Redgewell urged the authority to improve accessibility, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service…
Montreal protest urges improved accessibility for public transit
November 1, 2024 | Source: CityNews- Canada
Four environmental advocacy groups held a protest in Montreal on Friday demanding that public transit in Quebec be made more accessible, that its networks are extended and that it’s free of charge for all citizens. “We’re asking the Legault government to make it free because we think public transport is a right. We think Quebecers have the right to mobility,” said Victor Saint-Louis, Écologie Populaire. “We think that it’s the job of us Quebecers through taxes to fund that system…
Disabled man to neighbourhood IGA: ‘I feel like I’m begging just to buy groceries’
November 3, 2024 | Source: Montreal Gazette- Canada
When retired professor Donald Hinrichs began using a mobility scooter, shopping at his local IGA grocery store off Place Dupuis was straightforward. He could pick up his favourite items, like pastries and sodas, without trouble. But that access changed when the store installed poles at its entrance, blocking scooter access. “Now, I have to wait for someone to let me in,” says Hinrichs, 82. “I feel like I’m begging just to buy my groceries.” Originally from Pennsylvania, Hinrichs moved to Montreal in 2004 after a long teaching career…
Advocating for Inclusion and Accessibility – The Power of Giving
November 3, 2024 | Source: Haaretz- Israel
Access Israel is a leading organization promoting inclusion and accessibility for people with all types of disabilities and in all areas of life. Access Israel’s award-winning and life-saving initiative Purple Vest Mission assists and rescues people with disabilities and the elderly in times of war and emergency. “With every alarm, my heart stops beating. I hug David and pray that it will be over,” says Anat Dayan-Feldman, a mother of three from Ashkelon. Her son David (8) was born with a rare disease and cannot walk independently…
‘We won’t let our disability stop us being independent’
November 3, 2024 | Source: BBC- UK
Buying your own home is a dream that can feel out of reach for many young people. But for twins Sam and Alex Bolton, who have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), they face even bigger hurdles to realise their ambition of living independently. Their condition means the brothers, from Derby, use wheelchairs, have weaker muscles and face problems with movement. Despite doctors saying they would not live past the age of seven, the brothers, now 19, are both studying a film and television degree at university…
Qantas agrees to change assistance dog processes after being sued for disability discrimination
November 4, 2024 | Source: ABC- Australia
Qantas has agreed to change and clarify its application processes for assistance dogs after being sued for disability discrimination. Sydney woman Rachael Fullerton took Qantas to the Federal Court in October last year, alleging discrimination and seeking a change to the airline’s policies, after it refused to let her assistance dog Strike travel with her. Ms Fullerton, who lives with multiple disabilities, said the outcome would make “a huge difference” to people who rely on assistance dogs to travel safely and independently…
Enhancing Accessibility to Democracy through Functioning Elevators at the Legislature
November 5, 2024 | Source: The New Dawn- Liberia
The right to engage with our government and participate in the democratic process is a fundamental principle that should be available to all. However, for many Liberians with disabilities, this right is often hindered by significant physical barriers. As the Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities, I have experienced first-hand the challenges associated with accessing our legislative offices. On one occasion, I required the assistance of some young men to help me navigate the stairs to reach an office, and when I was ready to leave, I found myself in a difficult situation, having to crawl without my wheelchair to reach the ground floor…
Osaka High Court ups its accessibility game for trial
November 5, 2024 | Source: The Asahi Shimbun- Japan
The Osaka High Court here made a rare acquiescence in allowing laptops during a trial for an audience member in the gallery who was not personally connected to the case. Spectators are typically not permitted to use electronics, but the individual relies on speech-to-text technology due to impaired hearing and was interested in attending the trial after learning about it through the media. A written application to the high court was submitted ahead of the Sept. 30 hearing for an anti-stalking law case, saying the accommodation would not disrupt proceedings…
‘We hear you’: Residents raise accessibility concerns at town hall
November 5, 2024 | Source: The Hamilton Spectator- Canada
At a town hall last Wednesday, Saint John and its ability advisory committee told residents with disabilities: you are being heard. But attendees and advocates say there needs to be a sustained push for change and “measurable results.” The three-hour Access SJ event drew about 40 people to the Saint John Free Public Library and involved residents sharing concerns in roundtable groups, presenting on the issues discussed and then hearing from speakers relating to those issues, on topics including transportation, health care, housing, employment, recreation and education…
Dubai keen to ‘change the narrative’ around safety and accessibility
November 6, 2024 | Source: TTG Media- Dubai
Dubai hopes to assert its appeal as a safe and accessible destination, with a senior tourism leader stressing it is focused on being a welcoming place for all kinds of travellers. Senior vice-president of international operations at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Hoor Al Khaja, said: “We know people feel there is a lot of volatility at the moment, but the UAE is one of the safest places in the world in general. “And in addition to that, we welcome a range of travellers and wish to continue to do so. We want to ensure we appeal to solo and female travellers in particular: people can feel safe here.”…
Baroness Grey-Thompson to lead new expert group to ‘break down barriers’ to air travel for disabled passengers
November 7, 2024 | Source: GOV and Airport World and TTG and BBC
Disabled passengers will benefit from better protections when flying thanks to a new expert group announced today (7 November 2024) by the Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, at Manchester Airport. Spearheaded by Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the new Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group will run in partnership between industry and consumers and look at tackling the biggest barriers to air travel for disabled passengers…
Indian Para athlete and disability advocate Suvarna Raj wins UN SDG Action Awards
November 7, 2024 | Source: Paralympic.org- India
Indian Para athlete Suvarna Raj has won the 2024 UN SDG Action Awards for advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, influencing policies, and raising awareness of accessible elections in India. Raj received the award at a dazzling ceremony in Rome, Italy, on 29 October. The ceremony featured keynote speeches from thought leaders and changemakers, including Australian Paralympian and disability activist Jessica Smith. Raj has tackled challenges to improve accessibility and to promote inclusion in India…
Nova Scotia looks to improve accessibility in the workplace
November 7, 2024 | Source: Talent Canada
The Accessibility Advisory Board of Nova Scotia released its recommendations for the province’s accessible employment standards last week. The Employment Standard Development Committee, made up of experts in the field and people with disabilities, came up with the new recommendations. They looked at employment barriers for people with disabilities in areas of recruitment, retention, advancement, workplace accommodations and emergency preparedness…
Taj Mahal, New Delhi Honors Accessibility with Braille Menus Across All Beloved Restaurants
November 7, 2024 | Source: Travel And Tour World- India and The CSR Universe
The Taj Mahal in New Delhi, an iconic destination in the capital, has made a significant advancement in inclusive dining by introducing Braille menus across all its beloved restaurants. This thoughtful addition aims to merge luxury with accessibility, empowering guests to relish their dining experience with autonomy and respect. The introduction of the Braille menus was celebrated with a launch event at Varq, Taj Mahal’s renowned modern Indian fine dining restaurant…
Accessibility Blogs, Information, and Videos
- Lost in Translation- Ricky Onsman
- Making news accessible to all- eNCA (Video)
- Disabled and Obscured- Steve Faulkner
- A Year of Reframing Disability- Priti Salian
- Color-Contrast-Checker – BBC Open Source
- Greater digital accessibility for all- ETH Zürich
- Ah, Accessibility, It’s The Big A- Bill Schiffmiller
- Disability History Month 2024- NHS Confederation
- Bottom-up design improves site accessibility- Richard Harris
- How to Leverage Accessibility for SEO Success – Breaking AC
- Accessible voting still not a reality, RNIB research finds- RNIB
- The Only Accessibility Video You Will Ever Need- Web Dev Simplified (YouTube)
- Testing With a Screen Reader Is an Important Step- Michael Harshbarger
- Journalism will always need thoughtful human intervention- Johny Cassidy
- Beyond Compliance: Making Accessibility a Leadership Priority- Christiane Link
- Study Reveals State of Accessibility Across Global Destinations- TravelAge West
- 10 Ways To Improve The Accessibility Of Your Internal Communications- Forbes
- How to Build an Inclusive Website or App with Accessibility Testing- Entrepreneur
- State and Local Govts Boost Accessibility in Digital Services- Government Technology
- Virginia Modernizes Websites, Advises Others: ‘Start Today’- Government Technology
- Mandating Accessibility in New Buildings: An Opportunity, Not a Cost- Canadian Architect
- Disability Access For U.S. Election Critically Lacking According To Latest Data- Gus Alexiou
- Riding With Lyft And Uber Isn’t A Joy For Disabled People With Service Animals- Steven Aquino
- Why Should All Organizations Establish Feedback Mechanisms for Accessibility?- Bogdan Cerovac
- Enhancing Diversity and Accessibility in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer Disease: Jessica Langbaum, PhD (Video)
- Unequal partnership- Funders should support the disability movement more directly- Peter Torres Fremlin
- Locking in Accessibility Best Practices Early for a Performing Arts Center- Vlado Vince and Natalie Kertes
- Ensure Title II Accessibility Compliance: Guide to Requesting VPATs and Reviewing Accessibility Compliance Reports- Microassist
- CiTTi Awards 2024: “We must ensure the accessibility of public transport to create an equal world for everyone”- Reuben Henry-Fellows
- Equity for Whom? An Introduction to Private Equity’s Impacts on the Disability Community- Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
- Decision concerning the biennial report on the implementation of the ILO Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (2020–23)- International Labour Organization
- Accessible Short-Term Rental Travel Survey- Becoming rentABLE Survey in collaboration with Duke University Pratt School of Engineering Capstone Program
Federally Speaking
- NASA spreads awareness for disability employment- Redstone Rocket
- State Exchange on Employment and Disability- U.S. Department of Labor
- New Report on U.S. Veterans and Service-Connected Disabilities- U.S. Census Bureau
- Secretary Antony J. Blinken – Disability Rights as Foreign Policy- U.S. Department of State
- Secure your financial future: Tools for people with disabilities- Lisa M. Gomez, U.S. Department of Labor
- Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Oversight Hearing
- November13, 2024 at 11:30 AM ET
- State Dept urges workforce to prioritize disability rights in accessibility playbook- Jory Heckman, Federal News Network
- Inclusion Works: Strategies for Establishing States as Model Employers of People with Disabilities- National Association of State Personnel Executives
- We are looking for participants for our short survey who are adults with disabilities OR caregivers of adults with disabilities- Government Accountability Office, or GAO
Higher Education Blogs and Information
- 10 Tips toward Accessibility- American Libraries Magazine
- Gresham lecturer talks universal design- University at Buffalo
- What Trump’s Victory Means for Higher Ed- Inside Higher Ed
- Construction on campus creates accessibility concerns- Branding Iron
- NYC Public Restrooms Should Be More Accessible- Fordham Observer
- Disclose invisible disabilities in social VR? It depends- Cornell Chronicle
- Exploring accessibility in museums, zoos and a playhouse- DePaul University
- $7.2 million digital accessibility project will impact students- Cache Valley Daily
- Paralympian Blake Leeper inspires AU students to see ability in disability- JagWire
- Ensuring online education is inclusive and accessible to all- Times Higher Education
- Accessibility within digital materials – beginner basics- University of Colorado Boulder
- The Blind Urban Subject stands at attention on Thayer Street – The Brown Daily Herald
- Orono works to ensure accessibility among voters with disabilities – The Maine Campus
- Passion for prioritizing accessibility inspires alumna- Rochester Institute of Technology
- GRIP, Research Abroad Surveys and Subtleties – Penn Global – University of Pennsylvania
- Dreamery Speaker Series: Sessions focus on inclusive learning and accessibility- Penn State
- Accessibility Standards for Polling Locations: ‘Sometimes it’s Just Plain Ableism’- Albion Pleiad
- Disability Club Unites Campus Community for Greater Accessibility and Inclusion- The Trumpet
- Dismantling the Department of Education? Trump’s plan for schools in his second term- ABC News
- UNH Expands Efforts to Support Accessible Voting for Students with Disabilities- The New Hampshire
- UT community members with disabilities voice polling location, voter accessibility concerns- The Daily Texan
- St Mary’s Student Wins TACTYC Reflection Award for Paper on Outdoor Play Accessibility- St Mary’s University
- Hills and Stairs University: Disabled community faces barriers to accessibility at Cal Poly Humboldt- The Lumberjack
- Advancing Accessibility at Adelphi University: A Blueprint for Campus Diversity and Inclusion- Insight Into Diversity
- Dayton Business Journal: Tom Webb elevates Wright State’s disability efforts to national level- Wright State University
- In Short: ‘Monsters and Machines,’ PPPL Leadership, Accessibility Guide- Princeton Alumni Weekly – Princeton University
- Students discuss divestment, accessibility, faculty retention, Allen Scholars at fall Missions and Outcomes- The Wooster Voice
- Director of the Disability and Accessibility Resources (DAR) Dr. Carrie Dattels lectures on accessibility and accountability- The Anchor- Hope College
Legal Blogs and Information
- Legal Update: October 2024- Ken Nakata
- Justice Department to monitor voting rights in western Wisconsin districts – FOX 47
- Settlement establishes accessibility consultant for LA county’s voting system- Daily Bruin
- Online Coffee Retailer Defeats Website Accessibility Claims in Federal Court- Frankfurt Kurnit Klein and Selz
- Cubs Must Improve Wheelchair Accessibility At Wrigley Field Under Settlement With Feds- Block Club Chicago
- ADA Compliant Websites: Uptick in Litigation Against Financial Services Firms, Increased Regulatory Attention- Morgan Lewis
Accessibility Announcements
- InnoCaption Acquires Call Captioning Service
- B.C. Accessibility Standards Report Coming January 2025
- Thales wins Crystal Cabin Award for accessible IFE solution
- Theme Park Adding New ‘Hidden Disability’ Accommodations
- Flagstaff Awarded $5M for Amtrak Station Accessibility Project
- Cartagena is among the finalists for the 2025 EU Accessible City Award
- Apple’s global head of accessibility to attend Web Summit Lisbon 2024
- New York State Department of Health Recognizes Diabetes Awareness Month
- Driving Inclusive Tourism: DI and CityDNA unveil Global Accessibility Report
- Acrisure Arena Adds to Accessibility Measures, Becomes a Certified Autism Center™
- Zoo Atlanta adopts new technology to make park more accessible for those with disabilities
- The Great British Bake Off tent can be adapted to meet applicants accessibility requirements
- MSP Airport debuts enhanced accessibility programs for travelers who are deaf, hard of hearing
- Handicap Help to Launch Accessibility- Focused Podcast in 2025 Following Success of Orlando Event
- GoGreat Foundation and partners launch comprehensive accessibility audit in Great Lakes Bay Region
- National Aging and Disability Transportation Center awards $412,448 in competitive grant funding to develop plans to address transportation accessibility
Accessibility Products and Services
- HME- Let’s make your space accessible
- Navigate Chicago’s accessible airports with ease
- Pocket Doors Pave the Way for Accessible Homes
- Brava’s V3 Software Update Enhances Accessibility
- Studio Fix is an accessible on-demand fitness destination
- How AudioCardio Is Making Hearing Health More Accessible To Everyone
- The leading LLMs have accessibility blind spots, says data from startup Evinced
- London Councils Announce Recommendations to Enhance Inclusion for Young People with SEND
Accessibility Forums, Tips, and Gaming
- 25 Accessibility Tips to Celebrate 25 Years
- Adaptive Tech showcases accessible gaming
- Practical Accessibility Tips You Can Apply Today
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Accessibility Features Are a Game-Changer
- Android may soon make it easier to bring back the floating accessibility menu
- A11Y Insights | Unlocking Accessibility: Key Strategies for E-commerce, Web Development and Gaming
Accessibility Statements
- IEMA
- Meijer
- Sandbox VR
- Equalize Digital
- ICF International
- University of York
- Tasmanian Government
- European Anti-Fraud Office
- University of Birmingham Intranet
- Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association
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:
- The WCAG 2.1 Update: A Brief Look at What’s Changed
- Introducing VPAT®0, the More Stringent Accessibility Reporting Tool Required for Government IT Procurement
- 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
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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