Guided Frame on Google Pixel With Lachi
I’m Raul Krauthausen the founder of SOZIALHELD*INNEN, an NPO and consultancy from Germany, focussing on Disability Mainstreaming. With this newsletter, I share hand-picked links from around the world.
If you enjoy this newsletter, please forward this email to your friends! 🙏
Questions? Tips? Suggestions?
Thank you,
Raul
I wrote a book (in german)
In this book, I raise fundamental questions about inclusion in Germany. In conversations with experts, we sketch out an idea of how inclusion can work together at all levels.
Some readings are scheduled, and I can't wait to finally get back into dialogue with you!
Hand-picked news about inclusion, accessibilty and innovation
Guided Frame on Google Pixel With Lachi (youtube.com)
Made together with people with vision impairment, #GuidedFrame now works on both the front and the rear camera. And it recognizes more than just human faces. Like your pet, your food and even documents.
Blue Badge Protector Now Available in Halfords Nationwide: A Vital Security Measure for the Disabled Community (ablemagazine.co.uk)
The highly-acclaimed Blue Badge Protector, an essential security device for safeguarding the Blue Badges of disabled individuals, is set to make its debut in the nationwide retail scene. Having experienced remarkable success through online sales, this invaluable product will now be accessible on the shelves of over 200 Halfords stores across the country from Monday the 9th of October.
Accessible Travel Chat: Conversation with All Wheels Up's Michele Erwin & Alan Chaulet (wheelchairtravel.org)
John Morris interviewed Michele Erwin and Alan Chaulet of All Wheels Up, an advocacy group focused on wheelchair spaces for airplanes.
RespectAbility Honors Legacy of Ben Spangenberg by Renaming Justin Chappell Memorial Award (respectability.org)
Elizabeth Kim to receive first-ever Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award at RespectAbility’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, sponsored by Wells Fargo.
No Limbits Adaptive Pants: Reviewed (newmobility.com)
Finding a pair of jeans that checks all the boxes for a wheelchair user can be difficult. Pants that fit well and hold up to extra wear and pulling, while allowing you to cath or tend to other needs…
Documentary “Derek Changes His Mind” Highlights Lived Disability Experience Navigating Broken Healthcare and Immigrations Systems (respectability.org)
In the documentary, director Derek Dabkoski talks about his life after acquiring his traumatic brain injury.
New Yorker Cover Showing Top US Politicians Using Walkers Draws Cries of Ageism: ‘Disgusting and Vulgar’ (yahoo.com)
The illustration by Barry Blitt, himself a senior citizen, features Donald Trump, Mitch, McConnell, Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden The post New Yorker Cover Showing Top US Politicians Using Walkers Draws Cries of Ageism: ‘Disgusting and Vulgar’ appeared first on TheWrap.
Invisible Disabilities Week 2023 Invisible Disabilities Week Oct 15– 21 (invisibledisabilities.org)
#careinmotion DONATE #invisibledisabilitiesweek 2023 Invisible Disabilities® Week! Bring awareness, education and support to your family, friends, Do you live with an invisible disability or know someone who does? Learn more about invisible disabilities during Invisible Disabilities Week 2023.
Less snowy sidewalk enforcement in Edmonton creates accessibility barriers: advocate (edmontonjournal.com)
A cutback to policing icy sidewalks & bus stops could make navigating Edmonton harder this winter, says a disability advocate.
Ed Department Update Of Disability Regulations In Limbo (substack.com)
Months after the U.S. Department of Education was expected to propose new rules for one of the main laws affecting students with disabilities, nothing has materialized.
Why COVID-19 contact tracing apps *must* be accessible (open.substack.com)
People with disabilities should benefit from emergency software. They also WANT to participate. Contact tracing won’t work without them.
He Admired Her ‘Grit and Grace.’ She Was Struck by His Kindness. (nytimes.com)
Bri Scalesse, model and disability advocate, knew Sheldon Nguyen was different right away. “We knew we could spend forever together,” she said, after quarantining together during the pandemic.
Tech For Good – sharing our knowledge! (euansguide.com)
A blog post about “Tech for Good”, the term usually used to describe organisations, technologies, projects and people that are having a positive impact on society. Euan's Guide hope we play a small part by helping make the world a more accessible place through their disabled access review website www.EuansGuide.com. This blog post includes suggested tech tools that are useful to Euan's Guide and potentially to other charities and small organisations.
Enhancing sustainable long-term care (youtube.com)
This final session concludes the Care4Care Policy Series by looking at a long-underexplored domain of EU action: the need to ensure affordable, high-quality long-term care. By taking leadership in this policy area, the EU may take a more proactive approach to rebalance persisting inequalities attributable to the neglect of care. Based on the understanding that the European Care Strategy should not serve as a mere endpoint but rather as the very start of the EU’s journey towards the development of solid care policies, this session will namely discuss the role of social infrastructures to better value different care needs ranging from independent living to formal and informal care provision.
Funding (enil.eu)
The European Union (EU) provides funding to its 27 Member States in order to reduce disparities between countries and to strengthen the EU’s economic, social and territorial cohesion. This is referred to as the EU Cohesion Policy, and it is planned in seven-year cycles, as part of the EU’s long-term budget (also called the Multi-Annual Financial Framework). During the current financial period 2021 – 2027, the Cohesion Policy budget is 392 billion EUR.
International Conference on Neuromuscular Disorders (NMD) (eamda-ic2023.eu)
EAMDA’s Annual International NMD Conference is a highly anticipated event in the neuromuscular disease community. The conference brings together patients, families, healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders to share information, discuss the latest research findings, and promote the best practices for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with neuromuscular disorders.
Webinar: Are you deprived of your right to political participation? Let us fight for your right! (youtube.com)
This is a recording of our webinar which took place on 3 October. This event was entitled “Our Right, Our Vote! Disabling legal barriers to political participation of people with disabilities in the EU”.
TiLite Releases Its First Carbon Fiber Wheelchair (newmobility.com)
The TiLite CR1 weighs 9 lbs and sports a minimalist design.
Toolkit on the Go: Representing Disabilities in Film and Television (gadim.org)
This 1-page Toolkit points to suggestions/recommendations for representing disabilities on screen. Many of the points raised here were co-produced with disabled people, filmmakers, disability advocates/allies, researchers and academics in disability studies and film studies. The more in-depth Toolkit can be found here: Representing Disabilities and People with Disabilities in Films: Working Toolkit for filmmakers and industry stakeholders. The objective of this Toolkit is to promote anti-ableist representations in film and television that can contribute to positive disability identity and inclusion.
'They treat you like an it': people with intellectual disability on seeing medical professionals (theconversation.com)
People with intellectual disability told us they often felt cut out of their own health appointments, as healthcare practitioners spoke to their support person or family instead of to them.
Sustaining Air (uapress.ua.edu)
The biography of a poet seminal to postwar American poetry.
Marina Abramovic Relents, and Adapts a Provocative Piece for Today (nytimes.com)
In a new retrospective, a work that shocked audiences in the 1970s has been altered to suit contemporary mores. “Really, the smart thing to do is compromise,” the artist said.
Why Cady Noland’s Disabling America Never Sat Quite Right With Me (artnews.com)
Noland incorporates walkers, wheelchairs, and canes into her portraits of American tragedy. It’s unsettling.
Opinion | I’m Done With the Costumes That Hid the ‘Monster’ Beneath (Published 2021) (nytimes.com)
For those of us made to feel shame about our bodies, it’s always Halloween.with bodies.
'The Art of Disruption' Project Overview (disartnow.org)
“Black and disability communities represent a disruption to the assumed normativity of whiteness and health. The presence of Black and disabled bodies in public spaces in and of itself is a form of protest within the white, nondisabled structures and systems that dominate public life in the United States.“
Healing Justice London (healingjusticeldn.org)
We create healing spaces for marginalised communities.
What Can a COVID Outbreak at a Writing Conference Teach Us about Community Care? (nonprofitquarterly.org)
More than 10 percent of the participants at the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference this year contracted COVID, providing a stark lesson on what it means to be a community, who is cared for, and who is left out.
Access as Praxis (scholarslab.lib.virginia.edu)
“Access is love but love is complicated.” – Andy Slater, blind media artist.
Nine New Get Set Progress Internships target Blind and Partially Sighted Jobseekers (pocklington-trust.org.uk)
RNIB is collaborating with Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) again from today, Monday 16 October 2023, to create nine new internship opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to find employment through TPT’s Get Set Progress Internship programme.
Patent Playbook: Revolutionizing Live Captioning Technology with Failover and Failback (3playmedia.com)
3Play's Live Captioning Failover and Failback ensures a live stream is never without captions. Learn the story behind the patented captioning technology and its impact on media accessibility.
5 Fictional Books With Disability Representation (withkeri.com)
Disability representation is vital and so we've compiled a list of books that have a variety of disability representation.
Full Circle Documentary Follows the Tracks of Two Boundary Pushing Wheelchair Users (newmobility.com)
A documentary about sit-skier Trevor Kennison became something much larger when filmmakers learned how he was connected to Barry Corbet.
A Picture of Health: A Politics of Disability and Illness (universe.com)
A Picture of Health: A Politics of Disability and Illness by Fordham University - Monday, October 23, 2023 03:00 PM at 113 W 60th St in . Buy tickets and find information on Universe.
Interdependencies: Perspectives on Care and Resilience (migrosmuseum.ch)
The group exhibition Interdependencies: Perspectives on Care and Resilience shows the mutual dependencies that exist between people, societies, and institutions. The fourteen artists offer critical, solution-oriented perspectives on social relationships and power structures. At its heart lie individual and collective experiences of disability, illness and healing. The desire for justice, the pressing need for resistance and the importance of creativity in the charged zone between vulnerability and resilience are central to their works.
ArtReview October 2023 Issue Out Now (artreview.com)
Featuring a series of coverage on care in the artworld; Rirkrit Tiravanija, Mike Kelley, Emilie L. Gossiaux and Rory Pigrim; columns on Islamophobic violence, translation and ‘The Bear’; and much more.
The Sick/Disabled Body as Fetish Object: A Pornographic Screening, Sharing & Discussion (circafestival.org)
For this event, artist Panteha Abareshi will lead the audience through an exploration of the disabled body as it appears within fetish and pornographic materials, sharing discoveries they have made in their extensive research into Crip representation within the erotic.
All Fellows - MacArthur Foundation (macfound.org)
The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, we work to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.
NAI Direct Access Fund (documentary.org)
The Direct Access Fund awards small targeted funds for access accommodations and services that would otherwise be unfunded. We underwrite disabled media makers who practice fact-based storytelling, including but not limited to: documentary, nonfiction podcasting, new media, immersive, and other types of nonfiction practice, and are currently working on a project at any stage. This includes distribution and festival support.
College Television Awards Now Accepting Submissions (emmys.com)
Emulating the Emmy Awards selection process, entries for the College Television Awards are judged by Television Academy members. Awards and over $25,000 in cash prizes will be presented by television stars at the red carpet ceremony to winning teams in eight categories: Animation Series; Comedy Series; Commercial, PSA or Promo; Drama Series; News; Nonfiction; Sports; and the Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship.
A Better World Because of Disabled People (longmoreinstitute.sfsu.edu)
At the Longmore Institute, our mission is to study and showcase disabled people's experiences in order to revolutionize social views. Through public education, scholarship and cultural events, the Institute shares disability history and theory, promotes critical thinking, and builds a broader community.
Ukraine at War: Disability Advocacy and Organizing, from Refugees to Veterans (munkschool.utoronto.ca)
Virtual Event presented by the Petro Jacyk Program for the Study of Ukraine and the Centre for Global Disability Studies at the University of Toronto.
Decolonial partnerships with disability communities in the Global South (eventbrite.com)
Developing decolonial partnerships with disability communities in the Global South: Perspectives from the South.
Fall is Here (gracedowwrites.com)
Lately, cooler weather has meant that I have been experiencing more stiffness in my joints than usual. For many disabled people, weather can impact their symptoms.
Why Businesses Must Be Fearless With Disability Inclusion (youtube.com)
To increase the employment of college graduates with disabilities, there needs to be a collaborative effort. Delaina Parrish calls on college students, campus recruiters, and employers to share the message alongside her that diversity inclusion is also disability inclusion. Ms. Parrish is a 2020 Marketing graduate from the University of Florida with double minors in retail and entrepreneurship. While at UF, she helped redefine the culture of inclusion through personal advocacy and leadership for thousands of students with unique abilities. For that role, she is a much sought-after spokesperson on campus and within Florida, utilizing high tech augmentation communication. Delaina’s voice engages audiences with topics ranging from transitioning to college, adaptive fashion, life inspiration, and disability inclusion. Ms. Parrish has formed relationships with international brands such as Vera Bradley, Tommy Hilfiger and Zappos Adaptive, and is a brand ambassador for NuMotion Mobility, Tobii Dynavox, and Runway of Dreams, for whom she has modeled Tommy Hilfiger adaptive fashion on the runway of New York. Through these unique experiences and mentorships, Delaina has expanded “Fearless Independence, LLC” into a collaborative branding and entrepreneurial business. She hopes her dream employer is listening to this talk, and invites to the corporate table! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Working With A Chronic Illness - All You Need To Know! (lifeofpippa.co.uk)
Working with a chronic illness can be tough, but here you'll find plenty of information and resources to help you make the best of things.
Beyond 6 Seconds: Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto (sites.libsyn.com)
Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, describes a stroke and recovery, and has occasional swearing. Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer to be named as one of People Magazine’s "Women Changing the World." Her award-winning nonprofit and professional dance company, Infinite Flow, employs disabled and nondisabled artists with a mission to foster inclusion. Marisa is also a stroke survivor who is autistic and has PTSD. During this episode, you will hear Marisa talk about: Her lifelong passion for dancing, despite facing bias and exclusion within the dance world How a heartbreaking rejection by her dance school classmates inspired her to make a boldly inclusive decision, and showed her how small actions can lead to big change The life-changing stroke that paralyzed her for months, and the long process of healing from the physical and mental trauma that followed How a salsa dance performance in Japan rekindled her passion and confidence as a dancer Her dancing partnership with a disabled athlete that inspired her to found Infinite Flow How she was diagnosed with PTSD and autism as an adult – and reflecting on her life, now knowing that she’s autistic You can also find out more about Marisa on her website and connect with her on and . Watch Infinite Flow Dance performances at . Sign up for and the . Support or sponsor this podcast at ! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
How Entrepreneur and Advocate Keely Cat-Wells Gets It Done (thecut.com)
“As disabled people, dealing with an inaccessible society while trying to build something is infuriating.”
Overcoming labels: Amit Ghose-Journey Towards Inclusion And Acceptance (axschat.com)
Amit is a motivational speaker whose goal it is to create positive change in the lives of others by sharing his journey and insights. He is a global advisor at Billion Strong.
Mai Ling Chan (axschat.com)
Mai Ling is a speech-language pathologist, industry historian, global connector, keynote speaker, and technology entrepreneur. Building on a lifetime of successful ventures, she focuses on supporting disability-focused thought leaders and building a global ecosystem to support innovative and assistive technologies.
Teaching with Executive Dysfunction (fractalecho.substack.com)
Up next in the Neurodivergent Burnout Series.
New partnership aims at nurturing ‘accessible’ tourism (tradearabia.com)
Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT), the first company in the MENA region specialising in creating unique tourism experiences for deaf people, has joined forces with The First Group, one of the region’s fastest-growing end-to-end hospitality solution providers.
IDEAS: United to Launch Enhanced Digital Services for Personal Wheelchair Users (skift.com)
United Airlines has announced a suite of new tools and policies to support customers who use personal wheelchairs.
Portable Shower/Bathtub Seat (tabifolk.com)
I have not traveled with it yet, but I did want to share that it does come apart pretty easily and in enough pieces to fit inside a suitcase. The screws are designed such that you do not need a screwdriver to assemble/disassemble it. I would welcome other folks sharing travel solutions they might have found.
How travel is therapeutic (tabifolk.com)
I recently wrote a post about how travel has helped me cope with the chronic illness I have. In summary, travel helps me:
Dealing with heat when traveling with a disability (tabifolk.com)
Dealing with heat when you are home or working is one thing, but when you are traveling you are spending a lot more time outside than usual. With the world facing record heat waves, traveling can be hazardous – especially if you have a disability.
Tips for cobblestone and bumpy surfaces in a wheelchair (tabifolk.com)
Does anyone have some tips or advice for dealing with cobblestone (or other bumpy surfaces) in a wheelchair?
Intranasal COVID Vaccine Generates Strong Immune Response (medpagetoday.com)
Plus: Detecting viruses in wastewater and the maternal RSV vaccine for protecting infants.
Leaving the wheelchair behind: Accessible kayak launch provides a smooth, dry experience (reconnectwithnature.org)
Adaptive recreationalist Bill Bogdan, who is among the first to try the new accessible kayak/canoe launch at Lake Chaminwood, said the device allows him to enter and exit the water independently. The launch is one of many ways the Forest Preserve is working to make the preserves open to all.
Viscardi Center buys Able Newspaper, plans relaunch (newsday.com)
Viscardi will print one more issue in November before relaunching the monthly next year.
Google’s Magnifier accessibility app is ready for download to Pixel phones (theverge.com)
Featuring color filters, brightness and contrast adjustments, and more.
KW AccessAbility crucial for community, but it's time to make the organization redundant: executive (cbc.ca)
Edward Faruzel, executive director of KW AccessAbility, is being recognized for his advocacy, calling for policy changes that help people with disabilities navigate transportation, education, housing and employment.
Saiyami Kher to advocate for disability rights at UN Zero conference; credits Ghoomer for “lessons of resilience and hard-work” : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama (bollywoodhungama.com)
Saiyami Kher to advocate for disability rights at UN Zero conference; credits Ghoomer for “lessons of resilience and hard-work” Bollywood News: Latest Bollywood News, Bollywood News Today, Bollywood Celebrity News, Breaking News, Celeb News, Celebrities News, Bollywood News Hindi, Hindi Bollywood News at Bollywood Hungama.com.
My invisible disability means commuters refuse to give up their seats (metro.co.uk)
It could even be fatal.
This app from TheCable makes news accessible to people with disabilities in Nigeria (ijnet.org)
TheCable, one of Nigeria's leading online newspapers, earlier this year launched an app to provide news to people with disabilities. The Disability Inclusive News App (DINA) seeks to promote disability inclusion in the country’s news ecosystem and safeguard people living with disabilities from mis- and disinformation. It is Nigeria’s first disability-friendly news app.
Workplace program for adults with disabilities gets their hands dirty teaching all things agriculture (cbc.ca)
An employment training program that puts adults with disabilities to work in the urban agriculture and hospitality sector is gearing up to start its second round with a next set of participants.
How Australia’s biggest brands made disability visible (shots.net)
A coalition of the country’s most well-known brands have swapped out key scenes in their commercials to include people with disabilities. We talk to the creatives at Special Group to find out more about orchestrating this mammoth campaign, working with a diverse cast, and how all brands can improve the disability representation in their advertising.
Column: In Sudbury, disability inclusion takes true commitment (thesudburystar.com)
Saying you’re committed to disability inclusion isn’t good enough.
United Airlines agrees to improve flight access for wheelchair users (finance.yahoo.com)
United Airlines on Thursday said it will improve air travel for passengers using wheelchairs under an agreement with the U.S. Transportation Department following a government investigation into a disability complaint. United has agreed to make available a flight filter on its booking engine to make it easier for passengers to find flights where wheelchairs fit and be safely transported, and refund the difference if a higher-fare flight is needed to accommodate a specific wheelchair size. “Everyone ought to be able to travel safely and with dignity, and I’m glad that United is taking steps to improve their service for passengers who use wheelchairs,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
REALITIES OF QUADRIPLEGIC LIFE – WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? (quirkyquad.com)
This is not to say that life as a quadriplegic paralyzed from the chest down with paralyzed hands and fully dependent on another human being for my physical survival does not take a toll on my mental psyche at times. People often comment on my incredible resilience and strength, and while it’s true, I am also human.
Return of the Ugly Laws: In the Name of ‘Modernization,’ the Newsom Administration Wants to Disappear Unhoused and Disabled People from the Streets, Rebuild the Asylums (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
On October 1, over the vehement objections of disabled activists, housing justice activists, and human rights organizations, the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act went into effect in seven California counties. The law empowers family members, social service providers, police, and first responders to refer primarily unhoused people diagnosed with schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses to a regime of civil courts that would compel them to accept a “care plan” handed down by a judge. In theory, people are allowed to refuse the care plan, but non-compliance could potentially initiate institutionalization or even conservatorship proceedings.
Accessibility standards failing to remove barriers for people with disabilities (canadianaffairs.news)
The government has completed three voluntary accessibility standards and recommended none be made into law.
Opinion: By blindly embracing online learning, we risk reinforcing educational inequities (sandiegouniontribune.com)
If we’re not thoughtful about our use of online learning, we will continue down the path of ever-evolving inequities that we should be trying to subvert.
Inside Gallaudet University And AT&T’s Mission To Make Football More Accessible And Inclusive To All Athletes (forbes.com)
Gallaudet’s Bisons football team, who play in NCAA Division III, debuted use of the technology in a game over the weekend against Hilbert College.
Accessibility at Cruise (getcruise.com)
Every self-driving Cruise is designed to help you travel on your terms. With a growing list of accessibility features, Cruise is working hard to address today’s transportation barriers and move toward a future without them.
Innovating for Accessibility (csrwire.com)
Lenovo believes ‘Smarter Technology for All’ means for everyone. If we truly want to innovate for society, we must design with the diversity of the world in mind.
Call me in the morning: highlights from disability news (disabilitydebrief.org)
Disability culture highlights: Judy Heumann, Protactile and more
WebAIM: WebAIM’s Response to ADA NPRM (webaim.org)
In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking soliciting feedback on its plans to define requirements and technical standards for making the web and mobile services, programs, and activities offered by State and local Government entities accessible to individuals with disabilities. The notice poses 67 questions regarding the implementation of new standards. Below are WebAIM’s responses to several notable questions.
Digital Accessibility Blogs and Newsletters (tpgi.com)
Let me start this post by making clear this is a personal list. It’s part of my job at TPGi to keep up with what’s happening in the digital accessibility industry and I’ve built up a list of sources that help me do that.
Mental health as a disability: designing for accessibility (blogs.microsoft.com)
One in eight people, or nearly 1 billion, live with a mental health condition. Given the scope of the challenge, innovation is key to advance mental health support for greater numbers of people around the world.
Conversations That Matter: Removing barriers to access (vancouversun.com)
Accessibility is a word that you hear more of and for good reason.
How is AI transforming Enterprise Document Accessibility? (idm.net.au)
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping various industries, and one significant area where AI is poised to make a profound impact is Enterprise Document Accessibility.
Job Searching while Blind: Common Accessibility Challenges (blog.usablenet.com)
From resume to interview, job searching is extra challenging if companies overlook accessibility. Read a NDEAM blog from a blind, screen reader user.
eLearning paves the way for workplace diversity & inclusion (itbrief.com.au)
The landscape of workplace learning is undergoing a significant transformation, driven in part by the growing prevalence of eLearning. A recent report by LinkedIn has highlighted how eLearning is playing a pivotal role in enhancing diversity and accessibility in the workplace. This sentiment is echoed by Tony Maguire, the regional director for Australia and New Zealand at the global learning technology company D2L.
Driving Global Accessibility & Inclusion (cxooutlook.com)
Debra Ruh is a visionary advocate, thought leader, and technologist driving global accessibility and inclusion. With a career spanning decade, she champions the rights of people with disabilities. As CEO of Ruh Global Impact and Executive Chair of Billion Strong, she leads initiatives for accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in disability advocacy. Her passion for realizing human potential led to the 2013 creation of Ruh Global IMPACT, a think tank driving disability inclusion strategy worldwide. She’s authored three books, including “Inclusion Branding,” and spearheads a popular program, “Human Potential at Work.”
Navigating the Accessibility Journey: How Metrics Evolve with Progress (microassist.com)
Establishing key metrics for measuring your organization's progress toward reaching your accessibility goals.
Caring for the Eyes of Children with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (zocdoc.com)
Many children with developmental disabilities also have vision problems. Here's what you need to know about getting your child the care they need.
Countdown to compliance: How to prepare for the European Accessibility Act (thedrum.com)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is now no more than a year-and-a-half away. Are you ready for it? Tangent’s Richard Trigg has the lowdown on the next generation of accessibility legislation.
Improve accessibility with universal design—Here’s how (avma.org)
Discover what you and your team can do to increase accessibility in your workplace—and how this can benefit people with and without disabilities.
From the newsroom: At MASS MoCA, artist Joseph Grigely shares his experience of being deaf (wbur.org)
Team Common is observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. So, we're bringing you a story from our friends in the WBUR Newsroom.
A local business's guide to creating an accessible web design (singletonargus.com.au)
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) defines web accessibility as websites, tools and technologies designed for use by everyone, including people with disabilities. This philosophy, which has gained traction in recent years, encompasses all forms of disabilities and respects everyone's right to be informed and express themselves through the internet.
Sustainable accessibility at events (accessaa.co.uk)
Live music accessibility charity Attitude is Everything has partnered with sustainability groups Julie’s Bicycle and A Greener Future on a research programme that examines how access to live music events for disabled people can become environmentally sustainable. Its organisers tell Access why it is necessary and what’s involved.
Accessibility upgrades transform Redfern station (railexpress.com.au)
The new and improved Redfern Station has officially opened, providing major accessibility upgrades for one of Sydney’s oldest stations.
Making elections accessible for everyone (thespinoff.co.nz)
It might require a bit more than an Easy Vote card, but participatory democracy can be made easier for disabled people with a little thought and accommodation.
Comment: Now is the time for the travel industry to focus on digital accessibility (travelweekly.co.uk)
Jonathan Hassell, chief executive at Hassell Inclusion, argues now is the time for the sector to embed a strategic approach.
The Stallery becomes the first gallery in Hong Kong to offer accessibility to colour-blind visitors (timeout.com)
The art gallery will provide EnChroma glasses to those who need them.
Former NFL Players Will Be Able To Retain Disability Benefits (huffpost.com)
Former players who receive Social Security benefits will not receive cuts to their NFL benefit payments.
Sen. John Fetterman Points Out 1 Huge Benefit Of Being Disabled (huffpost.com)
The Pennsylvania senator explained to “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert that being disabled has helped him acquire an ability that pundits on Fox News lack.
AT&T and Gallaudet University unveil a football helmet for deaf and hard of hearing quarterbacks (abcnews.go.com)
AT&T and Gallaudet University have developed a football helmet for quarterbacks who are deaf or hard of hearing.
New U.S. Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines Arrive as Cities Focus on Walkability (nlc.org)
Walking is the second most common mode of transportation for Americans with disabilities, outpacing public transportation by a factor of four. Despite this, an average of 65 percent of curb ramps and 48 percent of sidewalks across the country were not fully accessible to those who struggle with mobility. However, cities are updating more infrastructure which includes accessibility updates, and also, realtors and developers are prioritizing accessibility using “walk scores” and other neighborhood amenities as ways to increase value in both urban and suburban neighborhoods by an average of 23.5 percent.
City puts accessibility at the forefront of disability data (route-fifty.com)
Philadelphia’s disability map can help policymakers deliver more inclusive and accessible services for those living with disabilities.
Autistic dancer at Elon University encourages accessibility in dance spaces (elonnewsnetwork.com)
Freshman Maddie Milner grew up dancing, which served as an emotional outlet. But beneath the surface, it was also an autistic stim. Milner was diagnosed two years ago in May 2021. Now, she said she wants art spaces like dance studios to work on accommodating neurodivergent people. Milner said she was told as a child that she wasn’t autistic; she was just “quirky.” Yet, she was in therapy for all of elementary school to help her with social skills and texture sensitivities. Milner started dancing when she was three and stayed in the same dance studio until she graduated high school.
How do we write alternative text for images in education? (timeshighereducation.com)
Descriptions of images in online documents help all readers – not just those with vision impairment – to fully understand the photograph, chart or graph and make the information accessible.
Out of order: Accessibility on campus (bethelclarion.com)
I looked over my schedule one more time, mapping out which door I’d use to get into the building and which elevator could get me to each of my classes. My first class was Monday at 9 a.m. in RC403. OK, so I’ll go in through the Robertson Center on the second floor.
Innovation Meets Accessibility: One of the World's Largest Automated ADA Paratransit System Successfully Launched by CapMetro & Spare (newswire.com)
In an unprecedented move towards innovation and accessibility, CapMetro today announced a collaboration with Spare to replace its paratransit management system with Spare's modern ADA paratransit platform. The new platform launched on October 1, 2023.
NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes Name Disability Non-Profit Ablr Its Official Accessibility And Inclusion Company (forbes.com)
In a press release published last week, Raleigh, North Carolina-based disability inclusion organization Ablr announced a new partnership with the National Hockey Leagu...
Apple’s Challenge In Making Vision Pro Easier To Wear Underscore Unanswered Accessibility Questions (forbes.com)
In the latest edition of his weekly Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports in part Apple employees are concerned with the size and weight of the forthcom...
Digital lip service isn’t enough (insiderintelligence.com)
Assistive tech helps banks tap into the large, growing market of disabled customers and avoid monetary and reputational risks.
Sound Transit To Launch Digital Assistant and Accessible Wayfinding Tools Late This Fall (theurbanist.org)
Sound Transit plans to deliver the first phases of two passenger-facing technologies late this fall. A new digital assistant tool will launch on mobile and web apps to provide users access to regional trip planning and service alerts. The agency will also be launching a pilot accessible wayfinding tool to navigate stations.
Magnifier app rolls out for Pixel phones, and it's a fantastic leap in accessibility (zdnet.com)
Announced just last week, Magnifier makes the world around you a lot easier to read.
Google Unveils Pixel Magnifier App with Enhanced Accessibility Features (pc-tablet.com)
Google has recently launched its much-anticipated Magnifier app, exclusively designed for Pixel phones. This innovative application aims to enhance the readability of small, dimly lit, or distant text, offering a plethora of features to improve accessibility.
Text-to-Speech for People with Visual Impairments: Tools and Resources (thewiredmedia.com)
Technology has the power to break down barriers and make the world more accessible for people with visual impairments. It is a game-changer for them. With the advancement of Text-to-speech, they can access information, pursue education, and engage with digital content like never before.
These Are All the New Accessibility Features in iOS 17 (lifehacker.com)
Speed up or slow down Siri, adjust the pitch range for virtual voices, and much more.
Redfall Gets 60 FPS In New Update, Plus Gameplay Changes And Accessibility Improvements (mmobomb.com)
Maybe the game is at least playable now...
Fundamentals Of Effective Web Design And Development: Insights From A London Agency (bmmagazine.co.uk)
As the digital world undergoes constant transformation, the importance of effective web design cannot be overstated. A meticulously crafted, engaging, user-friendly website serves as the digital face of a business, where first impressions count and can be costly.
Prompting GitHub Copilot Chat to become your personal AI assistant for accessibility (github.blog)
GitHub Copilot Chat can help you learn about accessibility and improve the accessibility of your code. In this blog, we share a sample foundational prompt that instructs GitHub Copilot Chat to become your personal AI assistant for accessibility.
This MW3 killstreak is causing an accessibility issue, and it needs to be addressed (videogamer.com)
One MW3 killstreak is causing an unpleasant accessibility issue, and players are asking the developers to address it.
The Evolution of Forza Motorsport: A New Era of Accessibility and Authenticity (gameishard.gg)
Forza Motorsport, one of the most iconic racing game series on Xbox, has taken a bold new direction with its latest release in 2023. The game is a revolutionary return to its roots, focusing on what the designer and creative director, Dan Greenawalt, refers to as the “Forza Feel.” This style has been a hallmark of the franchise since its inception in 2005 and has only grown stronger in the latest installment.
Logitech Aims to Boost Accessibility with New PS5 Adaptive Gaming Kit (lifewire.com)
Now gamers of all abilities will be able to play games with the PS5, thanks to new accessible controllers from Sony and controller extensions from Logitech.
How to Make Your TikTok Videos More Accessible: 5 Essentials (makeuseof.com)
You can use these accessibility best practices to make sure more people are able to interact with your TikTok videos.
How to Make Lists with Custom Bullets Accessible in InDesign (creativepro.com)
Learn how to create a list in InDesign using custom bullets that are also accessible and understood by those using assistive devices.
Designing for All: The Basic Principles of Web Accessibility (sitepoint.com)
Learn about the most fundamental and important aspects of web accessibility, and the tools for ensuring the Web is accessible to everyone.
How To Set Up and Use Accessibility Menu on Android (techloy.com)
The Android Accessibility menu is a menu on Android and an on-screen tool which provides easy access and navigation to essential tools and features for users.
Exploring HTML5 Semantic Elements (makeuseof.com)
If you missed the new semantic elements that HTML5 introduced, catch up with this primer.
American Breakdown (disability-visibility-newsletter.ghost.io)
Here's another giveaway offered by the author directly like the one previously by editor Raven Belasco. Jennifer Lunden is author of American Breakdown: Our Ailing Nation, My Body's Revolt, and the Nineteenth-Century Woman Who Brought Me Back to Life and she is generously offering three copies to you all (hardcover, audiobook or e-book). Details below.
2023 Films — Superfest (superfestfilm.com)
Superfest 2023 will occur online Thursday, October 19th through Sunday October 22nd with in-person screenings Saturday October 21st at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley and Sunday October 22nd at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Stay tuned for more information, and for now, read below to check out the blurbs for our 2023 films and save the date!
How accessible sex ed helps young adults with developmental disabilities form healthy relationships (motherjones.com)
Less than half of students getting disability services receive any reproductive health instruction.
Four in Ten Adults with Disabilities Experienced Unfair Treatment in Health Care Settings, at Work, or When Applying for Public Benefits in 2022 (urban.org)
In this brief, we used December 2022 data from a nationally representative survey of adults ages 18 to 64 to examine rates at which adults with and without disabilities reported they were treated or judged unfairly in the past year in three settings: at doctors’ offices, clinics, or hospitals; at work; and when applying for public benefits.
The Importance of making your voice heard (labledpodcast.co.uk)
When Alice and I started to plan this Disability and Technology Series for our spotlight season we were inundated with responses from people who wanted to tell us what affect tech has had on there lives or there work in the field of AI, accessibility and what it means for the future.
Disability and Technology Spotlight Series 2023 with Helen Hawson (pod.link)
My Life as an AAC UserAbout this Episode In a special bonus episode of the lABLEd Podcast's Disability and Technology Series, hosts Alice and Lucy sit down with Helen Hewson, AAC user and Chair of Communication Matters. Originally intended as bonus content, this episode quickly transformed into a vital conversation that needed to be shared with a wider audience.Helen takes Alice and Lucy on a personal journey, recounting her experiences growing up with a variety of communication aids. She shares the intricacies of her life, highlighting the profound impact that technological advancements have had on her ability to communicate. Throughout the episode, Helen candidly discusses the advantages and challenges posed by these evolving technologies, providing valuable insights into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).In a powerful segment towards the end, Helen demonstrates the time and patience it takes to communicate effectively using an AAC device, shedding light on the resilience and determination required in her daily life.Through Helen's story, we hope listeners gain a deep understanding of the significance of assistive technology in the lives of individuals with communication challenges. This episode serves as an educational exploration, inviting the audience to empathize with Helen's journey and encouraging a broader awareness of the transformative impact technology can have in breaking down communication barriers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Crip Monologues: Writers Commission Q&A Summary (cripticarts.org)
A Q&A for writers interested in pitching for our new commissioning opportunity, The Crip Monologues. Read more about the opportunity here.
People Who Suffer Shine the Brightest Lights (Friedreich’s Ataxia Symposium 2023 Reflections) (retrospectivelily.wordpress.com)
Last weekend, I attended the Friedreich’s Ataxia symposium in Philadelphia, PA for the first time since before the pandemic. My dad and boyfriend came for physical and moral support. The event line-up hasn’t changed in a while. (Click to read about the 2019 symposium.) The weekend began Sunday with a rideATAXIA fundraiser, followed by a…
Business: The Perfect Fit For Young Adults With Disabilities (rockfordisability.com)
In this guest blog by Sara Bell, she explores the various reasons why starting a business career can be an excellent option for young adults with a disabilities.
At 20, Berkeley's Disability Studies looks ahead with new energy (news.berkeley.edu)
Launched in 2003, Disability Studies, though formally housed in the Division of Undergraduate Studies, is now present in departments across Berkeley, from art practice to linguistics to sociology.
United Airlines Is Making It Easier for Wheelchair Users to Book Flights That Accommodate Them (cntraveler.com)
Passengers will be able to easily search flights that can handle their specific wheelchair dimensions.
Review: Down For Love shows every other reality dating franchise how it’s done (thespinoff.co.nz)
It's more than just a show that matters – it's a show that's actually great.
The Supreme Court must not handicap the Americans with Disabilities Act (thehill.com)
If it were to take away testers’ ability to sue without creating another realistic means for enforcement, the Supreme Court would undercut the ADA’s very core.
Adapting to the neurotypical world is not the same as conforming (psyche.co)
As an autistic person, this is how I draw the line between adapting in a way that’s good for me and simple conformity.
Students of Concern - We tell the stories that the universities want to hide. (studentsofconcern.com)
We tell the stories that the universities want to hide.
CDC Adds Cerebral Palsy To Autism Tracking Effort (disabilityscoop.com)
For the first time in over a decade, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention network that tracks the prevalence of autism is expanding to include another developmental disability.
Stop gatekeeping who can be disabled (lucywebster.substack.com)
Why it's damaging to tell people not to identify as disabled.
Inclusion Stories (pod.link)
Inclusion Stories is a five-episode audio documentary series that tells the stories of families and school districts who have committed to pursuing authentic inclusive education. Produced by MCIE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Study Visit - Personal Assistance at YHD (enil.eu)
The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) is the voluntary national umbrella organisation for the disability sector. It was established 53 years ago and today it has 40 enrolled NGOs, all working for and with persons with disabilities.
We'd like to welcome our new intern! (enil.eu)
Hi I am Fionn. I am joining ENIL as a volunteer with the ESC program. I am 27 years old and I am from Galway, Ireland. I have been a disability rights advocate for as long as I can remember.
I got 99 problems... palsy is just one (youtube.com)
"I have cerebral palsy. I shake all the time," Maysoon Zayid announces at the beginning of this exhilarating, hilarious talk. (Really, it's hilarious.) "I'm like Shakira meets Muhammad Ali." With grace and wit, the Arab-American comedian takes us on a whistle-stop tour of her adventures as an actress, stand-up comic, philanthropist and advocate for the disabled.
Disability News and Mental Health, Minister for Disabled People talks to Access All (bbc.co.uk)
From a chat with the Minister for Disabled People to Married at First Sight
Chicable: A New Stylish Adaptive Clothing Brand (criplife.co.uk)
Chicable is a new adaptive clothing brand that has designed clothing with accessible and easy-to-use fastenings. Its founder Gary Duong explains how he started Chicable and the kind of products he has created.
Dancing in a world made for people six feet tall (canberratimes.com.au)
In a world designed for people six feet tall, dancer Leisa Prowd measures just three feet 10 inches.
Disrupting Museum Behavior: An Exploration of the Art Institute of Chicago’s “Cripping the Galleries” (aam-us.org)
On a hot Sunday afternoon, Sydney Erlikh, seated in a wheelchair, leaned against Maypril Krukowski, a woman with glasses seated on a bench. Sounds of church bells, shuffling footsteps, and walking filled the gallery of landscape paintings and portraits of people bundled in clothing as their performance Right to Wander began. This performance was one of four taking place in various galleries throughout the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), as part of the performance series Cripping the Galleries. Organized in partnership with Bodies of Work, a Chicago-based consortium of disability arts organizations, the performances challenged perceptions of how disabled bodies should move and respond to art and be regulated in museums.
Filmmaker Suri Ellerton, Her EDS Journey & New Film Highlighting The Challenges Of Disabled Parents (chronicpainpartners.com)
Suri Ellerton is a filmmaker based in New York, has three children, and lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and various comorbid conditions. In this interview with Chronic Pain Partners' Karina Sturm, Ellerton shares her EDS journey, what it means to be a disabled parent, and how her own experiences relate to her latest film project, "The Game."
City Moving Slow on Requirement for Sidewalk Ramps at Every Corner (thecity.nyc)
A 2019 settlement mandated the city Department of Transportation to survey and fix any street that didn’t have adequate access for people with disabilities. One deadline has already been blown and officials are still figuring out a new timeline.
What Fascism Really Is — And What It Isn't (bigthink.com)
We often hear rhetoric comparing certain political leaders and moments to Fascism. But, is that accurate? Perhaps more importantly, is that a good thing?
Aerobility Launches 'Flying Stars' Campaign to Showcase the Triumphs of Disabled Flyers (ablemagazine.co.uk)
Inspirational videos celebrating the remarkable stories of disabled people whose lives have been changed for the better after discovering the magic and wonder of flight through charity Aerobility are at the centre of a new on-line campaign.
That’s Entertainment! The Continued Exploration of The New Disability Aesthetic (Part Three) (linkedin.com)
In recognizing this new aesthetic of disability, representation plays a central role in characterizing its modern definition. Yet, throughout this evolution, it is critical to identify that this representation is not solely defined by artistic endeavors alone, but rather a blend of commercial, organizational, and entrepreneurial efforts reinforcing a new way of thinking and reimagining the disability narrative for a new age. Through this fresh approach, it is important to highlight some key players at the vanguard of shaping this new reality.
That’s Entertainment! The Continued Exploration of The New Disability Aesthetic (Part Three) (linkedin.com)
In recognizing this new aesthetic of disability, representation plays a central role in characterizing its modern definition. Yet, throughout this evolution, it is critical to identify that this representation is not solely defined by artistic endeavors alone, but rather a blend of commercial, organizational, and entrepreneurial efforts reinforcing a new way of thinking and reimagining the disability narrative for a new age. Through this fresh approach, it is important to highlight some key players at the vanguard of shaping this new reality.
Kickboxing my Disability (michellesmission.net)
Group exercise classes at my local YMCA are one of my favorite activities. I love attending class and enjoying non-competitive physical activity with other participants. One of my favorite classes in the past has been Kickboxing. I loved to kick and punch away the stress of the day.
Kurt Fearnley: Disability 'segregation' needs to end (abc.net.au)
Kurt Fearnley, Chair of the NDIA says the segregation of Australians with a disability needs to end, and the timelines to achieve that recommended by the Disability Royal Commission are realistic.
MTA welcomes wheelchair securement system to one of its Ford E-450 vans (masstransitmag.com)
The new wheelchair securement system currently being tested includes improved visual design and prominent yellow markers, allowing drivers to quickly and safely strap in wheelchairs and prevent them from moving.
Rethinking Design through Disabled Perspectives (thejewelrylibrary.com)
An online presentation with multi-sensory artist, designer, and educator Sugandha Gupta in celebration of World Blindness Awareness Month.
2. Disability and Technology Spotlight Series 2023 With Os Keyes (pod.link)
AI and Its Complex Tapestry in Society About this EpisodeIn the second episode of the lABLEd Podcast's spotlight series on Disability and Technology, hosts Alice and Lucy engage in a captivating conversation with Os Keyes, a PhD candidate at the University of Washington who is at the forefront of research at the intersection of gender, technology, disability, and AI. Os Keyes, an Ada Lovelace Fellowship recipient with publications in prestigious journals, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.Tune in as Alice, Lucy, and Os explore the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), shedding light on what AI is and how it can potentially benefit society. They delve into the fascinating ways AI is being used to address challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, from assistive technologies to accessibility solutions.However, this episode doesn't shy away from the critical issues surrounding the use of AI in our modern world. The hosts and Os Keyes candidly discuss the ethical dilemmas, biases, and pitfalls that arise when AI is deployed without careful consideration. They examine the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly concerning disability.Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion as we navigate the intricate landscape of AI and its complex relationship with gender, disability, and technology. Discover the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations that accompany the integration of AI into our lives in this era. Don't miss this eye-opening episode of the lABLEd Podcast, where the future of technology and its impact on diverse communities is explored in depth.About the Show & How to SupportSupport this PodcastLike LABLEd Podcast on FacebookTweet lABLEd PodcastFollow LABLEd Podcast on InstagramGot a comment or Question? Email us!lABLEd Podcast is currently self-funded. Please consider donating to our GoFundMeProduction TeamHosts: Alice Evans, Daisy Holder, and Lucy WoodEditor: Adam HullTranscription: Tania MartinsMusic: Maisy Crunden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How return-to-office mandates could affect workers with disabilities (axios.com)
Transportation and workplace accessibility are among the concerns for people with disabilities returning to the office.
How My Mother Taught Me the Magic of Loving My Little Person Reflection (thebodyisnotanapology.com)
Were you intentional in countering the messaging I’d get from the outside world when you’d talk to me? I never heard you say a negative thing about your body, not once.
Twitter and Inaccessible “Voice Notes” (accessability.substack.com)
I am so bleeping over apologies from companies for ableist behavior.
Filmmaker Suri Ellerton, Her EDS Journey & New Film Highlighting The Challenges Of Disabled Parents (lm.facebook.com)
Suri Ellerton is a filmmaker based in New York, has three children, and lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and various comorbid conditions. In this interview with Chronic Pain Partners' Karina Sturm, Ellerton shares her EDS journey, what it means to be a disabled parent, and how her own experiences relate to her latest film project, "The Game."
13% of Americans have a disability—what this means during the job application process (cnbc.com)
For the over 40 million Americans with a disability, choosing whether or not to self-identify can be daunting. Here is what you need to know, says an expert.
Why disabled people struggle to book hotels (washingtonpost.com)
A Supreme Court case has sparked a conversation about the challenges disabled people face in finding accessible lodging when they travel.
Meet Arwyn Swanger, Disability Advocate (mydiversability.com)
Meet Arwyn Swanger, Disability Advocate as she shares her journey to diagnosis and relief.
Elon Musk’s Choice To Remove Headlines From X Is Ableist (themarysue.com)
Elon Musk has made yet another disastrous decision.
2022 Portraits of Empowerment (aapd.com)
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to present our 2022 Portrait of Empowerment series, which features our AAPD Summer Interns.