Recent News & Blogs

UN - Equal Legal Rights, Access to Justice Crucial to Implementation of Disabilities Convention, Say Speakers as Conference of States Parties Continues

Participating in a round table discussion titled “Equal recognition before the law, access to justice and support and decision-making”, many Government, civil society and disability–rights representatives conveyed the message that people with disabilities -- be they blind, deaf, mentally or intellectually challenged -- should be on an equal footing with their non-disabled counterparts in all aspects of life, and actively involved in decisions affecting their lives, in keeping with the concept “nothing about us, without us”. The meeting specifically addressed article 12 of the Convention on the right of disabled persons to equal legal recognition, capacity and support before the law, and article 13 on their right to equal access to justice as well as support and accommodation in the justice process. [Read more about the article: UN - Equal Legal Rights, Access to Justice Crucial to Implementation of Disabilities Convention, Say Speakers as Conference of States Parties Continues...]

Stimulus funding providing internships for people with disabilities

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) Vocational Rehabilitation Services will pay for the internships using part of its $6.3 million federal economic stimulus allocation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. [Read more about the article: Stimulus funding providing internships for people with disabilities...]

Former Woodrow track star hopes to shine at Deaflympics in Taiwan

Delvin Furlough struggles to hear and speak. With ease, he lets his feet do some swift talking. And half a world away from Oak Cliff, and the streets he ran as a kid, the 20-year-old racer will soon communicate for his country – at the international Deaflympics. [Read more about the article: Former Woodrow track star hopes to shine at Deaflympics in Taiwan...]

Deal helps disabled dispute credit card charges

A national credit card company has agreed to do a better job serving customers who are blind or deaf after it told a vision-impaired New Yorker she had to complete a written form to dispute a charge. New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced the agreement Tuesday with HSBC Card Services Inc. The company will make several changes in customer service and on its Web site to help customers with vision or hearing loss or other disabilities challenge charges on their accounts. The company has millions of customers nationwide, but there was no figure on how many are disabled. Cuomo's investigation into the issue throughout the industry continues [Read more about the article: Deal helps disabled dispute credit card charges...]

Land mine victims face bleak prospects: survey (Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia)

Whereas Cambodia has made marked improvements in the medical care and physical rehabilitation of land mine survivors, economic integration and employment opportunities are still lagging, according to the report, which drew on the responses of 78 survivors. Chhay Sorn, a 47-year-old land mine survivor, said in an interview Thursday that the bleak job outlook prompted him to move from his native Kandal province to Phnom Penh five years ago. He now earns between US$1 and $2 each day begging money from tourists on Sisowath Quay. He said he was injured in a land mine explosion in Pailin while fighting the Khmer Rouge in 1981. After he recovered, an NGO trained him to make artificial legs and wheelchairs, he said, but the money he was able to earn with that training was insufficient, even though he was unmarried and had no children. [Read more about the article: Land mine victims face bleak prospects: survey (Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia)...]

Bionic Circuitry Could Soon Cure Paralysis

Experts from the University of Washington have recently managed a significant breakthrough in treating paralysis, when they have created a set of circuity that allows a monkey with a temporal disability in a wrist to move it. The circuits and wires, controlled by a central unit, bypassed a nerve that had been sedated for the purpose of the experiment, so as to prevent electrical impulses from the brain reaching the wrist. The movements were entirely performed through the use of bionic electronics, NewScientist reports. [Read more about the article: Bionic Circuitry Could Soon Cure Paralysis...]

Why People With Disabilities Are Mourning the Loss of Edward "Ted" Kennedy

Senator Kennedy was the biggest champion in the United States Congress for people with disabilities. In addition to advocating for the rights and equality of anybody who didn't have the advantages he had growing up, Senator Kennedy was involved personally with two disabled family members. He grew up with an older sister, Rosemary, who was mentally challenged. His sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who passed away very recently, started the Special Olympics, which recognizes the athletic skills of people with disabilities. Later, Senator Kennedy's son, Teddy Jr., was diagnosed with bone cancer at just 12 years of age. Teddy Jr. lost one leg, and had to learn to walk with a prosthetic leg. He was permanently disabled, and Teddy Sr. would never let him give up trying to lead a normal life. He also advocated for people with addictions and mental illness, when his other son, Patrick [Democratic Rep., RI], sought treatment for depression and addiction to painkillers. [Read more about the article: Why People With Disabilities Are Mourning the Loss of Edward "Ted" Kennedy...]

Sports And The Disabled: A look at African American Disabled History

Among inland African countries like Northern Benin, Niger, Eastern Nigeria, and Chad, the disabled children became kings and queens. Some African communities saw it as a sign from the heavens that blessed them with this child that looked different. The chances of survival were not good if you were born disabled on the African West Coast. The disabled child was taken to the ocean and thrown in to drown and die. Some remote places in Asia, Latin America and Africa still practice this prehistoric archaic act. Black and white slave traders would capture parents of disabled children, leaving them to die. [Read more about the article: Sports And The Disabled: A look at African American Disabled History...]

Gallaudet University Announces 4 Finalists for President

Gallaudet University officials named four finalists Wednesday in the search for the next president of the nation's premier college for the deaf and hard of hearing, signaling that the school is near the conclusion of a process that sparked mass protests and arrests last time. [Read more about the article: Gallaudet University Announces 4 Finalists for President...]

DEED invests $1.5 Million in internships for people with disabilities

Beginning Sept. 1, about $1.5 million will be available to finance as many as 169 paid internships for Minnesotans who have significant disabilities. Funding for the internship program runs through Sept. 30, 2011. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Vocational Rehabilitation Services will pay for the internships using part of its $6.3 million federal economic stimulus allocation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. [Read more about the article: DEED invests $1.5 Million in internships for people with disabilities...]

CAAGs Video Remote Interpreting Revolutionizes Interpreting Services For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing

Millions of Americans are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and communicating with them both efficiently and cost-effectively has for many years challenged business, education and law enforcement communities, to name a few. Houston-based Communication Axess Ability Group (CAAG) has unveiled a revolutionary new suite of products and services that meet and overcome this challenge. CAAG's Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) uses real-time video conferencing that allows for speedier access to quality interpreting services provided by certified sign language interpreters, removing the barriers to effective communication that exist between those who are hearing and those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We think VRI drastically changes the way many business, educational, and healthcare entities communicate with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing [Read more about the article: CAAGs Video Remote Interpreting Revolutionizes Interpreting Services For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing...]

U.P.S. Is Sued Over Disabilities Policy

In a lawsuit filed Thursday in a federal court in Chicago, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said U.P.S. had since at least 2002 had an “inflexible” 12-month leave policy that did not provide for “reasonable accommodation” for disabled employees and instead called for their termination. The agency accused UPS of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and federal civil rights law. [Read more about the article: U.P.S. Is Sued Over Disabilities Policy ...]

State should license dogs that assist the disabled

It's time to keep grocery stores and restaurants from going to the dogs.The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced recently that it will begin a public awareness campaign next month to remind Oregonians that it is illegal for any critter other than a service animal to enter a grocery store or an eating establishment. [Read more about the article: State should license dogs that assist the disabled...]

Continuing travails of disabled Filipinos

Filipinos with disabilities continue to suffer from discriminatory acts. I have in the past written about banks that have turned away blind customers and rejected their applications to open accounts. In another case, Cebu Pacific asked 10 deaf passengers to disembark on a flight to Boracay after they were already seated inside the plane. They had to be properly accompanied in order to be treated as “regular passengers.” The irony was that many members of the group were foreigners who had flown all the way to Manila without any hitch—and without being required to be properly accompanied. Worse, it took so much following up before they got their refund, and they didn’t even get the full amount. (Cebu Pacific has since rectified the policy and now accepts “unescorted deaf guests” after they had been briefed by the cabin attendants.) [Read more about the article: Continuing travails of disabled Filipinos...]

North Wales universities lack disabled access

DISABLED students are being denied access to university libraries, bars and leisure facilities. An investigation by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign revealed Wrexham's Glyndr University does not have disabled access to all of its teaching rooms, study rooms and libraries. [Read more about the article: North Wales universities lack disabled access ...]

King on board with accessibility standards (Canada)

King councillors stated last week they are on board with the accessibility standards for customer service, which will come into effect in the New Year. The program is to serve public sector organizations. The program tries to remove barriers that customers with disabilities frequently face. Under accessibility legislation, Ontario's first standard for customer service is about to become law. The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service set out rules that businesses and organizations must follow to serve customers with disabilities. [Read more about the article: King on board with accessibility standards (Canada)...]

Persons with disabilities are valuable human resource: India

Stating that persons with disabilities are a valuable human resource, India today told a UN meet that it was committed to ensure that they not only enjoy their rights, but also are provided opportunities to lead their life to their fullest potential. Also Read Related Stories News Now - Reliance Comm spurts 5% on Infratel IPO plans - Religare expects to close Rs 600 cr PE fund by Apr '10 - India dares opponents of UNSC expansion for a straw poll - Spreading darkness - Hyundai selects Turkey for i20 output - Suman Bery: Mood Music Also Read Related Stories News Now - Sensex slips for fourth day - Mobile number portability not before Dec 31: DoT - Godrej Security plans to achieve Rs 1,000 cr turnover in 4 yrs - Moody's raises India's growth forecast to 6.4% for FY10 - R-Money exits Wall Street Finance; sells 36.8% stake More "We will continue our commitment to ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy their rights as well as are provided with appropriate opportunities to lead their life to their fullest potential," said Sangita Gairola, the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, at the conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at UN General Assembly. [Read more about the article: Persons with disabilities are valuable human resource: India...]

Implementation Guides to help Canadian air carriers better serve travellers who are blind or have a visual impairment

The Canadian Transportation Agency has released two Implementation Guides to help Canadian air carriers better serve travellers who are blind or have a visual impairment. [Read more about the article: Implementation Guides to help Canadian air carriers better serve travellers who are blind or have a visual impairment ...]

Tourism e-accessibility and e-inclusion

In their effort to find niche markets, the tourist destinations have finally realised that disabled people constitute an advanced market with advanced needs and lot of perspectives; a market that belongs among the most loyal groups of clients. Let’s not forget that Europe is getting older and the obligations of the countries members of the European Union (http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/einclusion/index_en.htm) increase, therefore more and more opportunities are given to the disabled individuals to travel under the same circumstances as the rest of the citizens [Read more about the article: Tourism e-accessibility and e-inclusion...]

No way ahead - the policy barrier faced by drivers with disabilities (UK)

Scores of UK motor insurers are dodging anti-discrimination laws by refusing to cover people with disabilities, using a loophole designed to exclude boy racers with heavily modified cars. Up to 10% of the country's 35 million driving-licence holders are estimated to be disabled. This includes [Read more about the article: No way ahead - the policy barrier faced by drivers with disabilities (UK)...]

Living in an Audio World (Captioned and Signed Video)

How does someone, who can’t hear, or work in a noisy environment, be [Read more about the article: Living in an Audio World (Captioned and Signed Video)...]

National Legislative Measures Aimed at Strengthening Rights of Persons with Disabilities Focus, as States Parties to Convention Open Session

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro urged Member States this morning to without delay sign, ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities -- a landmark document that provided a solid norm for advancing the human rights of the 650 million people worldwide with disabilities -- as well as its Optional Protocol. Addressing the opening of the second session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Migiro said that, since the Convention’s entry into force in May 2008, 66 States had ratified it and 44 had ratified its Optional Protocol, while 142 States had signalled their commitment by signing the text. [Read more about the article: National Legislative Measures Aimed at Strengthening Rights of Persons with Disabilities Focus, as States Parties to Convention Open Session...]

Injectable Biomaterial Regenerates Brain Tissue In Traumatic Injuries

An injectable biomaterial gel may help brain tissue grow at the site of a traumatic brain injury, according to findings by a Clemson University bioengineer. [Read more about the article: Injectable Biomaterial Regenerates Brain Tissue In Traumatic Injuries...]

ASSESSMENT OF 34 TOURISM-RELATED BUSINESSES FINDS 18 ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED Canada)

Each business was rated on a three-point scale based on accessibility for people with mobility challenges, people who are visually impaired and people who have hearing impairments. For example, [Read more about the article: ASSESSMENT OF 34 TOURISM-RELATED BUSINESSES FINDS 18 ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED Canada)...]

Talking TV technology to bridge the disability divide

There are less fortunate people in the world unable to enjoy the brilliant sights and sounds offered by the latest home A/V technologies. Fortunately, help is on the way in the form of a new "Talking TV" technology tailored for the visual and hearing impaired, dyslexic, and elderly. [Read more about the article: Talking TV technology to bridge the disability divide...]

Special Needs Equipment Rentals Save the Day for Travelers with Physical Disabilities

For the 53 million Americans with limited mobility, oxygen requirements or other form of physical limitation who want to travel, Special Needs at Sea, (http://www.specialneedsatsea.com), part of Special Needs Group, Inc., helps make travel easier and a reality. As importantly, the wheelchair, scooter, oxygen and other rental aides make travel accessible for persons with temporary needs like Gina Morris who rented a scooter when she injured her leg before her cruise, or individuals like Kelly Tetrick who only needs aides when traveling. [Read more about the article: Special Needs Equipment Rentals Save the Day for Travelers with Physical Disabilities...]

Are All Blind Persons Unemployed?

Answer! No! Believe it or not, many blind persons work for a living but sad to say, not nearly enough of us work. [Read more about the article: Are All Blind Persons Unemployed?...]

Leprosy education in MBBS curriculum (Bangladesh )

LEPROSY is not as big a problem in Bangladesh as many diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, typhoid, etc. are. But this disease is not merely a health hazard but also a social problem. Because of the stigma, which also causes self-stigma, the life of the affected person gets devastated. Nine NGOs have been working towards the eradication of this disease under the banner of National Leprosy Elimination Program under the Directorate General of Health Services. [Read more about the article: Leprosy education in MBBS curriculum (Bangladesh )...]

Windows 7: The most accessible Windows yet?

Windows 7, then, offers Microsoft a real opportunity to cut down on the cost of computing for users with disabilities. This hasn't passed Redmond by. Microsoft claims that it now regards accessibility as equal to performance or reliability as a metric by which Windows should be judged, while Michael Bernstein, development lead on the User Interface Platform team has described how his team "wanted to make Windows 7 the most accessible operating system that Microsoft has ever produced." [Read more about the article: Windows 7: The most accessible Windows yet? ...]

Countries gather at UN Headquarters to discuss improving disability rights

Representatives of dozens of countries on Wednesday gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the start of a three-day meeting to map out practical ways to strengthen the rights of the world's estimated 650 million persons with disabilities. The Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will focus on improving rights through national laws and other measures at the country level, UN officials said. [Read more about the article: Countries gather at UN Headquarters to discuss improving disability rights...]

Amazon objects to Google Books settlement in the court

Amazon.com has filed a brief with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Google's proposed settlement with book authors and publishers. Opposing the settlement, the largest online book vendor has argued in the brief that the use of a class-action settlement to obtain the rights to publish “orphan” books "represents an unprecedented rewriting of copyright law through judicial action." [Read more about the article: Amazon objects to Google Books settlement in the court...]

Lets have compassion on People with Disabilities (Ghana)

Everyday PWDs, apart from going through the pain associated with their physical being have to contend with heavy hearts full of pain, depression, anguish and oppression over the way they are treated by society. Society ought to put in mind that being physically challenged was not the idea of the victims, and that it came by accident. The same can happen to anyone, besides, sometimes no matter how careful one is, accidents are bound to occur. [Read more about the article: Lets have compassion on People with Disabilities (Ghana)...]

Bank wants thumbprint from man with no hands

Steve Valdez says he was shocked when he was told he had to put his thumbprint on a check written on his wife's Bank of America check. Valdez says the check was written to him with the same address he has on his driver's license. Although he had two forms of identification both with pictures, the bank still required Valdez to give a thumbprint before it would cash the check. But that was impossible, because Valdez was born without arms and wears prosthetic devices. [Read more about the article: Bank wants thumbprint from man with no hands...]

UN - Conference of States Parties to United Nations Convention Will Consider Measures Aimed at Strengthening National Disability Rights

Countries bound by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will meet in New York on 24 September to explore practical means of strengthening efforts to protect the rights of the 650 million persons with disabilities worldwide, as disability rights have gained new ground since the Convention’s 2006 entry into force. The number of ratifications has more than doubled while a dozen additional countries have joined the treaty. [Read more about the article: UN - Conference of States Parties to United Nations Convention Will Consider Measures Aimed at Strengthening National Disability Rights...]

When a hospital bed is the only home there is (Australia)

Too many disabled adults are on waiting lists for proper residential care. GAYLE Dunlop has been in hospital for 11 weeks, even though she's not sick. But Miss Dunlop, who was born with cerebral palsy, can't leave her bed at the Western Hospital because there's nowhere for her to go. [Read more about the article: When a hospital bed is the only home there is (Australia)...]

Disabled children five times more likely to remain out of school than SC/ST children: WB report (India)

Only 1% of funds under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan are spent on inclusive education; employment of people with disability fell from 43% in 1991 to 38% in 2002 despite strong economic growth; and negative attitudes towards the disabled persist. These are some of the findings of a new World Bank report on disability in India [Read more about the article: Disabled children five times more likely to remain out of school than SC/ST children: WB report (India)...]

Civil Rights, Disability and Education Groups to Discuss Their Support for the Google Books Settlement

A teleconference will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2009 with a group of organizations that have voiced support for a legal settlement reached among authors, publishers, and Google involving the Google Books project. If approved by the Court, the settlement will make millions of books available digitally for all Americans, including those in minority, disability, and other communities that have typically lacked access to information. [Read more about the article: Civil Rights, Disability and Education Groups to Discuss Their Support for the Google Books Settlement...]

Accessible buildings a balancing act (Canada)

If a new accessibility standard becomes law, all new and newly renovated buildings in Ontario will have to meet strict accessibility standards. And, existing buildings may eventually have to make the changes too. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act became law in 2005, with an eye to achieving total accessibility in Ontario by 2025. [Read more about the article: Accessible buildings a balancing act (Canada)...]

Disability not providing road block for NASCAR engineer Richie Parker

Parker was born without arms and stands about five feet tall. But that doesn't stop the 26-year-old from doing most of the things anyone else can do - and then some. Parker is an engineer in the chassis shop at Hendrick Motorsports, designing components and performing meticulous mechanical inspections for NASCAR's equivalent to the New York Yankees. [Read more about the article: Disability not providing road block for NASCAR engineer Richie Parker...]

Warning: Blind Curves Ahead

Receiving a diagnosis of MS, or any serious illness, is a reality shattering event. Despite the initial wave of fear, confusion, and consternation, there is one thing the receiver of such news knows innately; life as they know it will very likely never again be the same. [Read more about the article: Warning: Blind Curves Ahead...]

New Research Examines Effects of Cross Slope on Wheelchair Travel

Various factors affect the accessibility of outdoor surfaces, among them firmness, stability, smoothness, slope, and weather conditions. Surface slopes that run perpendicular to the direction of travel, often referred to as the cross slope, have been identified as a key factor in usability according to several human factor studies involving people who use manual wheelchairs. The Board has initiated further investigation into the impact of cross slope on wheelchair travel through a project undertaken by the Human Engineering Research Laboratory (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh. [Read more about the article: New Research Examines Effects of Cross Slope on Wheelchair Travel...]

[Read more about the article: ...]

Its Not All In Your Head: Descending Neural Mechanisms Of Placebo-induced Pain Control

A new study reveals that when it comes to pain control, the "placebo effect" involves evolutionarily old pain control pathways in the human brainstem, the part of the brain that is continuous with the spinal cord. The research, published by Cell Press in the August 27th issue of the journal Neuron, provides fascinating mechanistic insight into how and why simply expecting that a treatment will reduce pain can act as an effective analgesic. [Read more about the article: Its Not All In Your Head: Descending Neural Mechanisms Of Placebo-induced Pain Control...]

No more pets for me

When I left home I decided to have birds as pets and I never had a day go by without enjoying their wondrous singing and their voices as pure as angels in Heaven... So, why am I saying that "no more pets for me?" Well, here goes. When I was able to see, it was easier to look after the little songsters and it was so much more enjoyable for me to see them fly around. Now however, despite my still enjoying their selfless company, I don't seem to have the confidence anymore. I am constantly afraid of them escaping if I hold the door to the cage open for too long. [Read more about the article: No more pets for me...]

Designing Web Accessibility for a Beautiful Web (Video)

In this video, Andy Clarke shows how using a modern workflow—which includes designing using a Web browser—eliminates common accessibility problems. You will learn how to design accessible content as well as write accessible HTML and XHTML markup and CSS. [Read more about the article: Designing Web Accessibility for a Beautiful Web (Video)...]

Japan robotics experts unveil sci-fi wheelchair

Robotics and medical experts in Japan on Wednesday unveiled the prototype of a new hi-tech electric wheelchair that resembles a scooter and promises greater mobility. Users ride astride the four-wheeled Rodem -- rather than sitting in it, as in a conventional wheelchair -- steer it with a joystick and hold onto motorbike-style handles while the knees and chest rest on cushions. The design allows users to slide more easily on and off the vehicle, lessening reliance on care-givers to lift them, the inventors said. [Read more about the article: Japan robotics experts unveil sci-fi wheelchair...]

The Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR)

Does accessibility mean dumbing your site down? Does accessibility mean giving up all the widget-y, interactive, fun applications that make cutting-edge design so exciting? Is accessibility something that's just for government agency web sites? No, no and decidedly no! In fact, accessible design ensures that your site is optimized for search engines, mobile devices and emerging technologies. And each year, for more than 10 years now, some of the hottest designers in the world prove that good design IS accessible design when they compete in the annual Accessibility Internet Rally! Since 1998, AIR rallies have been held in major cities accross the country including San Francisco, Denver, Atlanta, Austin and more! [Read more about the article: The Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR)...]

Solicitation for Grant Applications for National Technical Assistance, Policy & Research Center for Employers on Employment of People with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy has announced the availability of up to $1.6 million to fund a National Technical Assistance, Policy, and Research Center for Employers on the Employment of People with Disabilities. The Center will conduct research, assist in the development of employer-focused policy, disseminate information, and provide technical assistance to employers and employer organizations on the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. Application deadline is September 10, 2009. [Read more about the article: Solicitation for Grant Applications for National Technical Assistance, Policy & Research Center for Employers on Employment of People with Disabilities ...]

National Summit on Disability Policy 2010: ADA 1990–2010 Retrospective and Future Policy Directions (Washington, July 25–27, 2010)

"A comprehensive dialogue to shape the national disability agenda" Anyone hoping to become a delegate to the summit in July of 2010 should review the Website and complete the application as quickly as possible. A delegate selection will be done later this fall, but people should assure that they do not miss any deadlines. [Read more about the article: National Summit on Disability Policy 2010: ADA 1990–2010 Retrospective and Future Policy Directions (Washington, July 25–27, 2010)...]

Windows 7s Accessibility Features V

Windows 7 includes various keyboard and mouse settings that make them easier to use. For example, normally you use a mouse to open menus, commands, and dialog boxes. If you find it difficult to use the mouse, you can press the corresponding key strokes instead. Not only can this be easier for users with physical challenges but it can also be faster once you become familiar with some of the common keystrokes. [Read more about the article: Windows 7s Accessibility Features V...]

Web Accessibility Is Good PR (Everything PR)

Even small business websites should focus on accessibility and standards compliance. After all it’s the purpose of each business owner to create the best environment for his/her clients in addition to offering the best products. Because, let’s face it, if you don’t present your products in the proper environment they will go unnoticed, and then all the search engine rankings in the world will do you no good. [Read more about the article: Web Accessibility Is Good PR (Everything PR)...]

ATM machines to become disable-friendly soon (India)

Electronic devices like ATM machines that have made our lives easier are likely to become accessible to disabled people too. The information technology ministry has approved a draft on National Policy on Electronic Accessibility prepared by an NGO and will submit it to the central government for approval. [Read more about the article: ATM machines to become disable-friendly soon (India)...]

Web Accessibility for Graphs – Best Practices

Graphs pose particular challenges for those with reduced vision. The University of Illinois has a useful website that provides best practices on overcoming these challenges. [Read more about the article: Web Accessibility for Graphs – Best Practices...]

Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List

It can be a tough job to check out that your system is fully compatible with a new operating system before you install it. To help out assistive technology users, I’m compiling compatibility information for assistive technology and AT-related software. [Read more about the article: Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List ...]

From Web Accessibility To Web Adaptability Talk at Techshare 2009

A proposal for a talk I submitted to the RNIB’s Techshare 2009 conference has been accepted. The talk on “From Web Accessibility to Web Adaptability” will be given on 17 September 2009... This slidecast is available on Slideshare and is embedded below. [Read more about the article: From Web Accessibility To Web Adaptability Talk at Techshare 2009...]

Evaluating Cognitive Web Accessibility

Web accessibility for individuals with cognitive or learning disabilities is varied and complex. It is an area with little definitive research and few concrete recommendations. Even WebAIM's report on cognitive research shows that users with these disabilities are as varied as the common recommendations provided by those in the field of web accessibility. A few important points: [Read more about the article: Evaluating Cognitive Web Accessibility...]

Fall Web Accessibility Events

Here's a list of some conferences and events this fall relating to web accessibility. Please feel free to add more in the comments. Techshare 2009, Standards.Next - Cognition and accessibility, EdUI 2009 Conference, Accessibility 2.0, Closing the Gap,... [Read more about the article: Fall Web Accessibility Events...]

Mobile Phone Accessibility APIs

Interesting to see accessibility APIs becoming available for mobile phones. If you are a developer for either of the major platforms you now have the ability to include accessibility information for your user interface. [Read more about the article: Mobile Phone Accessibility APIs ...]

Gaming Website Just for People with Disabilities

The site, specifically for “disabled gamers,” maintains forums on a range of subjects including News and Announcements, General Discussion, and Off-Topic Discussion, while catering to gamers with various disabilities. Whether you are vision impaired, deaf, have reduced motor control or other barriers to some traditional games, AbleGamers can help you find what you need. [Read more about the article: Gaming Website Just for People with Disabilities...]

Dial up and Accessibility

Telstra gave me a dial-up connection while they sorted out the problem: Back with a thud to the world of (theoretical) 56kbps. I am a bit of a news junky and the Sydney Morning Herald is one of the sites I usually visit several times a day. A habit I very quickly abandoned with dial-up as it was just not possible to get the homepage to fully load at the slower connection speed without turning off images and disabling plug-ins (aka Flash). With a rush of masochistic curiosity I decided to test the dial-up connection times of some sites, including the following: [Read more about the article: Dial up and Accessibility...]

Usability and enterprise applications – a surefire money-saver?

Did you ever wonder if your company might be losing money by not focusing on usability for its enterprise applications – the apps your business uses internally?... It’s important to note that the absence of usability design principles was by no means the fault of the individuals, project teams or companies I worked with. Rather, it was a fundamental flaw in the software development methodologies being used. [Read more about the article: Usability and enterprise applications – a surefire money-saver?...]

Accessibility 2.0 - September 22nd, London

Thankfully it’s back this year and I definitely wont miss it as I’ll be there sharing a panel with Marco Zehe from Mozilla, Damon Rose from BBC Ouch and Veronika Jermolina from AbilityNet on “Accessibility beyond the desktop”. The rest of the speaker line-up is pretty impressive too with Christian giving the keynote, the mighty Steve Faulkner talking about WAI-ARIA and Mark Boulton on accessible design - something that is rarely spoken about enough. [Read more about the article: Accessibility 2.0 - September 22nd, London...]