October Digital Accessibility Roundup

Accessibility (a11y) Roundup. Navy blue design of a desktop computer with various accessibility areas, such as Braille display, accessible coding, audio descriptions.

This Month’s Roundup
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Welcome to Disability: IN’s monthly round up of digital accessibility news for October.

At Disability:IN we know that digital accessibility impacts all aspects of disability inclusion. If you have questions about our digital accessibility program, please contact Jeff Wissel, our Chief Accessibility Officer.

Disability:IN Happenings

Just Released: New Research on Upcoming Disability Disclosure Legislation in the EU

There are three new government directives that apply to companies doing business in the European Union (EU). All three of them impact people with disabilities and their involvement in the economy in important ways. For the first time, disability is now officially recognized as a sustainability matter for companies.

Produced in partnership between White & Case, Disability:IN, and Trustlaw, this report provides a detailed roadmap for companies navigating the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), European Accessibility Act (EAA), and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The legal analysis presents insight and implications for businesses around the world.

Read the Press Release

Access the Report

View the supporting briefs, as well as the High-Level and Plain Language summaries.

Spotlight on Disability:IN Partners using technology to enhance the accessibility of products we use every day.

Great Concordian: Jennison Asuncion, digital accessibility guru

In his role as head of Accessibility Engineering Evangelism at LinkedIn, Jennison manages efforts to shape the company’s approach to accessibility.

Jennison Asuncion (external link opens in a new tab), BA 97, MA 01, is a force in the field of digital accessibility whose journey from Montreal to Silicon Valley was motivated by a commitment to drive positive change in the tech industry.

Apple Accessibility

Playlist | YouTube.com | Apple Support

From using your iPhone without seeing the screen, to adapting gestures to your physical needs, discover how the accessibility features built into your Apple devices can help you do more.

Empowering Users to Overcome Disabilities and Learn Salesforce

Learning how to use and customize Salesforce can be a rewarding experience, but it can also present unique challenges for individuals with disabilities. Whether it’s navigating the interface, processing complex data, or communicating effectively with colleagues, users with disabilities may encounter barriers that hinder their learning journey.

Be My Eyes and Meta Announce Accessibility Partnership

Be My Eyes to provide “Call a Volunteer” on Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, unlocking hands-free accessibility for blind and low vision people for the first time

Be My Eyes, the company that connects people who are blind or have low vision with sighted volunteers and companies, through live video and AI, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Meta to provide its award-winning technology on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which blend cutting edge technology with iconic design.

In a market first, the Ray-Ban Meta and Be My Eyes partnership will allow the user to initiate Be My Eyes’ “Call a Volunteer” experience entirely by voice command. Saying “Hey Meta, Call a Volunteer

Deloitte: How higher education can realize the potential of Generative AI

Generative AI represents a seismic shift for higher education institutions, ushering in a level of change comparable to that of the dawn of the internet. Indeed, the technology is so potent—with numerous potential impacts on teaching and learning, operations, and far more—that many administrators and faculty have been more apprehensive than excited about its potential effects on campuses and classrooms. But few disagree that when used effectively, gen AI can be a powerful and intelligent collaborator for students, faculty, and staff

Given the rapid innovation curve of gen AI, it is important for higher education leaders to understand and begin using the technology.

Nestlé moves to assist consumers with sight loss in forging accessible QR codes

As the company explained, its latest QR codes are out now on KitKat two finger multipacks while Quality Street will also host the accessible codes across its permanent range, and comes in response to the fact that in the UK alone, more than two million people are living with sight loss, and around 340,000 of these people are registered as blind or partially sighted.

US: Walmart Rolling Out New Inclusive Accessible Carts At All Missouri Locations

Walmart has introduced ‘Caroline’s Carts,’ specially designed shopping carts for individuals with disabilities and limited mobility, across Missouri and other states. This initiative, aimed at inclusivity, makes shopping easier for caregivers of both children and adults with disabilities, furthering Walmart’s mission of accessibility for all.

IBM & Microsoft Expand AI Accessibility for Tech Skills Gap

Initiatives providing hands-on experience with AI and cloud solutions are crucial in bridging this gap, fostering innovation and driving economic growth across diverse industries worldwide.

Aiming to face this challenge of bridging the technology gap for businesses worldwide, IBM and Microsoft have deepened their partnership by launching three new Experience Zones.

Other Accessibility Highlights for this Month

At Social Security, we strive to make our services more accessible while maintaining customers’ privacy. We installed new kiosks in most of our local offices to make it easier for customers to check in and conduct business with us. The kiosks are private, easy to use without assistance, and provide consistent service to our customers.

DelawarePublic.org | September 16, 2024

Andrew Leland’s memoir highlights how technology, such as AI-powered apps, is transforming accessibility for the blind. As Leland loses his sight, he explores how innovations are helping people with vision impairments navigate daily life. The article discusses the impact of these technologies on independence and inclusion for the blind community.

US: Mystery Of America’s ‘Parkinson’s Belt’ Where Chemicals ‘Are Fueling Frightening Spike In Brain-Wasting Disease’

DailyMail.co.uk | September 17, 2024

Parkinson’s disease rates are increasing in a region dubbed ‘America’s Parkinson’s Belt,’ stretching from Southern California through the sunbelt and rustbelt states. Scientists suspect exposure to farming chemicals and industrial pollutants is responsible for the 50% higher-than-average rate of Parkinson’s in this region, sparking growing health concerns.

US: Amon Carter Museum Of American Art Makes Art Accessible For Those With Vision Differences, Dementia, And Autism

In celebration of Color Blind Awareness Month and World Blindness Awareness Month, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art has introduced new accessibility features. These tools are designed to help visitors with vision differences, dementia, and autism enjoy the museum’s collections and exhibitions.

Jack Fact

According to NIDCD, 15 percent of the US adult population (37.5 million people) experiences some degree of hearing loss, and about 3.6 percent (11 million) are Deaf or have “serious difficulty” hearing. A third of people between the ages of sixty-five and seventy-four have hearing loss, and nearly half of people older than seventy-five do.

Designing Multi-Generational Homes

As the millennial generation continues to mature and evolve, their influence on the real estate market is becoming increasingly significant. One of the notable trends emerging from this demographic is the preference for multi-generational homes. This shift reflects broader societal changes and evolving family dynamics, where millennials are seeking living spaces that cater to diverse family needs and multi-generational living arrangements. This article explores the key considerations and design strategies for creating homes that accommodate the varied requirements of millennial buyers and their families.

Princeton launches digital access guides for more than 200 buildings, advancing physical accessibility on campus

The Princeton Accessibility Guides empower users with the information they need to navigate the inside of campus buildings. Spaces like the Lewis Center for the Arts have been intentionally designed to have accessible pathways throughout. To help ensure people with all abilities can thrive on campus, Princeton has launched an innovative digital guide that provides physical accessibility information for over 200 University buildings.

The Princeton Accessibility Guides(Link is external) feature nearly every building on campus, including academic and administrative buildings, residential colleges, and parking and athletic facilities. Each building has a dedicated page, which also links to guides for lecture halls and other spaces inside the building. Measurements and photographs depicting key elements of the spaces include details on accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms and more.

American breaking point: 41% say they’re at ‘peak stress’ right now

NEW YORK — In a year marked by financial worries and political tension, a new survey has uncovered the staggering impact of stress on everyday Americans. The average person feels their head “spinning” from stress a whopping 156 times per year, translating to about three times a week.