January Digital Accessibility Roundup

This month's A11y Roundup is powered by Kyndryl

Welcome to Disability: IN’s monthly round up of digital accessibility news for January.

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.

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

Setting Alexa Plus to Automatically Find the Lowest Prices for Items: A Game Changer

Instead of constantly refreshing pages or navigating cluttered apps to catch a deal, you can now simply identify an item, add it to your Amazon cart or wish list, and tell Alexa the exact price you are willing to pay. Once that price drops to your specified threshold, Alexa Plus secures the bag—literally—by automatically purchasing the item for you.

Gemini3.0 (Live Mode) describes live video in real time & may replace Siri!

For blind and low vision individuals, Gemini 3.0 changes the game by offering robust, real-time accessibility functions. Thanks to its enhanced computer vision and live descriptive assistance, u0sers can ask Gemini to describe their surroundings, read labels, or provide navigation support using a smartphone camera or smart glasses. The new Live Video Mode extends this further, providing hands-free verbal feedback while a user points their phone at a scene or object. In addition, Gemini’s ability to create, summarize, and read documents aloud dramatically improves independence and efficiency for anyone navigating content with a screen reader.

5 assistive apps making impact in 2025

This article highlights five impactful apps that enhance independence for users with disabilities. Each app focuses on human support and community collaboration rather than relying solely on AI, ensuring that users receive necessary assistance in various everyday contexts.

Five accessibility trends to watch in 2026

Accessibility methodology continues to mature. In many organizations, it is moving beyond ad hoc remediation toward more structured, repeatable practices. Even as enforcement signals vary by region, organizations that operate across jurisdictions or sell into markets with stronger accessibility expectations still need a sustainable approach. 

SignGlasses with Monique Clark

Monique Clark discusses SignGlasses, a technology that provides real-time interpreting and captioning services via glasses, enhancing communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The platform fosters inclusion by allowing users to interact in various settings, from classrooms to theme parks, while maintaining eye contact during experiences.

This Hidden iOS Feature Customizes The Way Your AirPods Sound

Thanks to the Headphones Accommodation feature in iOS and iPadOS 14or later, you'll be able to fine-tune your AirPods for a more personalized listening experience.

Meet GoodMaps, the app that makes traveling through CVG more accessible

GoodMaps, an app that helps people navigate through indoor spaces,is now active at CVG.

The app has tools to help those who are visually impaired or hard of hearing, wheelchair users and people who speak different languages.

"GoodMaps offers a very simple solution to help navigate those individuals around a very complex, strategic environment, such as an airport," said CVG Chief Innovation Officer Brian Cobb.

When Download Links Aren’t Links: A Critical Accessibility Failure in AI Tools Blind People Depend On

a recent shift in how ChatGPT delivers generated files has created a new accessibility barrier — one that directly harms the very users who could benefit most from the technology.

2025 – A year in recap – Windows Accessibility

This post reflects on the advancements made in Windows Accessibility over the year, emphasizing the collaboration with the disability community. Highlights include features like Fluid Dictation and improvements invoice access and Narrator, aiming to enhance user experience and inclusivity.

Forrester Research: As technology has evolved, so has the need for accessibility.

This new study, based on a 2025 online survey of 3,901 US consumers, confirms what many of us know: accessible technology empowers everyone. And with the rise of AI, we’re entering a new era of possibility. 

7 ways we’re making Android more accessible

In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities tomorrow, we’re excited to share several new accessibility features on Android that make it easier to see your screen, communicate with others and interact with the world.

Using the Meta Smart Glasses to play a Video Game! How helpful is it?

Explore the experiences of a visually impaired gamer utilizing Meta Smart Glasses to enhance gameplay. Highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of this technology, the discussion offers insights into its effectiveness in navigating video game environments.

Southwest Joins Delta, United Airlines In Supporting iOS 26 Boarding Pass Feature

Southwest Airlines has embraced the new boarding pass feature in Apple Wallet, joining Delta and United Airlines. The feature enhances accessibility for travelers with tools such as real-time flight tracking,integrated airport maps, and luggage tracking, making air travel more convenient and inclusive.

ADA’s New 2026 Deadline: What Tech Vendors Need To Know

If your company builds websites, apps, or digital services for cities, counties, school districts, or any other state or local government body in the US—there’s a major accessibility deadline coming your way.

Lenovo,the global technology leader, whose partnership realizes founder Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan’s vision that every device should include accessibility as standard.

Restoring connection to those silenced by disability. Multi-Agent AI Solution Restores Voice, Presence, and Agency to Millions Launched at AI Summit New York

Ahead of Holidays, Target Launches First-of-its-Kind Accessible Self-Checkout Nationwide

Accessible design created with the blind community to debut in stores this holiday season Features tactile controller, audio prompts and guest-first technology for independent checkout 

Part of Target's ongoing investment in accessibility and joyful shopping experiences