Category: Uncategorized

1. Pennsylvania Enhances Health Insurance Appeals Process with Accessible Website: Pennsylvania has launched an accessible website dedicated to the health insurance appeals process. This initiative is part of the state’s effort to make health services more inclusive and accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities. The website aims to provide a user-friendly, navigable, and compliant platform in line with accessibility standards. (Caroline Nihill, State Scoop)
2. Maryland Launches AI Initiatives and Digital Accessibility Policy: Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed an executive order to explore and implement AI technology in state operations. The order also includes initiatives to improve digital services and accessibility across state platforms, ensuring all Maryland residents have equal access to digital content, irrespective of their abilities. This initiative highlights a commitment to modernizing government operations while maintaining responsible AI use and cybersecurity. (Brenda Wintrode, Baltimore Banner)
3. Colorado Community College System Enhances Digital Accessibility with YuJa Panorama: The Colorado Community College System (CCCS), encompassing 13 colleges, has adopted YuJa Panorama Digital Accessibility Platform to improve the accessibility and engagement of their learning experiences. This move aims to meet the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and provide comprehensive media solutions for over 114,000 students. (Business Wire)
4. Esri Federal GIS Conference to Feature Accessibility Sessions: The Esri Federal GIS Conference, scheduled for February 2024 in Washington D.C., will host sessions focused on digital accessibility in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These sessions will cover accessibility standards for federal agencies, best practices for integrating accessibility into GIS applications, and the use of assistive technologies. This initiative is a part of Esri’s commitment to creating accessible GIS solutions. (JessicaMccall, Esri)
5. Federal Tech Leadership Urged to Prioritize Digital Accessibility in 2024: A call for action has been made to federal technology leaders to advance digital accessibility. Emphasizing the importance of making government digital platforms intuitive and accessible, this initiative aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, seniors, non-native speakers, and others. The approach includes understanding and implementing regulatory frameworks, adopting best practices, and addressing barriers in technology and culture to create an inclusive digital government. (Ran Ronen, Federal Times)

1. Education – UMass Amherst Announces Digital Equity and Inclusion Week: UMass Amherst’s third annual Digital Equity and Inclusion Week will be held from February 26 to March 1, 2024. The week will focus on awareness and engagement, with themes including elevating digital equity and inclusion, expanding resources and learning options, and providing opportunities for meaningful discussions. The schedule of events, including panels, workshops, and discussions, will cover topics such as accessibility in tech, universal design, and 3D printing for accessibility. The university is also offering an online training course on Disability Culture & Inclusion in the workplace. Various members of the UMass Amherst community shared their experiences and perspectives on accessibility and inclusion. (UMass Amherst)
2. Merchandising – Zappar Discusses Accessible QR Codes on Product Packaging: Accessible QR (AQR) codes aim to improve accessibility for the visually impaired, offering features like text-to-speech and larger fonts. They combine a standard QR code with a dot-dash pattern, making them accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. AQR codes have gained traction with businesses in consumer packaged goods who value enhanced accessibility and compliance with upcoming regulatory changes. They provide crucial product information to the 315 million people worldwide with sight loss. The codes can be scanned with popular accessibility apps like Microsoft SeeingAI and Envision. They are a simple, scalable, and structured solution for inclusive product packaging. Brands like Unilever, Bayer, and Diageo have already adopted AQR codes. AQR codes support the transition from UPC to GS1 Digital Link standards and meet global standards for product identification and information sharing. (Zappar).
3. Global Health – Insights on Australian Accessibility and Disability topics for 2024: Briar Harte’s article focuses on upcoming changes in disability and accessibility in Australia. These changes include NDIS policy reform, the establishment of a Disability Rights Act and National Disability Commission, updates to the Web Advisory Notes in the Disability Discrimination Act, evolution of employment programs for people with disabilities, and the embedding of standards for accessible housing and building. The notes also encourage readers to consider how accessibility contributes to their interests, what they need to unlearn or adjust, and how to include more disabled voices on social media. (Briar Harte)
4. Business – SHRM Highlights Key Strategies for Website Accessibility: The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) outlines crucial steps for making websites accessible to people with disabilities, emphasizing legal compliance and practical guidelines. According to SHRM, employers and business owners should ensure that their websites are accessible to people with disabilities to foster positive interactions and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Businesses should develop a web accessibility policy, create an accessibility statement, conduct user testing, and provide staff training on accessible web practices. (SHRM)

1. Pew Research Center Analyzes U.S. Teens’ Internet and Device Usage: Pew Research Center released a fact sheet on the patterns and trends of U.S. teens’ internet usage and their access to different technology devices. This includes data on how many teens use the internet daily and the proportion of teens online almost constantly Pew Research Center. (Pew Research Center)
2. American Council on Education includes Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM-HIGH) Act in 2024 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda: The American Council on Education (ACE) has incorporated the Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM-HIGH) Act into its 2024 legislative and regulatory agenda. This inclusion reflects ACE’s commitment to enhancing accessibility in higher education, specifically by advocating for policies that ensure instructional materials are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. The AIM-HIGH Act is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and equal access to educational resources in higher education institutions (American Council on Education).
3. 90 Seconds Lists Increased Desire for Accessible Content as a Video Marketing Trend for 2024: The 90 Seconds report, “Attention Spans are Shorter Than Your Coffee Break: A Deep Dive into 2024 Video Trends,” identifies a rising demand for accessible content in video marketing as a key trend for 2024. This shift is driven by an increasing awareness of disability rights, technological advancements in accessibility features, and changing demographics. The report underscores the importance of ADA compliance and the need for content that caters to a diverse audience, including those with hearing loss and multilingual users (90 Seconds).
4. LLC Buddy Unveils Key Digital Accessibility Statistics: LLC Buddy published statistics on digital accessibility, including an increase in accessibility lawsuits, the prevalence of accessibility issues on federal websites, and the economic influence of people with disabilities (LLC Buddy).

1. KFF Study Examines Challenges for Working-Age Adults with Disabilities: Kaiser Family Foundation published an examination on data about working-age adults living with disabilities. The study noted that more than one-in-ten working-age adults have a disability, with most not receiving public disability income. Fewer than a third of these adults receive income from social security programs. The study highlights the financial challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the need for more accessible social security benefits​. (Kaiser Family Foundation)
2. Pakistan’s Digital Rights Foundation Sets a Six-Point Agenda: The Digital Rights Foundation in Pakistan is spearheading a movement to enhance digital rights and accessibility. Their six-point agenda aims to guide political parties in crafting inclusive and accessible digital policies. This agenda is especially relevant for political parties and their electoral manifestos, aiming to enhance digital accessibility and rights within the country. Such initiatives are crucial in ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive and accessible to all, including people with disabilities (Digital Rights Foundation Pakistan).
3. AbleDocs Discusses the Growing Consolidation in the Digital Accessibility Industry: The digital accessibility industry is experiencing consolidation, driven by stringent regulations and the need for compliance. This trend includes mergers and partnerships, expanding into areas like mobile app accessibility, AI-based solutions, and virtual reality. While this brings challenges such as reduced competition, it also presents opportunities for standardizing practices and creating comprehensive solutions​. (AbleDocs)
4. Accessibility in Entertainment and Customer Support: BarrierBreak’s December 2023 roundup captures the most recent developments in digital accessibility, including legal updates, technological innovations, and various global initiatives. In the roundup, Microsoft has introduced an AI visual support tool for blind and low-vision customers, using GPT-4 to provide instant assistance. Netflix has also been recognized for its rule-breaking audio descriptions in ‘All The Light We Cannot See’, pointing to greater triumphs in accessibility​. (Barrier Break)
5. Ad Hoc Offers Guidance on Starting Digital Accessibility Programs: In a recent publication, Ad Hoc provides a step-by-step guide to initiating and managing digital accessibility programs within organizations. This guide is a valuable resource for understanding the nuances of digital accessibility implementation. (Ad Hoc)

1. AudioEye drops lawsuit against Adrian Roselli: On January 3, 2024, Adrian Roselli, a prominent figure in the digital accessibility community, announced on his blog that AudioEye, a company specializing in digital accessibility overlays, has dropped its lawsuit against him. The suit, which had drawn considerable attention within the accessibility community, was perceived by many as a strategic attempt to silence criticism and debate around the efficacy of accessibility overlays. Roselli’s outspoken critique of such overlays, including those offered by AudioEye, has been a part of his advocacy for more effective and comprehensive accessibility solutions. The dismissal of the lawsuit is seen as a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about the best practices for digital accessibility and underscores the importance of open discourse in this field. (Adrian Roselli Blog)
2. Upcoming ADA Virtual Conference: The 2024 Americans with Disabilities Act Virtual Conference will be addressing critical issues in accessibility and inclusive policy developments. (Public Health Institute)
3. Advancements in Dental Care Accessibility: Dentsply Sirona announced a partnership with iADH to increase dental care access for people living with disabilities. This collaboration supports the University of Pennsylvania’s Care Center for Persons with Disabilities, providing customized oral health care treatment and equipping operatories with necessary tools. (AEGIS dental network)
4. Technological Innovations: Developments in AI and assistive technologies continue to shape digital accessibility. There’s a trend towards autonomous assistive vehicles and customization in assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs tailored to individual needs. Additionally, brain-machine interfaces are being explored for users with impaired movement. (AAL-Persona)
5. Legal Updates: There are 19 new laws, ordinances, or regulations effective in the first quarter of 2024, impacting disability management programs. These include changes in paid sick leave, leaves of absence, and workers’ compensation across various states like California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Illinois. (Disability Management Employer Coalition)

Education:

• University of Rochester’s Digital Accessibility: The University of Rochester’s new policy and dedicated team demonstrate a commitment to creating inclusive digital spaces in education, with a focus on training and resources for the University community .
• Ohio State University’s Digital Accessibility Efforts: The Office of Technology and Digital Innovation at Ohio State University announced updates aimed at improving digital accessibility and security in educational tools. These updates include pronoun synchronization in CarmenCanvas and CarmenZoom and the introduction of multi-factor authentication in various eLearning tools.

Corporate Sector:

• Acquisition of UserWay by Level Access: UserWay, known for its accessibility AI technologies, has been acquired by Level Access. This acquisition, valued at approximately $98.7 million, highlights the growing importance of digital accessibility solutions in the corporate sector.

  Legal:

• Hunthausen v. Johnny Was, LLC: In this case, a blind plaintiff sued Johnny Was, a clothing store, because its website was inaccessible. The court’s decision in favor of the plaintiff emphasized the legal requirements for businesses to comply with digital accessibility standards under the ADA and Unruh Civil Rights Act. This case is significant as it underscores the legal implications for businesses in terms of digital accessibility.

International:

• France’s New Fines for Inaccessible Administration Websites:  France has implemented a new policy where administration websites that are not fully accessible to people with disabilities face a fine of 50,000 euros. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the French government to make online services more accessible, with the goal to make common online procedures fully accessible by the end of 2025  (sorry for the spammy link, couldn’t find anything less spammy in English)

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m joining Harvard Medical School as a full-time Associate in Biomedical Informatics.

In my role at the Humans in Data Integration, Visualization, and Exploration (HiDIVE) Lab directed by Dr. Nils Gehlenborg, I’ll be dedicated to tackling the barriers in digital accessibility that prevent people with disabilities from fully engaging with biomedical resources. This is not just about technology – it’s about shaping an inclusive biomedical landscape where every individual, including those with disabilities, can actively contribute to and benefit from biological and medical advancements. When biomedicine is accessible to all, the research is richer, the education is more comprehensive, and healthcare is more effective for everyone.

As I embark on this new tour of duty, I recognize the pivotal role of collaboration in this mission. Let’s Connect! If you’re championing digital accessibility, have insights pertinent to this journey, or see opportunities for collaboration, please reach out. Together, we can shape a future where biology and medicine are not just pursuits for the “able-bodied,” but inclusively designed for all.

Thank you to Jason Silverstein and Naomi Hein for introducing me to the faculty of Harvard Medical School Department of Biomedical Informatics, Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, Neal Baer and Jay Winsten for your mentorship, Kyle Shachmut and Evan J. Walsh, M.A. for your advice, Liz Zonarich, Rachel Kolb, Emma Stone, Tziona Chernoff and my friends from Michael Ashley Stein’s Disability Law and Policy course for your support, and Nils Gehlenborg for the opportunity.