Around the web: What we're reading this week

With a number of AFB staff attending the 27th annual CSUN International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference this week, we've been keeping a close eye on the goings-on there. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., Congressman Markey (D-Mass) just introduced an important piece of legislation. In addition to these topics, here are a few stories that caught our attention this week:

• Congressman Ed Markey (press release): Markey Introduces Legislation to Improve Prescription Drug Labeling for the Blind
  In what can only be viewed as good news for the blindness community, Congressman Edward J. Markey introduced H.R 4087, the Prescription Drug Labeling Promotion Act of 2012, to ensure that people who are blind or visually impaired have full access to the information included on their prescription drug labels.
• Wall Street Journal: U.S. Pushes Target for Hiring the Disabled
  The Wall Street Journal examines a possible quota for hiring workers with disabilities for companies that contract with the federal government.
• The Unofficial Apple Weblog: LookTel releases recognizer app for the visually disabled
  LookTel, which came out with the Money Reader app last year, has come out with a new app using the same technology to help people with vision problems to identify common objects.
• Denver Westword: Stevie Wonder: One of the most important figures in black music and American culture
  It's probably no surprise we're big Stevie Wonder fans (in addition to his illustrious career, he's also an Access Award and Helen Keller Achievement Award recipient). This article examines his amazing accomplishments and music career.

CSUN Coverage:

• Sprint (press release): Sprint Launches Code Factory Mobile Accessibility Application for Free to Android Users Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
  Sprint announced Wednesday at CSUN that it has officially launched a free downloadable application providing easier access to an Android smartphone's functionality for customers who are blind or have low vision.
• Karl Groves: What does it take to call yourself an accessibility expert?
  Can you call yourself an accessibility expert if you don't understand disability? Insightful thoughts on an important discussion.
• Accessible Web Design: We need to have a talk with Marketing
  Why marketing teams need to plan with accessibility in mind—and why that's a radical departure from the (marketing) norm.

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