Assistive Technology

Key insights from Part One of the JVIB Special Issue on Emerging Innovations for People With Visual Impairments.

What if the technology innovations that are designed for the few ultimately redefine the experience for the many? That’s the central premise of a compelling new commentary by Sean Tikkun, of North Carolina Central University, on the future of technology for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Far from being a niche market, the Comment argues that the future of broader technology is "inextricably tied" to the development of assistive technology.

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. From podcasts and blog posts, to inclusive accessibility solutions, public policy, and resources, AFB has you covered. Global accessibility is more than a day for us, it's over 100 years of commitment.

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD)! The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. From podcasts and blog posts, to inclusive accessibility solutions, public policy, and resources, AFB has you covered. Global accessibility is more than a day for us, it's 100 years of commitment.

Tech Notes

An automated scanner is a special piece of software which is mainly designed to scan and test a single web page or an entire website to determine whether or not a web application is compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or Section 508 accessibility regulations.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021, is National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day. AFB is committed to increasing access to AT and other accessible technologies as part of our public policy advocacy, and AccessWorld frequently features new technologies in its monthly issues. In honor of the day, we are highlighting what assistive technology means to people who are blind or have low vision.

On November 24, CNET, a global outlet that publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts and videos on technology and consumer electronics, ran a story titled “How blind engineers are fixing the online job hunt.” The story largely features an interview with Chief Program Officer Megan Aragon as well as the work and mission of AFB Consult

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to join the second AFB Town Hall on the impact of COVID-19 on access to employment and technology for Americans who are blind or have low vision, drawing on findings from the Flatten Inaccessibility Report. A complete archive will be available soon, for anyone who missed the live conversation. As promised, here are some of the resources shared by the presenters and attendees:

On January 17, Huntington, WV-based Marshall University announced that Clio, a free history-based mobile app and website founded by the university, received a nearly $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to improve its accessibility for users who are visually impaired in collaboration with AFB.