The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter for June 1, 2022 - Issue 6The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is the newsletter by and for the blind and visually impaired by Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan. Content curation sponsored by Top Tech Tidbits. The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter focuses on current lifestyle news and trends for the blind, deaf, deafblind and disabled. Subscribers: 195 opt-in subscribers were sent this issue via email. Dear Blind Lifestyle Subscriber,1) Partner Innovation Buildfor2030: Empowering An Inclusive And Accessible WorldMicrosoft and its partners have announced Microsoft #BuildFor2030 and initiative designed to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The partner projects include BAWA Cane, CityMaaS.io: Localized accessibility information, and the Johns Hopkins Balance - Mental Health Program: 2) The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Use of Software, Algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence to Assess Job Applicants and EmployeesThe Justice Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued guidance on how companies can safely use algorithm-based tools in the hiring process without risking the systematic exclusion of people with disabilities: 3) Kim Kardashian Launches Inclusive SKIMS Collection For People With Limited MobilityKim Kardashian's shapewear brand SKIMS has released an underwear line for people with disabilities, which combines easy-access closures with a range of sizes and colors to suit different skin tones and body types. The clothing uses hook-and-eye closures to make putting them on and taking them off easier: 4) Level Access Launches Accessibility Education Platform to Deliver Self-Sufficient Compliance to BusinessesLevel Access, has announced the launch of its all-new learning platform, Access Academy. The Access Academy platform serves to help organizations improve accessibility processes without disrupting product roadmaps. Users learn the skills they need, in a non-disruptive manner, to solve their real-world accessibility problems. The integrated training platform includes advanced features like weekly live training sessions, role-based learning paths, and tailored learning: 5) If Tech Fails to Design for the Most Vulnerable, It Fails Us All | WiredBuilding around the so-called typical user is a dangerous mistake: 6) Channel 4 is an Essential Platform for Disabled People, we Can't Allow it to be Privatised7) Washington Talking Book & Braille Library In Seattle Takes Home National AwardA local library took home a top honor recently for its "outstanding service to readers with visual, physical or print disabilities:" 8) Milwaukee Public Museum Hosts 20th Annual Braille Games (Video)On May 19th 2022 blind and visually-impaired children were able to take part in the 20th Annual "Braille Games" at the Milwaukee Public Museum. This year, they went on an adventure around the globe as they learn about cultures from Asia, India, Africa and Central America. It's an important opportunity for blind children to use braille in a fun and interactive way, all while being mentored by blind adults who are self-sufficient and independent: 9) "No Child Left Behind" Except for More Than 90% of Blind Children?Teaching inspires a revolutionary innovation, the BrailleDoodle, to spread Braille Literacy and Touchable Art worldwide: 10) Global Accessibility Awareness Day: Enforcing the 'For All' in 'Smarter Technology For All'The broad nature of the accessibility and inclusivity space is often met with varying perspectives. In my 25-year tenure at Lenovo, I've witnessed tremendous growth in this space. At its core, my role asks me to uncover the limitless potential of technology. As a company that strives to create Smarter Technology For All, it is important that we consistently work to develop innovative ways to ensure our devices and solutions meet the needs of everyone — regardless of ability: 11) How AI Is Improving The Web For The Visually ImpairedThere are almost 350 million people worldwide with blindness or some other form of visual impairment who need to use the internet and mobile apps just like anyone else. Yet, they can only do so if websites and mobile apps are built with accessibility in mind — and not as an afterthought: 12) The Benefits Of Accessible Mobile Games For The Blind And Visually Impaired CommunityFor most people, a lifetime of gaming begins only days after we are born. It starts simply with a round of peekaboo with our mother. As we gain the ability to speak, we play I Spy and 20 questions. On vacations to the beach, we graduate to epic sessions of Monopoly, Stratego, Risk!, and Battleship. If we were lucky, we would get an opportunity to play card games with the adults. For the rest of the summer, we would do our best to teach our friends the various games of poker: 13) Almost One Billion Children And Adults With Disabilities And Older Persons In Need Of Assistive Technology Denied Access, According To New ReportA new report published last week by WHO and UNICEF reveals that more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition. Yet nearly one billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as 3% of the need for these life-changing products: 14) Accessibility Gains From the Pandemic Shouldn't Be Forgotten, Advocates SayWhat's happening: As companies roll out return-to-office plans, accessibility advocates say it's important to remember the needs of employees with disabilities. Why it matters: The COVID-19 pandemic brought accommodations that people in the disability community have requested for years, like remote work and captioned video calls. Now, experts say it's important to maintain a focus on accessibility to ensure all employees are supported: 15) A Beginner's Guide to Website AccessibilityWe all have to start somewhere. This article provides some great first steps: 16) University of Wisconsin Researcher Develops OTC Hearing AidA new type of hearing aid being developed by a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee engineer could make the devices much more accessible to the millions of people who need them. An article detailing the research appears on the University's website: 17) Could Neuralink Neuroprosthetic Device Help Tinnitus?Australian author and academic David Tuffley challenges bold claims that a neuroprosthetic device developed by Elon Musk's Neuralink start-up company could "cure tinnitus" within five years: 18) National Braille Press Creates New Technology For Blind Community In 21st CenturyA white classic colonial style building on St. Stephen Street in Boston's Fenway district holds some of the most innovative and collaborative work for the blind community: 19) The City Of Winnipeg Launches App For Residents With Mobility Issues To Book Accessible Cab RidesThe City of Winnipeg has launched a service and app that will enable wheelchair users to book rides with accessible vehicles from several taxi and private transportation providers: 20) U.S. Department of Education Announces Intent to Strengthen and Protect Rights for Students with Disabilities by Amending Regulations Implementing Section 504The Department's Office for Civil Rights will solicit public comments to help decide how best to improve current regulations to assist America's students. As part of the development of the proposed amendments to the Section 504 regulations, the Department is soliciting public input. Interested parties may go to www2.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/ to submit comments: 21) Hadley offers Invaluable Help for Visually Impaired Travelers to Make the Most of VacationMany of us are looking forward to traveling again this summer. For the millions of older Americans with visual impairments, however, traveling may seem like more of a challenge, especially if their eye condition is new to them. But with a little preparation and proper resources, those with low vision or blindness can continue to enjoy traveling: 22) Expand Your Definition Of Inclusivity: How Employers Can Support Blind TalentIn today's competitive labor market, many employers are working to expand who and where they recruit from, going as far as to remove location or college degree requirements. And yet, disabled populations, like those who are blind or visually impaired, are still vastly underemployed: Our PartnersPartner: Top Tech TidbitsPartner Since: January 1st 2022 Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐 About: Top Tech Tidbits is the world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in adaptive technology. Founded in 2004, Top Tech Tidbits is a leading not-for-profit Adaptive Technology publication that reaches over 7,000 assistive technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Adaptive Technology refers to items that are specifically designed for people with disabilities. Adaptive Technology is a subset of Assistive Technology. Adaptive Technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access. Top Tech Tidbits is a Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication. Subscribe: Subscribe at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits newsletter every Thursday morning at 4:00 AM ET. Support: publisher@toptechtidbits.com ✉ Partner: Blind AbilitiesPartner Since: May 26th 2022 Website: https://blindabilities.com/ 🌐 About: Blind Abilities podcasts cover the latest technology and developments that enhance quality of life for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Join thousands of listeners and stay up to date with the latest technologies, developments and trends that are changing how we bridge the gap between the limited expectations and the realities of Blind Abilities. We go beyond technology to bring you the journeys and achievements of others through success stories with in-depth conversations to open the mind to the greater possibilities of higher expectations within us. With the iPhone101 / QuickBytes demonstrations, the Tech Abilities Show and over 855 Blind Abilities podcast episodes, there's something for everyone! App Download: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/blind-abilities/id1085849859 Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blindabilities.android.blind&hl=en_US&gl=US Partnership InformationYour Business or Organization Name, Logo, Contact Information and Advertisement HereThe Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is currently awarding partnerships to select individuals, businesses and organizations that have a proven track record of serving the blind and vision impaired community from anywhere in the world. A partnership currently provides you with a free profile in each issue of the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter. These partnerships are currently being awarded by Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan, free of charge, in order to help grow the distribution list for the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter. If selected for a partnership your profile will remain free of charge until the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter reaches 1,000 susbcribers. Current Subscriber Count: 204. Once the 1,000 subscriber milestone has been reached, all current partners will be given the opportunity to convert their free partnership into a paid sponsorship for $1 per issue, per one thousand subscribers, or have their profile removed. It is necessary for us to transition from free partnerships to paid sponsorships at the 1,000 subscriber mark in order to eventually generate enough funding to maintain distribution of the newsletter itself. Please consider partnering with us today. Help us to grow the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter mailing list while we help you to spread the word about your product or service. It really is a win-win for everyone involved. Learn more today at: https://www.donnajodhan.com/the-blind-lifestyle-newsletter.html#partnership-information Give The Gift of Accessibility TodayPlease consider giving the gift of accessibility to disabled children and their families today by supporting one of Donna's many ongoing initiatives. Your support makes the difference in keeping our children connected, healthy and part of our community. You may donate one time, monthly, quarterly or annually. All donations, no matter how small, ensure that persons with disabilities, especially our kids with disabilities, are given every opportunity to be a part of our growing virtual world. Learn more today at: Sight Loss Coach And Author Donna JodhanCatching Up With The Coach | June 2022Catch up with the Coach in June 2022. Insightful tips, shares, how-to's and other useful information from Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan: Ask The Coach | June 2022Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan answers 3 different questions posed by readers new to sight loss: Donna Jodhan's Sight Loss CoachingDonna Jodhan has been coaching persons with sight loss since 2000. She is a high profile Apple Certified Trainer and Consultant and a world-renowned Author. She has written and produced and continues to write as a blogger, editorialist, podcast commentator, writer, and fiction author. She produces meaningful and up to date info designed to assist the reader and listener to become more confident when dealing with sight loss. As a person with sight loss herself, Donna recognizes and knows only too well how the colossal challenges of COVID-19 have changed the lives of us all; especially so for those living with sight loss. At the best of times, it is difficult enough to cope when sight loss sets in for anyone but when the world is unexpectedly and practically turned on its head and we are all now forced to find new ways to cope, the challenges of sight loss becomes even more acute. AboutAs a coach, Donna will use her vast knowledge and life experience as an advocate, author, and entrepreneur to successfully assist you in navigating through life and learning how to live with vision loss. Donna will teach you how to navigate the fast moving and complicated world of technology and show you how to conquer bullying and scams. You will learn how to cope with sight loss in your home, garden, places of employment, and your home office. There is nothing better than having someone beside you who can provide personal and customized services to meet and accommodate your needs upon request. ServicesCoaching is available via Telephone, Email, Facetime, Skype, and Zoom. PricingYour Initial Consultation is free of charge. You can expect this assessment to last anywhere between one hour to one and a half hours and we would be pleased to contact you at our expense thus avoiding you having to incur any long distance charges. We believe that our payment structure is affordable and will be able to meet your budgets and expectations. You may pay as you go at $50 / hour or purchase hours in blocks of 5, 10 or 15 at $40 / hour. Pricing Packages5 Hour Package - $200 ContactTo learn more please visit: https://www.donnajodhan.com/. Subscription InformationABOUT:The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is the newsletter by and for the blind and visually impaired by Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan. Content curation sponsored by Top Tech Tidbits. The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter focuses on current lifestyle news and trends for the blind, deaf, deafblind and disabled. RELEASE SCHEDULE:The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter is currently released via email and social media on the 1st day of each month at 6:00 AM ET. SUBSCRIBE:Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://donnajodhan.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter on the Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan website at: https://donnajodhan.com or by (SMS) texting "BLINDLIFESTYLE" to 22828. Any of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter. It's that easy. WEBSITE:Visit the Blind Lifestyle Newsletter section of the Award Winning Sight Loss Coach, Advocate and Author Donna Jodhan website online at https://donnajodhan.com/the-blind-lifestyle-newsletter.html. ARCHIVEVisit the The Blind Lifestyle Newsletter Archive at: https://donnajodhan.com/the-blind-lifestyle-newsletter.html#most-recent-issues where you can grab back issues. |
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