Accessibility in the News — 6/9/2023. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to enforce accessibility requirements on video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex. Despite the widespread use of video conferencing for work, education, and personal communication, individuals with disabilities often face challenges in effectively using these platforms. Issues include inadequate captioning, difficulties in displaying sign language interpreters, limited control of accessibility tools, and the absence[…]
READ MORE about FCC Votes To Mandate Accessibility In Video ConferencingMicroassist's Accessibility in the News
Microassist's Accessibility in the News is a widely read, free weekly newsletter curated by Jack McElaney. Newsletter sections include a compilation of accessibility articles and blogs, a list of accessibility conferences and training, accessibility job announcements, and a listing of accessibility resource pages.
Featured by Wall Street Journal, its sole purpose is to educate people interested or involved in accessibility related to the Americans with Disabilities Act Title I, II, or III, and Sections 504 and 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. It also covers numerous international topics from all over the world.
Past issues of Microassist's Accessibility in the News are archived and searchable on this website.
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Healthcare Accessibility Sees Improvement Thanks To Telemedicine
Accessibility in the News — 6/2/2023. Telemedicine has significantly improved healthcare accessibility by eliminating geographical barriers, allowing remote access to healthcare for individuals in underserved areas and reducing the need for travel. It offers convenience through flexible scheduling, reduced waiting times, and remote consultations, benefiting patients with mobility issues or chronic conditions. Access to specialists has expanded, enabling timely expert consultations regardless of location. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly[…]
READ MORE about Healthcare Accessibility Sees Improvement Thanks To TelemedicineWith First Accessible Canada Act (ACA) Compliance Milestone Approaching, Are Canadian Businesses Ready?
Accessibility in the News — Knowledge is Power — 5/26/2023. NOTE: To get news like this every week in your inbox, before it hits our website, subscribe to our Accessibility in the News e-newsletter. There are no ads or graphics, and we never send spam. Just use the sign-up form on this page to subscribe and stay up to date! Feature Story Skip to National News (U.S.) | Skip to[…]
READ MORE about With First Accessible Canada Act (ACA) Compliance Milestone Approaching, Are Canadian Businesses Ready?Justice Department and Department of Education Issue Joint Letter on Web Accessibility for Postsecondary Institutions
Accessibility in the News — 5/19/2023. NOTE: To get news like this every week in your inbox, before it hits our website, subscribe to our Accessibility in the News e-newsletter. There are no ads or graphics, and we never send spam. Just use the sign-up form on this page to subscribe and stay up to date! Feature Story Skip to National News (U.S.) | Skip to International News More Accessibility[…]
READ MORE about Justice Department and Department of Education Issue Joint Letter on Web Accessibility for Postsecondary InstitutionsReport Reveals 30% of Delaware Polling Places Violate ADA Accessibility Standards
Accessibility in the News — 5/12/2023. A recent report by the Delaware Community Legal Aid Society reveals that 30% of polling places in Delaware have violated accessibility standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The study assessed 145 polling places during the November elections and discovered issues such as insufficient accessible parking spaces, non-compliance with ADA guidelines for designated parking, and lack of training for poll workers across[…]
READ MORE about Report Reveals 30% of Delaware Polling Places Violate ADA Accessibility StandardsOpening Doors: The Importance of Accessible Housing for People with Disabilities
Accessibility in the News — 5/5/2023. Accessible housing is critical for individuals with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Without appropriate housing, people with disabilities may face significant barriers that prevent them from fully participating in their communities. This includes obstacles such as stairs, narrow doorways, and inaccessible bathrooms that can limit their ability to move around their home or invite guests over. Accessible housing can provide people with[…]
READ MORE about Opening Doors: The Importance of Accessible Housing for People with DisabilitiesImproving Airline Accessibility for All Passengers
Accessibility in the News — 4/28/2023. Airline accessibility ensures that all passengers, including those with disabilities and mobility limitations, can travel safely and comfortably. Accessible features such as wheelchair ramps, accessible lavatories, and seating accommodations for passengers with disabilities or special needs allow these individuals to board and disembark the plane without difficulty. Moreover, it helps to promote equal access to air travel, which has become a fundamental right for[…]
READ MORE about Improving Airline Accessibility for All PassengersThe Importance of Prioritizing Accessibility in the Arts
Accessibility in the News — 4/21/2023. Accessibility in the arts is crucial for creating a more inclusive and diverse society. By making the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities, we allow people to fully participate in and enjoy the cultural experiences that are so integral to our society. Accessibility means providing options for people with different types of disabilities, such as hearing or visual impairments, mobility issues, or[…]
READ MORE about The Importance of Prioritizing Accessibility in the ArtsChicago Found Violating Americans with Disabilities Act by Failing to Provide Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Accessibility in the News — 4/14/2023. The US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has found the city of Chicago liable for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide accessible pedestrian signals at its signalized intersections. Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) provide safe-crossing information in a non-visual format, such as through audible tones, speech messages and vibrating surfaces. The city was sued by[…]
READ MORE about Chicago Found Violating Americans with Disabilities Act by Failing to Provide Accessible Pedestrian SignalsKansas Lawmakers Approve Bill To Deter Out Of State Attorneys From Filing ADA Lawsuits Against Kansas Websites
Accessibility in the News — 4/7/2023. Kansas legislators have approved a bill aimed at deterring out-of-state attorneys from suing businesses alleging non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on their websites. The bill allows the attorney general to file countersuits if deemed abusive by the courts, and grants businesses 90 days to correct website issues. The original version was seen as heavy-handed. The new version was approved by the[…]
READ MORE about Kansas Lawmakers Approve Bill To Deter Out Of State Attorneys From Filing ADA Lawsuits Against Kansas Websites