Microassist'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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To receive the newsletter each Friday, please complete our Subscribe to Accessibility in the News form on this page.

Government and Academic Organizations Address Transportation, Digital Accessibility

By Jack McElaney | September 7, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News — 09/07/16 This issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN) features several articles from both government and universities addressing digital accessibility, or seeing the need to (there’s an interesting historical look at voting, technology, and usability, too). There’s also coverage related to the Paralympics, a few articles related to transportation for those with disabilities, and a church where the majority of worshippers belong to the Deaf[…]

Uber, Autoplay, and a Braille Smartphone: Accessible Considerations of the Blind and Visually Impaired

By Jack McElaney | August 31, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News—08/31/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), several stories cover innovations and issues related to the blind or the visually impaired, from round-trip job interview rides from Uber, accessible website designs and Google, and the impact of Facebook’s new audio autoplay feature. One inventor is making advances in mobile accessibility, too, with a new braille smartphone that works with Android. Rounding out the list is a[…]

Closed Captioning Rules, Laws on Integrated Accessibility Standards, and Banks Beware!

By Jack McElaney | August 23, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News—08/23/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), we have accessibility-related media coverage on the newest FCC closed captioning rules (for online public, educational or government video). For private-sector employers with fewer than 50 employees in Ontario, new laws with integrating accessibility standards, and banks beware (class action lawsuits nationwide are being filed). To receive Accessibility in the News via email, send a subscription request to [email protected]. Accessibility advocates[…]

Health, Social Care, and U.S. Presidential Candidate Web Accessibility

By Jack McElaney | August 18, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News—08/18/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), we have accessibility-related media coverage on making health and social care information accessible, medical advances, and a comparative look at how accessible the websites are for U.S. presidential candidates. To receive Accessibility in the News via email, send a subscription request to [email protected]. UX upgrades designed for marketers could also satisfy DOT accessibility demands 8/10 | Source: tnooz The[…]

ACA Requires Accessible Websites; DOJ Implements ADA Rule; Innovations in Hearing Aids, Camping, Reading Apps

By Jack McElaney | August 11, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News—08/11/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), we have accessibility-related media coverage on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and accessible websites (senior care providers must comply with new regulations), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) title II and title III regulations (including a free 8/31/16 webinar to learn more), and innovations (that facilitate camping while using a wheelchair, browsing the web with a learning disability, and interacting with New York city[…]

ADA and Real Estate Lawsuits Rise, ACA and Online Accessibility, Job Perspectives

By Jack McElaney | August 3, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News—8/3/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News, we have accessibility-related media coverage of the rise in ADA lawsuits (including online real estate sites), Pokemon and gamers with disabilities, banking, health care, employment, education, and litigation. To receive Accessibility in the News via email, send a subscription request to [email protected]. Agents and brokers at risk of lawsuits over website accessibility 6/29 | Source: inman Real Estate News At the National Association of[…]

Higher Ed Informs Accessible Online Learning, England Plans Tactile Currency

By Jack McElaney | July 16, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News—07/16/16 In this issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN), higher education institutions mull over accessible online learning. informing web accessibility standards while also advocating for embracing a broader range of online course dynamics. Meanwhile, the Bank of England is introducing accessible, tactile bank notes for those with visual impairments—adding to other initiatives enabling accessible banking. To receive Accessibility in the News via email, send a subscription request to [email protected].[…]

Hugo Boss Website Alleged to Violate Americans with Disabilities Act

By Jack McElaney | June 16, 2016 | |

Accessibility in the News—06/16/16 Does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to websites? This issue of Accessibility in the News (AITN) provides an example of how inaccessible websites can be subject to litigation. Many are saying that accessibility mandates that apply to brick and mortar stores also apply to retail websites, like the one for this clothing chain. To receive Accessibility in the News via email, send a subscription request to [email protected].[…]