This Week in Accessibility

1/14/2024: Level Access Buys UserWay, and CES 2024

"Explore the acquisition of Userway by Level Access and its impact on the future of digital accessibility. Plus, delve into innovative products from CES 2024 that are pushing the boundaries of tech for all." LINKS DISCUSSED ON THE SHOW: SEGMENT 1 Level Access Agrees to Acquire UserWay [https://www.levelaccess.com/news/level-access-agrees-to-acquire-userway/?hss_channel=lcp-11173457&utm_campaign=UserWay+Acquisition&utm_content=277086826&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin] My Perspective: Digital Accessibility and Overlays by Timothy Springer [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-perspective-digital-accessibility-overlays-timothy-springer-bhx2c/] Sheri Byrne-Haber’s LinkedIn post [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sheribyrnehaber_overlay-fact-sheet-activity-7149067021542981632-PedM/?utm_medium=member_desktop&utm_source=share] Overlay Fact Sheet [https://overlayfactsheet.com/] #AudioEye Has Dropped Its Suit Against Me | Adrian Roselli [https://adrianroselli.com/2024/01/audioeye-has-dropped-its-suit-against-me.html] User Way Will Get You Sued | Adrian Roselli [https://adrianroselli.com/2021/09/userway-will-get-you-sued.html#LevelAccessBuysUserWay] My Cease and Desist from AudioEye | Adrian Roselli [https://adrianroselli.com/2022/04/my-cease-desist-from-audioeye.html] Millions could lose affordable access to internet service with FCC program set to run out of funds [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/affordable-internet-service-could-be-lost-fcc-program-to-run-out-of-funds/] What’s New in Google Accessibility: Episode 4  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=7&list=PL590L5WQmH8ce6ZPBbh0v1XVptLJXmQ0K&v=v2HD3CFCOUU] Apple Vision Pro Launches February 2 | The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/8/24001858/apple-vision-pro-release-date-availability-price] Millions to lose affordable internet unless Congress extends subsidies | Washington Post [https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/01/09/affordable-connectivity-program-congress/] SEGMENT 2 OfficeHours.Global [http://officehours.global] Displace TV [https://displace.tv/] HoHum [https://www.hohem.com/en/] The Verge Demos the WIM by WiRobotics [https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/9/24031811/walking-easier-with-the-wirobotics-wim] This AI startup made a $199 gadget that replaces apps with 'rabbits' - and it might just work [https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-ai-startup-made-a-199-gadget-that-replaces-apps-with-rabbits-and-it-might-just-work/] The Nimble Device [https://www.nimblebeauty.com/products/the-nimble-device] Clicks for iPhone [https://www.clicks.tech/product/clicks-for-iphone]

T.W.I.A. Ep 4 - 2023 Year in Review with Carrie on Accessibility

Accessibility consultant and Youtube influencer Carrie Morales joins the show to look back at all of 2023’s advances in assistive tech and accessibility policy. From version 2.2 of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to the explosion of AI, there’s no shortage of topics to tackle in this chat. Subscribe to the Carrie on Accessibility YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/@carrieonaccessibility] Just a note that there will be no show next week, but we’ll return the first week of January to preview the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show. LINKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE SEGMENT 1 The Top Accessibility Errors Found in 2023 | TPGi [https://www.tpgi.com/the-top-accessibility-errors-found-in-2023/] Descript Harnesses the Power of AI to Edit audio  [https://zapier.com/blog/descript-review/] WCAG 2.2 Updates and Resources | Deque University [https://dequeuniversity.com/resources/wcag-2.2/] Biden Administration Announces Rulemaking to Improve the Accessibility of Online Public Services [https://www.insideglobaltech.com/2023/07/31/biden-administration-announces-rulemaking-to-improve-the-accessibility-of-online-public-services-for-americans-with-disabilities/] | Inside Global Tech Oscars: Academy Adds Red Carpet ASL Interpreters, Accessibility Guide and More for 2023 Show [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscars-2023-disability-accessibility-telecast-carpet-1235343060/] | Hollywood Reporter How the Recording Academy, RAMPD Expanded Accessibility and Disability Inclusion for the Grammys’ [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/grammys-2023-recording-academy-accessibility-disability-inclusion-1235314953/] | Hollywood Reporter Netflix now lets TV viewers customize text for subtitles and closed captions | TechCrunch [https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/08/netflix-now-lets-tv-viewers-customize-text-for-subtitles-and-closed-captions/] SEGMENT 2 Orbit Magna Magnifier - Some of the most inexpensive Video Magnifiers... but is it worth it? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAzMGR2HSeA] Apps for OCR & Object Recognition Comparison: Seeing AI, Google Lookout, Envision AI  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=498s&v=DUIVDdkVM90] Introducing Be My AI (formerly Virtual Volunteer)  [https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/introducing-be-my-eyes-virtual-volunteer] Be My AI - NEW on the Be My Eyes App! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=12s&v=f-2RwU3EW1g] Seleste Glasses - Your personal AI audio describer | Epic A11y Podcast by Carrie on Accessibility [https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=152s&v=hSKCDHVQo38]  Apple’s 2024 Will Be About Moving Beyond the iPhone - Mark Gurman [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-12-17/apple-2024-plans-new-low-end-airpods-vision-pro-larger-iphone-16-oled-ipad-lq9jhed4] 2023: The Year AI Transformed the World for Blind Individuals [https://mvsltd.com/news/2023-the-year-ai-transformed-the-world-for-blind-individuals/] accessiBe Apology [https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm23/bm2305/bm230503.htm] AccessiByeBye Chrome extension that blocks accessibility overlays [https://www.accessibyebye.org/] The Good and Bad of the Google Pixel Tablet | Accessibility & Review by Carrie on Accessibility [https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=33s&v=Br8SfcBfnS8] SEGMENT 3 Hearthstone Access (Community version) [https://hearthstoneaccess.com/]

T.W.I.A. Ep 3: How was 2023 for disabled gamers?

Gaming journalist and accessibility consultant Victor Dima [http://victordima.net] joins the show and looks back at 2023 in accessible video games. From adaptive accessories like the PlayStation Access Controller [https://www.playstation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controller/] to mainstream titles like Forza Motorsport [https://forza.net/motorsport] and Mortal Kombat 1 [https://www.mortalkombat.com/en-us] building accessibility into their games’ infrastructure, this year felt like there are more accessible gaming options for people of all abilities.  But while some companies are embracing weaving accessibility into their titles, for others disabled players feel like a mere blip on their radar. We’ll dig into some real flops this year for disabled gamers, including Bethesda’s lack of transparency regarding Starfield [https://caniplaythat.com/2023/09/13/bethesda-promises-accessibility-updates-for-starfield/], and our list of features for the new Nintendo Switch [https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/31/23814298/nintendo-switch-sequel-2024-rumor] console rumored for 2024. LINKS DISCUSSED ON THE SHOW SEGMENT 1 KISS Become the First American Band to Digitally Replace Themselves [https://petapixel.com/2023/12/04/kiss-become-the-first-american-band-to-digitally-replace-themselves/] Google claims new Gemini AI 'thinks more carefully' | BBC News [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l32mkUgC27g] Accessibility Update to Marvel’s Spider Man 2 Delayed | CanIPlayThat [https://caniplaythat.com/2023/12/14/accessibility-update-to-marvels-spider-man-2-delayed/] SEGMENT 2 Victor Dima reviews Spider-Man 2 [https://victordima.net/review-marvels-spider-man-2/] Forza Motorsport: the Blind accessibility review [https://victordima.net/forza-motorsport-review/] Hardware Review: Playstation Access Controller for PS5 [https://victordima.net/review-playstation-access-controller/] Hardware Review: PlayStation Portal – A Revolutionary Way to Remote Play [https://victordima.net/hardware-review-playstation-portal/] Gaming Accessibility Conference 2023 Awards [https://www.gaconf.com/gaconf-awards-2023/] The Last of Us devs bet big on accessibility — and made a better game [https://www.inverse.com/gaming/naughty-dog-emilia-schatz-matthew-gallant-accessibility-luminaries-2022] Why Starfield is an Accessibility Embarrassment | IGN [https://www.ign.com/articles/why-starfield-is-an-accessibility-embarrassment] Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdBZY2fkU-0] SEGMENT 3 What’s New with TalkBack 14.1? [https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/14252962?hl=en]

December 8, 2023: What's it Like Traveling with a Disability in 2023?

With the holiday season upon us and so many travel plans in motion, today we’re talking about what it’s like to travel with a disability. From TSA agents to inaccessible hotels, institutional biases make travel much more stressful than it needs to be. Plus, a brief history of U.S. legislation that tries to fix the issue. LINKS DISCUSSED ON THE SHOW Hotel website ADA case dismissed by Supreme Court, declared moot - The Washington Post [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/12/05/supreme-court-dismiss-hotel-ada-case/] The Robles v. Domino’s Settlement (And Why It Matters) | Bureau of Internet Accessibility [https://www.boia.org/blog/the-robles-v.-dominos-settlement-and-why-it-matters] Be My AI Comes To Android As Open Beta Feature – Double Tap [https://doubletaponair.com/be-my-ai-comes-to-android-as-open-beta-feature/#:~:text='Be%20My%20AI'%20is%20like,our%20lives%2C%20enhancing%20our%20independence.] Seeing AI App Launches on Android – Including new and updated features and new languages. - Microsoft Accessibility Blog [https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/seeing-ai-app-launches-on-android-including-new-and-updated-features-and-new-languages/] Google Just Launched Gemini, Its Long-Awaited Answer to ChatGPT | WIRED [https://www.wired.com/story/google-gemini-ai-model-chatgpt/] GEMINI 1.0 Beats GPT-4 | AlphaCode 2 is better than 90% of coders | Gemini Nano on Pixel Phones! - @WesRoth on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=613s&v=KQBA62yZURc] British Airways improves accessibility for deaf passengers - Aero Time [https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/british-airways-improves-accessibility-deaf-passengers] Halo Collar’s Ken Ehrman Talks Pet Tech Study, Making Pet Care Accessible In Interview - Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenaquino/2023/12/05/halo-collars-ken-ehrman-talks-pet-tech-study-making-pet-care-accessible-in-interview/?sh=54a625a17024] SEGMENT 2 Air Canada Leaves Nation's Chief Accessibility Officer's Wheelchair Behind On Flight From Toronto - Simple Flying [https://simpleflying.com/air-canada-chief-accessibility-officer-wheelchair-incident/] Traveling While Disabled: Challenges of Accessible Travel - Thrillist [https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/traveling-while-disabled] TSA and airlines make air travel a challenge for people with disabilities : NPR [https://www.npr.org/2021/11/09/1049814332/despite-calls-to-improve-air-travel-is-still-a-nightmare-for-many-with-disabilit] About the Air Carrier Access Act | US Department of Transportation [https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities] SEGMENT 3: Do YouTube's Automatic Captions Improve Accessibility? | Bureau of Internet Accessibility [https://www.boia.org/blog/do-youtubes-automatic-captions-improve-accessibility] Workflow for generating full-text transcript and captions with Whisper - API - OpenAI Developer Forum [https://community.openai.com/t/workflow-for-generating-full-text-transcript-and-captions-with-whisper/311120] Could Apple Have Finally Squashed the Longstanding “Safari Not Responding” macOS Bug? | AppleVis [https://applevis.com/blog/could-apple-have-finally-squashed-longstanding-safari-not-responding-macos-bug]With the holiday season upon us and so many travel plans in motion, today we’re talking about what it’s like to travel with a disability. From TSA agents to inaccessible hotels, institutional biases make travel much more stressful than it needs to be. Plus, a brief history of U.S. legislation that tries to fix the issue.

This Week in Accessibility - December 4, 2023

In the first episode of this new show, accessibility pros Des Delgadillo and Louis Do talk about the big news from the week, and dive deep into the history of hackers abusing Android Accessibility Services. LINKS DISCUSSED DURING THE SHOW: SEGMENT 1: NEWS Open sourcing Project Guideline: A platform for computer vision accessibility technology [https://blog.research.google/2023/11/open-sourcing-project-guideline.html] [Work In Progress]: Vosh - a third-party screen-reader for the Macintosh [https://www.applevis.com/forum/app-development-programming/work-progress-vosh-third-party-screen-reader-macintosh] Taika Waititi's New Apple Film Shows Off the iPhone's Speech Accessibility Tools [https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/taika-waititis-new-apple-film-shows-off-the-iphones-speech-accessibility-tools/] Daily Bruin: UCLA launches new Bachelor of Arts degree in disability studies [https://dailybruin.com/2023/11/12/ucla-launches-new-bachelor-of-arts-degree-in-disability-studies] Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora accessibility features revealed [https://caniplaythat.com/2023/11/24/avatar-frontiers-of-pandora-accessibility-features-revealed/] The Vale: Shadow of the Crown [https://store.steampowered.com/app/989790/The_Vale_Shadow_of_the_Crown/] As Dusk Falls [https://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/1341820/] SEGMENT 2: ANDROID SECURITY SERVICES Bleeping Computer: Google Addresses Android's Biggest Security Problem: Accessibility Services [https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-addresses-androids-biggest-security-problem-accessibility-services/] How Android accessibility services can be used to hack your phone [https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/android-accessibility-services-can-used-hack-phone/] Inside the Android Accessibility clickjacking malware [https://techbeacon.com/app-dev-testing/inside-android-accessibility-clickjacking-malware] Android Police: Android 14 Beta 1 has built-in protections against sneaky screen-reading malware [https://www.androidpolice.com/android-14-beta-1-accessibility-malware/] ZDNet: Over 300,000 Android users have downloaded these banking trojan malware apps, say security researchers [https://www.zdnet.com/article/over-300000-android-users-have-downloaded-these-banking-trojan-malware-apps-say-security-researchers/] Android's Accessibility API: A history of open (mis)use [https://www.esper.io/blog/android-13-sideloading-restriction-harder-malware-abuse-accessibility-apis#androids-accessibility-api-a-history-of-open-misuse] Forbes: Appdome CEO Tom Tovar Talks His Company’s Mission, Android Accessibility Service Attacks, More In Interview [https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenaquino/2023/11/01/appdome-ceo-tom-tovar-talks-his-companys-mission-android-accessibility-service-attacks-more-in-interview/?sh=2f4414be4c1a] SEGMENT 3: ACCESSIBILITY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Face in View from the new Jaws 2024 [https://blog.freedomscientific.com/learn-about-new-features-in-jaws-zoomtext-and-fusion-2024/] Experimenting with Be My Eyes and Videos [https://theideaplace.net/experimenting-with-be-my-eyes-and-videos/]