HBO Max Rolls Out Audio Described Content
Today, HBO Max releases nearly 1500 hours of audio described content & significant screen reader access improvements based on a landmark agreement between the American Council of the Blind, Disability Rights Advocates, HBO, Bay State Council of the Blind, and Disability Law Center Inc. More to come over the next two years! Learn more by visiting: https://acb.org/HBO-Max-audio-description.
ACB Quoted in WSJ Article on Accessible Currency
The Wall Street Journal published an article today on accessible currency, spotlighting Britain’s newest tactile denomination and drawing attention to the United States failure to find a similar solution for accessible currency a generation after ACB filed its law suit. ACB Executive Director Eric Bridges is quoted in the article, available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/bank-of-englands-textured-bills-help-blind-people-tell-them-apart-11616772483.
Verizon Media Announces Donation for ACB and Other Disability Organizations
On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, Verizon Media announced that they will be donating $5 million in media to a number of disability organizations, including ACB. ACB is excited to further our mission driven brand and message through the generous support of Verizon Media. We wish to thank Verizon Media for their continued support as ACB fosters voice, choice, and community for people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2ev7juyu.
Virtual Event: COVID-19 and Social Isolation
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many vulnerabilities of life for people with disabilities and seniors. Organizations continue to see demand for virtual socializing skyrocket as in-person contact remains unsafe. How can we use this situation to better understand vulnerable communities and keep them connected? On Wednesday, March 31, 2021 from 3:00-4:00 PM EST, join Verizon Media and ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Clark Rachfal, for a discussion of what experts learned from this ongoing crisis, the lived experiences of those directly affected, and the strategies and technology needed to help. Register by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/5m5j9xwn.
2021 DKM Awards Deadline Quickly Approaches
The deadline to apply for the 2021 DKM First Timer awards and the JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows is fast approaching. Award recipients will get free access to our virtual convention in 2021, as well as our Omaha convention that will be held in person in 2022. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern time on April 5. Learn more by visiting: https://acb.org/2021-dkm-awards-deadline.
ACB Advocacy Update: Celebrating a Year of Community
ACB is celebrating a year of community! When the pandemic hit and everyone was told to shelter in place, we turned isolation into connection. From education, training, and information sharing, to peer support, socialization, and fun, learn what this growing community has meant to so many people in and outside of ACB over the past year during this week's episode of the ACB Advocacy Update. Listen via your favorite podcast player or online at: https://tinyurl.com/48kmmnvh.
Google User Experience Research Study
Help shape the future of Google's products! Google is inviting the community to participate in a User Experience Research study for people who use accessibility features on their laptop & live in the US or Canada. If you are interested, learn more and sign up by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3jcarbfu.
FEMA Provides Vaccine Resources and Information for People with Disabilities
The Biden Administration has tasked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with managing set-up and operations for Community Vaccination Centers across the country. With other federal agencies, FEMA established a Civil Rights Advisory Group that developed a Civil Rights Checklist and Best Practice Information resource to provide states, territories, and tribes a list of civil rights considerations and resources to ensure equitable vaccine access. FEMA has civil rights and disability integration advisors in each of its 10 regions to advise state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and other partners, ensuring the needs of people with disabilities are integrated in all facets of vaccination center operations. For further details on your region’s Disability Integration Specialist, contact FEMA at [email protected]. More information about vaccine support, equitable vaccine access, and ASL videos can be found on FEMA’s website, www.fema.gov. Find vaccine updates in your community and more information from your local health department. You can also find a list of places where adults can get a vaccine.
NRTC Research Study
The NRTC is recruiting people with blindness or low vision (age 21+) who are working or are interested in working to be part of a multi-year study about technology in the workplace. Participants will complete multiple surveys over time so they can learn about changes in access technology use. Participants will receive a small gift card after completing each survey.
The NRTC will share their findings with you and their technology company partners. To help with their 5-year study, visit the following the link to complete their pre-screening survey or call 662-325-2001 to schedule an appointment for a telephone screening. Link: https://msstatecoe.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8i98Qap5V441mdg?source=13