Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

Purchase Accessible Software for All

Attend the upcoming accessibility boutique on procuring accessible software for your organization. The National Federation of the Blind and the Maryland Department of Disabilities provide insights and best practices on accessible workplaces. Business owners, employees who purchase software, and blind employees who need to advocate for accessible software should attend.

Learn how to:

• Make accessible information technology procurements
• Ask the right questions
• Include accessibility requirements
• Interpret Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT)

Join us virtually on Tuesday, August 29 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Take advantage of this free, virtual opportunity. Register for the Procuring Accessible Software boutique today!

About Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility

The National Federation of the Blind is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Our Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility provides resources and events with access technology experts through our partnership with the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Learn more about the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has made a number of updates to its COVID-19 resource “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws.” This resource helps employers, employees, and job applicants understand COVID-19-related issues that may arise in the workplace.

Key updates include:

• Clarifying that the end of the public health emergency does not mean pandemic-related reasonable accommodations can automatically terminated.
  • Note, however, those accommodations may be reevaluated on an individualized basis.
• Providing common examples of possible reasonable accommodations for people with Long COVID.
• Providing tips for employers about remaining alert for COVID-related harassment of applicants or employees with a disability-related need to continue wearing a face mask or take other COVID-19 precautions at work.

Read the first in Transit Planning 4 All’s Project Spotlight Series, providing an in-depth look at some past grantee projects. This series highlights challenges, successes, and lessons learned in inclusive planning from TP4A grantees. The first article in the series focuses on the Maryland Transit Administration’s Inclusive Transportation Planning Program in Baltimore.

MTA worked with partners like the National Federation of the Blind and local Centers for Independent Living to engage the community and gain feedback from older adults and people with disabilities. MTA developed accessible signage for rail stations, Braille flipbooks for wayfinding, and partnerships that lasted beyond the grant. Read more below:

TP4A’s Project Spotlight Series #1 – MDOT MTA

Should you have any questions, please contact our Statewide Director of Innovations, Stephanie Jones, at Stephanie.Jones2@maryland.gov

REGISTER HERE

Available now and hosted by the U.S. Access Board, the Best Practices for the Design of Accessible COVID-19 Home Tests document aims to ensure that more people can access and use COVID-19 home tests, including those who have no vision or low vision, have a reduced range of dexterity or motor skills, and are aging.

This comprehensive Best Practices document details recommendations for test designers and manufacturers to create user-friendly and accessible COVID-19 home tests. While the initial focus is on COVID-19 testing, the ergonomic and accessible design principles outlined can also be applied to home tests for other diseases and conditions.

LEARN MORE

The IMAGE Center in partnership with the Baltimore Fire Department and the Baltimore Health Department to talk about their process and the details of the homebound program.

Join us for the In-Home Vaccination event, an online gathering aimed at making the vaccination process more convenient and accessible for everyone. This event will take place on Mon Jul 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM EDT.

CLICK TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT