News

SoulCycle failed to design and construct its website in a way that would make it fully accessible and independently usable for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Daniel Rodriguez, a legally blind man, claims SoulCycle denies individuals who are blind or visually impaired the full and equal access to the goods and services it offers on its website.

Microsoft has announced it will implement AI language technology — including ChatGPT — in some of its popular Microsoft 365 (Office) business apps, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

The announcement follows the multinational technology company’s February debut of the integration of OpenAI GPT-4 language technology into its Bing search engine, OpenAI reportedly unveiled its GPT-4 language technology earlier this month while presenting it as an upgrade to GPT-3 tech.

Microsoft is calling the newly implemented artificial intelligence (AI) technology features Copilot, which the company has built on “large language model (LLM)” software, CNBC reports.

One of the things that excites me about tech is the ability to change people’s lives for the better. Be My Eyes is a global community that connects people who are blind or have low vision with sighted volunteers through live free video calls to assist with daily tasks from choosing clothing of a particular colour to reading a label or navigating an outdoor space.

Recently the company announced a collaboration with OpenAI to introduce a new AI-powered Virtual Volunteer feature. I spoke to Chairperson and CEO Michael Buckley to learn more.

A clever project that makes it easier for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy the Sunshine Coast way of life, is being expanded.

The initiative began a year ago as a trial where specially trained “pilots” backed by advanced technology tracked some of our busiest routes, providing accessibility mapping for those living with a disability, using wheelchairs or using mobility aids to help plan their routes.

This led to the development of Sunshine Coast Council’s award-winning mobility maps, which are now a shining example of accessible tourism opportunities.

Children’s magazine Highlights for Children failed to make its website fully accessible to and independently usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiff Rafia Lawal claims Highlights for Children’s website contains access barriers that deny individuals who are blind or visually impaired from having full and equal access to it, along with the goods and services it offers.

Like many museums and cultural institutions, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art has made a concerted effort to develop an online experience that is accessible and inclusive in recent years. And at the core of this project is a particular focus on alt (alternative) text that makes for a more effective digital presence.

This initiative, which has so far seen more than 500 art assets updated with alt text, will expand over time to incorporate thousands of the museum’s most interesting and noteworthy pieces. The goal of the project is not just to simply meet the minimum requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) but to provide a comprehensive solution for the museum’s audience.

The A.I. Root Company failed to make its website fully accessible and independently usable for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiff Seana Cromitie claims the website for A.I. Root — which produces and sells candles — contains access barriers that prevent individuals who are blind or visually impaired from being able to use screen-reading software to browse it.

Blockbuster film Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, has had an Audio Description recorded by comedian and writer Sue Perkins. The film, which releases in UK and Irish cinemas on March 31st, will include the Audio Description option in all available cinemas.

Audio description is a form of narration used to provide information on key visual elements, such as expressions, movements or body language, in film for blind or partially sighted viewers. Cinemas are equipped with a system that delivers this service through an audio description headset, which helps to offer additional information about the film through sound.

In a world full of discrimination against disabled people that isn’t always obvious, much of the work focused on accessibility must call attention to issues that are often ignored.

As he steps into his role as The Washington Post’s first accessibility engineer, Holden Foreman will solidify work that was already happening behind the scenes, taking accessibility out of the darkness and connecting the Post’s engineering team with the wider web accessibility landscape that many readers traverse on a daily basis

As part of the new pharmacy accessibility options, Wegmans has added video remote interpretation services in American Sign Language and Video Relay Service to make and receive calls with customers using a customer’s video phone — a device that allows the customer to use sign language.

The grocer has also added inductive hearing loops at one release-to-patient register/pharmacy payment checkout and one counseling area in each in-store pharmacy. Other types of technology the grocer added include Telephone Relay Service and TTY technology to make and receive calls with customers. Customers can also now use Aira.io app service to access live, real-time visual information and descriptions by professional assistants for people who are blind or have low vision.