PBS Kids has enhanced the accessibility of their programming by introducing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to sixty episodes across six popular children’s series – Arthur, Alma’s Way, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, Work It Out Wombats!, and Pinkalicious & Peterrific. This initiative, launched on April 18, aims to cater specifically to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, ensuring they too can enjoy and engage with the shows. The implementation follows a collaborative effort with entities like GBH Kids and Fred Rogers Productions, enhancing exist ..read more

Nintendo is often criticized for its lack of accessibility in gaming, particularly when it comes to remapping buttons and the mandatory use of multiple commands across its games. Unlike its competitors Sony and Microsoft, which offer specialized accessibility controllers, Nintendo has lagged behind in providing adaptable gaming solutions. This gap in the market has prompted individuals like Anthony DeVergillo to take initiative and create their own solutions to enhance accessibility for gamers with disabilities. Anthony DeVergillo, affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which impairs muscle ..read more

I am excited to celebrate the conclusion of National Library Week with a special crossword puzzle designed for our assistive technology community! This puzzle highlights the vital role libraries play in promoting accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has the tools and resources they need to engage fully with the world of information. From innovative assistive technologies to inclusive services, libraries are at the forefront of supporting diverse needs. I invite you to test your knowledge and learn more about the intersection of libraries, accessibility, and assistive technolog ..read more

Mattel is introducing a new version of Scrabble called Scrabble Together, aimed at making the game more collaborative and accessible, especially for those who might find traditional word games daunting. The new version features a double-sided board, with the original game on one side and the new version on the other. What does the new version include you may ask? It includes helper cards, a simpler scoring system, and a faster pace of play. Additionally, players can now compete in teams, adding a new dynamic to the game that the original game doesn’t offer,. The new Scrabble Together game addr ..read more

In anticipation of the total solar eclipse on April 8th, a concerted effort is underway to ensure that individuals who are blind or visually impaired can experience this astronomical phenomenon in a meaningful way. Innovative technologies, such as sound and touch devices, have been developed to translate the visual aspects of the eclipse into sensory experiences that can be heard and felt. One such device, the LightSound box, converts the varying light levels during the eclipse into a range of sounds, from the high pitches representing bright sunlight to the low clicks signifying total darknes ..read more

The T1 Fingerspelling Hand, a groundbreaking assistive technology developed by Tatum Robotics, represents a significant advancement for the DeafBlind community. Designed to mimic human dexterity, this humanoid device features 18 Degrees of Freedom, providing a natural feel and facilitating communication through its ability to convert live text, voice inputs, and digital content into American Sign Language (ASL). Leveraging a pioneering translation algorithm, the T1 Fingerspelling Hand translates English into ASL with a high degree of grammatical accuracy while considering regional and demograp ..read more

Bioengineers at UCLA have developed a thin, flexible device that can aid people with voice disorders in regaining their ability to speak. The device adheres to the neck and translates the muscle movements of the larynx into audible speech using machine learning. This self-powered technology could serve as a non-invasive tool for individuals who have lost their voice due to vocal cord problems, such as those recovering from laryngeal cancer surgeries or with pathological vocal cord conditions. The device consists of two main components: a sensing component and an actuation component. The sensi ..read more

Embark on a cerebral journey through the intersecting worlds of assistive technology and accessibility with our latest crossword puzzle. This brain-teaser is more than a mere pastime; it’s an insightful exploration of the vocabulary that shapes the discourse around disabilities, inclusivity, and the ingenious solutions that bridge the gap between capability and ambition. From the predictive prowess of modern text-to-speech software to the tactile guidance of the DAISY book system, each clue is a nod to the remarkable advancements and thoughtful design principles that affirm everyone’s right to ..read more

In a detailed discussion on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Sam Sennott, an assistant professor of special education at Portland State University, sheds light on how AI can significantly enhance the communication abilities of individuals with speech difficulties. Sennott, who has dedicated much of his career to AAC research, points out that the integration of AI technologies like predictive text into AAC devices is not a novel concept but has been evolving since the 1970s. These advancements have progressively im ..read more

Alaqua Cox, stepping into the Marvel universe as the lead in the new Disney+ series Echo, embarked on an intense training regimen, working with a stunt team five days a week to master the physical demands of her role. As the first Native American lead in a Marvel series, her preparation involved honing a range of combat skills, a challenge she embraced with enthusiasm, drawing on her background in sports and her lifelong passion for physical activities. Cox, who shares her character Maya Lopez’s amputee status and has been deaf since birth, brought a unique perspective and resilience to the ro ..read more