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Greetings!

Accessibility Global would like to remind you that every October is Disability Awareness Month.  Next year, we will be hosting the Inclusifest conference on October 8-11, 2025.

Inclusifest is designed to give government and private sector, national and state-level organizations the opportunity to Trade showcase innovations and services designed to promote equal access and  better quality of life for veterans and civilians around the world, including those who are deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, blind, or have other disabilities.

Save the Date!
ACT 2025 Inclusifest
October 8-11, 2025
Washington DC. USA.

This conference will:
Spotlight government and private sector, Global, national and state-level innovations by organizations who facilitate infrastructure and digital accessibility, now including artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.
Explore the use of products including video communication and emergency services, media production, assistive technology including wearables and  virtual reality googles as well as robotics, holograms and avatars to keep up with current technological changes and innovation.
Feature a Technology Expo where attendees can get hands-on experience and become better educated about cutting edge technologies and available resources including workforce programs designed to benefit people with disabilities.
Provide powerful opportunities to learn from technology experts from government agencies and the private sector about the latest tactics used to promote digital access to information.
Establish an invaluable forum to pitch
Please email info@accessibilityglobal.com if you are interested in reserving a booth, want to become a sponsor or presenter, or simply want to register to attend.  A representative from Accessibility Global will reply with the information you need.

Check our website at WWW.ACCESSIBILITYGLOBAL.COM for news and updates as they become available.

We look forward to seeing you at Inclusifest!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Second International Celebration of Arts and Sign Languages and Accessibility Consumer Technology Summit Announcement

Washington D.C. – Accessibility Global is proud to announce the International Celebration of Arts and Sign Languages and Accessibility Consumer Technology Summit, a ground-breaking event that will take place September 19-23, 2023. The summit will bring together artists, accessibility experts, and policy makers from around the world to celebrate the beauty and diversity of art and sign languages, as well as to learn about the latest advancements in accessibility technology.

The summit will feature a wide range of presentations, workshops, performances, and demonstrations by artists, technologists, and accessibility experts from around the world. The event will also include workshops and panel discussions on a variety of topics, such as the use of technology to enhance accessibility, the role of art and sign languages in promoting social justice, and much more.

“We are thrilled to host this international summit, which will bring together some of the most talented and innovative minds in the field of art, sign languages, and accessibility technology,” said Karunya Samuel and Cham Le , Co-Founders of Accessibility Global. “The summit will provide a unique opportunity for policy makers and accessibility experts to come together and share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas, and we are confident that it will help to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and understanding for all.”

The International Celebration of Arts and Sign Languages and Accessibility Consumer Technology Summit is open to the public and registration is now open. For more information and to register, please visit https://acts2023.accessibilityglobal.com/

About Accessibility Global: We envision the accessibility on technologies, languages, education and cultural sustainability in which all electronic, information, and communication resources are seamlessly available to everyone.

Contact: Check our website for registration information, presenter proposals, and sponsorship opportunities. Please contact our Vice President of Innovation and Accessible Technology, Keith Delk, for questions regarding the summit at keith@accessibilityglobal.com.

Baltimore, MD – Accessibility Global (AGG) in partnership with Deaf Star Travel is thrilled to announce a pioneering event in accessible travel: a fully inclusive cruise tailored specifically for the Deaf community. This cruise is scheduled to set sail from Baltimore Harbor on July 1, 2025, following the conclusion of the 2025 Inclusifest in Washington, DC.

This unique venture marks the first-ever collaboration between AGG and Deaf Star Travel, combining their expertise in accessibility and travel services for the Deaf and hard of hearing. The cruise offers an unrivaled opportunity for up to 2,000 guests to enjoy a luxury experience designed with communication accessibility at its core.

Event Highlights Include: Workshops and Lectures: A series of educational and social events designed to facilitate networking and learning. And tax write off as business trip.
– Post-Inclusifest Relaxation and Networking: After the excitement of Inclusifest, guests will have a perfect setting to relax and make lasting connections.
– Scenic Departure: The cruise will embark from the historic Baltimore Harbor, providing guests with stunning views and a seamless transition from Inclusifest.

Deaf Star Travel is known for its successful organization of the first all Deaf/all ASL cruise, which hosted 4,000 passengers. This upcoming cruise promises to offer a more intimate and high- quality experience, focusing on the needs and feedback from the community.

How to Register: Stay Informed: For the latest updates and information on how to be part of this incredible experience, guests are encouraged to scan the QR code included below or visit AGG’s website.
– Sign Up Early: Spaces are limited. Secure your spot on this historic cruise and be part of a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is enjoyable.

“We are excited to host this innovative cruise right after Inclusifest 2025,” said a spokesperson for AGG. “Our goal is to provide a travel experience where accessibility is seamlessly integrated. We look forward to welcoming our guests for what promises to be an unforgettable journey.”

Join us for this unique experience. Sign up now, and be prepared for an amazing ride!
Contact: Deaf Star Travel: Aaron Rudner; Lead Travel Tour Designer
Accessibility Global: Core Team; Lead DC Inclusifest 2025, partnering with Deaf Star Travel

www.accessibilityglobal.com & Email: Info@accessibilityglobal.com.

Making your business accessible to people with disabilities is like building a bridge. You can’t ignore the fact that some people have different needs than others, just like a bridge can’t ignore the fact that some areas require different levels of support than others. If you don’t build the bridge with accessibility in mind, you risk leaving people behind and isolating them from the opportunities and experiences that everyone else has access to.

Accessibility laws, such as the ADA, Section 508, and WCAG, are like the blueprints for building an accessible bridge. They provide the guidelines and standards for ensuring that people with disabilities can safely and comfortably cross over to the other side. But just like with any bridge, there will always be those who resist following the guidelines and cut corners to save time and money. This can lead to catastrophic failures and tragedies, just like when businesses fail to provide reasonable accommodation or make their websites compliant to all.

The data is clear: people with disabilities make up a significant portion of the population and have considerable buying power. For example, Bobbi Cordano, president of Gallaudet University and one of USA TODAY’s women of the year, talks about inclusive excellence and the sign language economy (How Sign Language is Driving a Multi-Billion Dollar Inclusive Economy). It is evident that modern assistive technology and accessibility policy breaks down barriers to create opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups. By utilizing the strengths of diverse communities, such as their human capital, entrepreneurialism, commerce, and innovation, marginalized groups can unleash their market potential and share their unique skills and perspectives with the world.

By ignoring the needs and rights of people with disabilities, businesses are not only missing out on potential revenue, but also risking legal action and damage to their reputation. Moreover, the benefits of accessibility go beyond compliance and profit. It’s about creating a society that values diversity and inclusion and recognizes that everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and experiences.

However, some may argue that accessibility laws and regulations are too burdensome and costly for businesses, especially small ones. They may argue that compliance is too complicated and subjective, and that there are too many loopholes and gray areas that can be exploited by opportunistic plaintiffs and lawyers. They may also argue that accessibility is a personal responsibility, and that businesses shouldn’t be forced to accommodate every possible disability and preference.

It’s not about following rules for the sake of compliance, but about creating value and innovation for everyone.

But such arguments are shortsighted and misguided. Accessibility is not a luxury or a favor, but a basic human right. It’s not about pleasing a small minority, but about serving a diverse and dynamic market. It’s not about following rules for the sake of compliance, but about creating value and innovation for everyone. And it’s not about blaming or shaming businesses, but about empowering and educating them to be more inclusive and competitive.

So, the choice is yours. Will you build a bridge that connects and uplifts everyone, or will you build a wall that divides and limits us? The answer is clear: accessibility is not a barrier, but a gateway to a brighter future.

Accessibility is the practice of designing products, services and environments that are usable by people with disabilities. Accessibility consulting is the process of providing guidance and expertise on how to make accessibility a priority and a reality in different contexts and domains.

Accessibility consulting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different groups of people with disabilities have different needs, preferences and experiences that affect how they interact with technology and the world around them. Therefore, it is essential that accessibility consulting teams are led by the people that are being served, or at least include them as key stakeholders and collaborators.

Why is this important? Here are some reasons:

• It ensures that the accessibility solutions are relevant, effective, and respectful of the users’ goals, challenges, and dignity. For example, a blind person may have a better understanding of how to test a screen reader interface than a sighted person who has never used one.
• It empowers the users to have a voice and a choice in how they access information, services, and opportunities. For example, a deaf person may prefer to use sign language interpreters rather than captions or speech-to-text for certain situations. Sometimes, they might want both. Try not to force their hands.
• It fosters a culture of inclusion, diversity, and innovation in the accessibility field. For example, a person with a cognitive disability may bring new perspectives and insights on how to simplify complex tasks or processes.
• It creates opportunities for learning, mentoring, and networking among different groups of people with disabilities and accessibility professionals. For example, a person with a physical disability may share their expertise on how to make hardware devices more ergonomic and accessible.

How does Accessibility Global plan to build an exemplary model of an accessibility consulting team?

• Involve the users from the start of the project and throughout its lifecycle. Seek their feedback, input, and approval on accessibility goals, requirements, design, testing and evaluation.
• Hire or partner with people with disabilities who have relevant skills, knowledge, and experience in accessibility consulting. Provide them with adequate training, support, and recognition for their work.
• Create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can communicate openly, respectfully, and effectively. Use accessible tools and methods that accommodate different communication styles and preferences.
• Celebrate the diversity and achievements of the team members and the users. Recognize their contributions and value their perspectives. Building accessibility consulting teams that are led by the people that are being served is not only a good practice but also a moral obligation. It is a way of honoring the rights, dignity, and potential of people with disabilities. It is also a way of advancing accessibility and encourages universal design of products so it’s usable by as many people as possible.