Max L. Brault, Lead Accessibility Consulting I have abundance of information, insight and contacts in the sphere of Accessibility consulting and lived experience that I would like share.https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lmeqbssjam2pMark Raymond Jr., puts it plainly: "With DEI programs facing cuts, disability inclusion is at risk of being deprioritized, which could set back years of progress. Businesses must recognize that disability inclusion enriches the workplace by bringing diverse perspectives that drive innovation." https://buff.ly/j1ws6nF09 Apr 2025 10:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lmeqbssjam2phttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lmc7tjboe62iThere is always a careful balance when dealing with Human Resources (HR) departments. It’s important to remember that HR's primary responsibility is to protect the company. Employees should keep this in mind every time they interact with their HR department. Interesting insight! https://buff.ly/cRdHXPk08 Apr 2025 10:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lmc7tjboe62ihttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3llt4zgcnij2eThe number one question I get from new clients is: "How much does accessibility cost? This ROI question will always exist and, to some degree, needs to remain top of mind for everyone working in this space. I appreciate how this article frames the situation. https://buff.ly/okefJPE02 Apr 2025 10:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3llt4zgcnij2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3llqmkkcs2l2eThe truth of a recent National Geographic article on the topic. That’s why I always recommend taking the time to research what services, tools, and apps are out there to help make your next trip as smooth as possible. A little planning can go a long way. https://buff.ly/uP2l9Sd01 Apr 2025 10:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3llqmkkcs2l2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3llgo2bqkgl26Stylist is spotlighting beauty brands that are finally making packaging more inclusive. That’s a win. But let’s be real—despite progress, the beauty industry still has a long way to go. Too many consumers with disabilities are still being overlooked. https://buff.ly/tWFSb0228 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3llgo2bqkgl26https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3llbn4h74m722Scientists from many different cultures have contributed to developing new and interesting theories that have become today's standards. In the long run, diversity-washing will only hinder global progress. You never know where—or from whom—that "Eureka!" moment everyone is searching for will come! https://buff.ly/pBDSCc326 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3llbn4h74m722https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3ll74nc3myx2jBefore COVID, I never thought about using apps to help plan a trip or vacation. I decided to dedicate the next decade to traveling more. My son is heading to Japan, and he said the app provided him with insight on what to do and how to best utilize their time in the country. https://buff.ly/Oh3Pieu25 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3ll74nc3myx2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lkv2rniuxg2sIndeed from Calgary, new technology at Arts Commons has helped the organization break down barriers for hearing-impaired audiences. Arts Commons launched its Sennheiser MobileConnect+ program, enables individuals with cochlear implants or Bluetooth hearing devices to connect to the building’s WiFi. https://buff.ly/TAkubIl21 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkv2rniuxg2shttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lkpzts7hrz24Well, here’s some incredible news—John McFall, a former Paralympian for Great Britain, has just made history! He’s now the first astronaut with a disability to receive medical clearance for long-duration space missions. A huge step forward for inclusion in space exploration! https://buff.ly/4kcL9iV19 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkpzts7hrz24https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lknjevgdr72sIt’s impressive to read about the technology the Portland Trail Blazers are using to make their games more accessible for blind fans. They are the first professional sports team to integrate OneCourt devices during live games, allowing blind and low-vision fans to experience basketball in realtime https://buff.ly/3X57rtf18 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lknjevgdr72shttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lkdhj6w6bv2dPottery Barn has partnered with Michael Graves Design, “Design has the power to enrich all of our lives. This pioneering collaboration with Pottery Barn allows us to make beautiful and purposeful furniture available to everyone,” says Rob Van Varick. https://buff.ly/4jRnSmt14 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lkdhj6w6bv2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lk6glckjeo24Some positive news about one of Elon Musk's companies—Neuralink. A brain implant now allows a person to control computers with their thoughts. This is a life-changing innovation that could help millions. But is this a good or bad thing for human evolution? What do you think? https://buff.ly/4hX2GtE12 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lk6glckjeo24https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lk3w4g64xa24Carmelle Goldberg wrote a fantastic article on how I engaged my professional network to tackle a significant challenge—systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from meeting bilingual language proficiency requirements in many large organizations. https://buff.ly/40YT7VA11 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lk3w4g64xa24https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3ljruaqqylw2bI’m thrilled to see St-Hubert embracing accessibility! The restaurant is expanding its inclusive dining program for autistic individuals by reducing sensory stimulation. After launching a pilot project at a Montreal location two years ago, the initiative has now expanded to 24 locations. I https://buff.ly/3EqnF9U07 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljruaqqylw2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3ljmtcuqdr523This is part of my ongoing series exploring the anti-woke and anti-DEI atmosphere in North America. This article touches on how systems—comprising policies, practices, and societal norms—are the primary culprits behind biases, which often lead to unfair treatment of minority groups. https://buff.ly/4gJOoeM05 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljmtcuqdr523https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3ljkctwyqyh2iIndividuals have been advocating for Accessibility to be explicitly included in DEI terminology by adding an 'A,' making it DEIA. Up until the summer of 2024, this movement had been gaining momentum. But now, the question is: Is this shift still important? And should Accessibility distance itself? https://buff.ly/436k77504 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljkctwyqyh2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3ljhsf2kvyn2sOut of the 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a disability, over 700 million live in cities. That’s a massive demand for inclusive design and infrastructure. If we’re serious about human rights, we need to build and grow our urban spaces with accessibility at the core—not as an afterthought. https://buff.ly/4hqr4n803 Mar 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljhsf2kvyn2shttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3ljaaybdknx27"I was approached by American Masters at PBS to do a film about my life and I said, ‘Sure, absolutely,’ and I have, though, one condition that it must be directed by a deaf person, a deaf director, a woman,” said Matlin in an interview at Sundance‘s IndieWire Studio presented by Dropbox. https://buff.ly/3PZIY4w28 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3ljaaybdknx27https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lj5qjdzx2225This month’s Nīewe piece, titled "Top Ten Facts Wheelchair Users Can Understand," features insights from yours truly, illustrating how my disability is a part of my self-identity. In today’s climate ableism are growing across North America/Europe—it’s more important than ever for us to have a voice. https://buff.ly/4gSjIbs27 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lj5qjdzx2225https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lj3a2hhgfa2hThis is a great example of a brick-and-mortar storefront listening to its customers and implementing something to enhance their shopping experience. It is also an excellent way to build brand loyalty with customers. https://buff.ly/3EmzYDZ26 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lj3a2hhgfa2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3liyplioe3z2aVerizon empower how people live, work, and play. So important. It’s more than just a network; it’s about access—whether that’s entertainment, communication, or opportunity. With strong partnerships and exclusive perks, Verizon isn’t just providing a service; it’s shaping experiences . https://buff.ly/42DpI4y25 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3liyplioe3z2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3liw74kzvgb2sAlberta announced a new disability program that will provide financial and health support to those with disabilities who are able to work. The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). https://buff.ly/3WTFcNQ24 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3liw74kzvgb2shttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lionpveufa2hOnce again, I am a huge fan of the openness that some networks show toward the disabled community. The inclusion of a double amputee on Naked and Afraid is a clear indication of this progress. I want to be transparent—I have never watched this show, nor am I interested in it. https://buff.ly/4gJQtr621 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lionpveufa2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lijmry3sjx26I focus on positive steps being taken to create a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. However, it's time to address the elephant in the room—how companies, governments, communities, and individuals are responding to the scaling back or elimination of their DEI programs https://buff.ly/4h84Dnb19 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lijmry3sjx26https://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3li52odb7mn2wSlick Chicks isn’t just an adaptive undergarment brand—it’s a statement. A movement. A commitment to breaking barriers in fashion for individuals with disabilities. Adaptive fashion is redefining style, proving that accessibility and empowerment can—and should—go hand in hand. https://buff.ly/3PQ6KQv14 Feb 2025 11:05 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3li52odb7mn2whttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lhvj2mwpdz2yEmirates is leading the way by becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™. This is a big step forward in making air travel more inclusive, ensuring that autistic and sensory-sensitive passengers can experience the same seamless service and personalized hospitality as everyone else. https://buff.ly/42AyboK11 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhvj2mwpdz2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lhlh6wef2a2aIn his upcoming memoir, Source Code: My Beginnings, Microsoft co-founder and tech billionaire Bill Gates, 69, shares that he believes he would have been diagnosed with autism if he were growing up today. https://buff.ly/4aJTlD807 Feb 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhlh6wef2a2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lhh4irl6sw2cWith the outbreak of the LA fires, I’ve been wondering how individuals with certain disabilities are managing their unique challenges in this crisis. I highly recommend that everyone with a disability read about Buckwalter’s ordeal—it’s an important lesson in preparedness. https://buff.ly/4alNPq005 Feb 2025 17:40 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhh4irl6sw2chttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lhelztzlek2gA recent article by William Harkness, Senior Systems Engineer at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, argued that the fundamental flaw in how we approach accessibility today is the assumption that people with disabilities are outliers—considered only after the fact. https://buff.ly/3CeLL6E04 Feb 2025 17:40 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhelztzlek2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/knowaccessibility.bsky.social/post/3lgusyniecr2gNew research estimates that 61.8 million people worldwide are autistic, making it one of the most common developmental disabilities affecting young people today. As of 2021, data published in The Lancet found that 1 in 127 people globally are on the spectrum. https://buff.ly/4gRFtsO29 Jan 2025 11:02 +0000at://did:plc:s2apeibvojv3xce6tklsbwog/app.bsky.feed.post/3lgusyniecr2g