“Find the cause of autism”
Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, said: “Autistic people aren’t fodder for a cheap, fake news publicity stunt. We’re stunned by the callous and anti-science way autistic people are talked about by Trump and RFK Jr. Wouldn’t it be better if they could deploy their huge financial resources to making life better for autistic people and their families, and improving society’s understanding of autism? We’ll say it again for those who still haven’t got the message – vaccines don’t cause autism. It’s time governments around the world listen to autistic people, get with the times and join our movement for a global society that works for autistic people. We urge everyone looking to find out more about autism to seek high-quality factual information from our charity’s website www.autism.org.uk.”
Blind Students: They’re Not Just in the Back Row
Gone are the days when blind students were hidden away or excluded. Today, blind students are in the front row—participating in class discussions, working on group projects, and using technology to engage with materials like their sighted peers. How Do They Do It? 1. Accessible Learning Materials: Thanks to digital tools and tech advancements, textbooks and resources are available in braille, audio, and accessible formats. Whether it’s listening to an audiobook, using screen readers, or reading braille, blind students have options for how they access learning material. 2. Tactile Learning Tools: Learning isn’t just about seeing; it’s about touching, feeling, and interacting with the world. Braille, tactile diagrams, and 3D models help blind students understand complex concepts in subjects like math, geography, and science. 3. Tech Integration: With voice-controlled software, apps like Be My Eyes and magnifiers, blind students can access notes, communicate with classmates, and navigate campuses independently. They’re not just using tech; they’re innovating with it. The Role of Educators: Being Inclusive, Not Pitying Teachers play a huge part in breaking down barriers for blind students. The best teachers don’t treat blind students differently—they adapt the curriculum and classroom environment to ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed. That might mean creating accessible lesson plans, encouraging open communication, and promoting understanding among classmates. The Power of Inclusion When blind students are included, the whole classroom benefits. These students bring unique perspectives, determination, and creativity to their work. They also demonstrate resilience—an invaluable trait for everyone to learn from. Real-Life Examples: Blind Students Succeeding Against the Odds Take the example of Haben Girma, a blind and deaf Harvard Law School graduate who has become a leading advocate for disability rights and accessibility. She proves that with the right tools, blind students can not only succeed—they can change the world. Closer to home, blind students in various school systems take top maths, science, and sports honours. In fact, some schools have specialised programs designed to support blind students in achieving their academic dreams. The Takeaway Blindness doesn’t limit intelligence. It simply means a student learns differently. As more schools and universities implement accessible tools and inclusive strategies, blind students are proving that all it takes is the proper support and mindset for them to thrive in education. Let’s stop viewing blindness as a barrier to learning. With the right tools, resources, and attitudes, blind students are leading the way in breaking down educational barriers—and their future is bright! Find out more To find out more about empowering students with sight loss, visit https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com
31% of fintech platforms meet basic web accessibility requirements
A study by TestDevLab analyzed 100 of Europe’s largest fintechs and found that only 31% fully meet basic web accessibility requirements regarding keyboard navigation and focus visibility. 51% of surveyed fintechs met requirements partly, with features that are not entirely accessible, available, or intuitive. The remaining 18% could not be analyzed due to various reasons. The study was conducted in the runup to the establishment of the European Accessibility Act, an EU directive that will come into force on June 28, 2025. It demonstrates that despite the act coming into effect soon, many fintech companies are unprepared. The study reviewed the home pages of multiple banking and fintech companies, examining whether interactive elements were navigable via keyboard. The study reviewed the home pages of multiple banking and fintech companies to ascertain if users can navigate them only using a keyboard – a basic requirement defined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The analysis focused on things like how easy it is to move around the page, if each element that receives keyboard focus has a visible focus indicator so that users can understand where they are, whether there are any issues with focus moving to invisible elements, if the keyboard allows users to move through the page in a logical order, and if users can easily close any content that appears over the keyboard focus, such as website popups. The directive aims to ensure that online experiences, such as websites and mobile apps, are available to people with a variety of disabilities. An estimated 100 million Europeans have web accessibility limitations, which is 1 in 4 Europeans. One study showed that accessibility and user improvements can significantly boost a company’s revenue, bringing back approximately €90 euros for every €1 invested. Despite that, many websites do not meet even the basic accessibility standards. Fintech companies are on the cutting edge of technology while simultaneously offering financial services. Their ability to ensure accessible online experiences is crucial to foster financial inclusion. However, with 70% of fintech platforms failing to meet basic accessibility requirements, people with disabilities are being marginalized, thus contributing to a widening tech accessibility gap. https://www.testdevlab.com
Challenges for autistic people on public transport
The National Autistic Society is publishing a report on the barriers autistic people face while travelling on public transport and the impact on their lives
Accessibility improvements at three TransPennine express stations
Customers using Dewsbury, Grimsby Town, and Scunthorpe stations are set to benefit from a series of accessibility improvements, as TransPennine Express (TPE) continues to improve accessibility for everyone using the railway. The changes are being made to make access easier and safer for all customers, including those with reduced mobility, with the works due to be completed by the end of April 2025. At Dewsbury, improvements include the installation of new handrails and resurfacing of the north access ramp from Milton Walk. Handrails on the steps from the ticket hall are also being replaced, along with the installation of new anti-slip stair treads installed on steps to enhance safety. Other accessibility improvements include localised surfacing repairs to bridge landings, replacement cycle tracks to access steps, and new tactile paving to support visually impaired customers. At Grimsby Town, the original footbridge steps are being upgraded with new handrails, while the existing step risers and handrails are being redecorated, improving the station’s appearance. Meanwhile, at Scunthorpe, work is focused on providing a more accessible and user-friendly environment for customers. The accessibility improvements includes installing new handrails and the installation of tactile paving on steps and zebra crossings to aid visually impaired customers. Chris Jeffery, Accessibility Lead at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re always looking at ways to improve the accessibility of our stations to ensure that all customers can travel with confidence. “These improvements at Dewsbury, Grimsby Town, and Scunthorpe will make a real difference for those who use these stations regularly, making access easier and safer for everyone.” TPE is committed to enhancing the customer experience across its network, with these latest upgrades forming part of a wider programme of station improvements. https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/
Blind and partially sighted people left behind in AI revolution
Blind and partially sighted people risk being shut out of the AI revolution, a leading diplomat has warned.Dr Walton Aubrey Webson, the first visually impaired UN Ambassador, will tell a major tech conference in Glasgow that AI models should have accessibility built into them from the start.Without proper safeguards, they could “inadvertently perpetuate biases” which exclude blind and partially sighted people, leaving them further behind, he is expected to say.The Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference, organised by RNIB Scotland, will explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming the lives of people with sight loss worldwide.Opening the conference today [MON], Dr Webson, who represents Antigua and Barbuda at the UN, will call for tech firms to prioritise accessibility from the start.He will warn that AI systems trained on biased or incomplete data risk deepening inequalities rather than removing barriers.More than a billion people worldwide have some form of sight disorder, and that number is growing. AI has the potential to transform daily life for people with sight loss, from navigation to accessing information. But without accessibility at its core, it could create new barriers instead of breaking them down, Dr Webson will say. The conference at Glasgow Science Centre will showcase the latest advances in AI, with demonstrations of cutting-edge technology such as robotic guide dogs and smart canes.Sponsored by Google and Meta, one of the key sessions will explore how AI can be harnessed to make everyday life more inclusive for those with disabilities.Dr Webson, who lost his sight as a child due to a rare cancer, will highlight how technology has long helped blind people navigate the world more independently.While innovations such as screen readers and adaptive devices have transformed lives, he will warn that AI revolution risks deepening inequalities if accessibility is not prioritised.He will call for stronger regulations and industry standards to ensure accessibility is embedded from the start.Dr Webson will also raise concerns about privacy and security, warning that AI tools often rely on personal data.He will stress the need for safeguards so users know how their data is used and can make informed choices. Dr Webson is expected to say:“AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases if they are trained on datasets that do not adequately represent the diversity of persons with disabilities.“This can lead to the development of technologies that do not effectively serve all users.“Ensuring diverse representation in training data is essential to creating fair and equitable AI solutions.“Implementing robust data protection measures and obtaining informed consent is crucial to ensuring that users feel safe and secure while using assistive technologies.“Major technology companies must seriously incorporate inclusive design into their innovation and product development processes.“We must view inclusive design not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental aspect of technological development.“Together, we can create a world where technology is genuinely a wheel of opportunity for all.” RNIB Scotland is hosting the conference as part of its mission to ensure everyone with sight loss has access to the technology they need to live independently.Around 183,000 people in Scotland and more than two million across the UK have significant sight loss, and that number is expected to rise.With an ageing population and increasing rates of conditions like diabetes, the number of people affected could double within 20 years. James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “It’s a privilege to welcome Dr Webson, who has been a strong advocate for the rights of visually impaired people and those with other disabilities, alongside other experts at our conference.“Their perspectives are invaluable in guiding us towards a future where technology is truly inclusive.“The rapid advancements in technology offer us a unique opportunity to address exclusion and improve accessibility for those with sight loss. “With the number of people affected by sight loss expected to rise significantly, it’s more important than ever that we prioritise inclusivity in the development of new tech.“We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind in the AI revolution.“Only then can we create a world where technology opens doors for all. https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/navigating-sight-loss/registering-as-sight-impaired/the-criteria-for-certification
New Enhancements to Award-Winning DoodleMaths App
Global edtech leader Discovery Education today announced new product enhancements to its award-winning DoodleMaths app. Providing self-paced, personalised maths practice from EYFS to KS3, DoodleMaths is trusted and enjoyed by thousands of teachers and pupils across the UK. Part of the Discovery Education family of solutions, DoodleMaths is a research-based, curriculum aligned digital learning app that boosts student skills and confidence. Designed by teachers , DoodleMaths is filled with interactive exercises that continuously adjust to the unique needs of children, creating a fun learning environment that builds numeracy skills for the classroom and beyond. DoodleLearning’s product team has worked with teachers and education experts to develop the new enhancements to DoodleMaths, making the app even more intuitive, interactive and accessible. These enhancements include: ● New, interactive lessons New three-part concept lessons deliver a ‘Connect, Discover and Explore’ lesson structure. Pupils are encouraged to consolidate learning, discover new skills and put learning into practice by engaging with interactive, real-world, in-app tasks. ● New digital manipulatives and modelsNew interactive tools give pupils a hands-on learning experience that encourages deeper number sense and understanding. DoodleMaths now also includes more images to boost pupil engagement and new animations to bring concepts to life. ● New accessibility updatesNew text-to-speech audio (TTS) enables users to play single lines of text while a new glossary helps pupils to instantly access definitions of unfamiliar words. In addition, a new approach to UI design enables learners with low vision and colour blindness to distinguish text and non-text elements. Hundreds of questions within the app have also been redesigned to align with accessibility best practice. ● New curriculum designDoodleMaths now covers even more of the primary maths curriculum – particularly at EYFS. Shorter, snappier lessons also enable pupils to complete a Doodle session and earn rewards in as little as ten minutes. Steve Richards, UK Product Manager at DoodleLearning said, “These new enhancements and updates to DoodleMaths make it even easier for pupils – including those with differing abilities – to access high-quality learning experiences that support increased achievement. We are committed to ensuring every pupil using DoodleLearning can progress at their own pace and grow in confidence, and we look forward unveiling even more updates to our award-winning suite of apps very soon.” Designed to create every child a personalised learning experience tailored to their needs, DoodleLearning also helps to boost pupil confidence and ability. A study by the University of Bath showed that children who use DoodleMaths for 20 minutes a week are four times less likely to experience learning loss than their peers. Research also found that using Doodle ‘little and often’ doubles a child’s rate of progression. Further updates to DoodleLearning are in the works and scheduled for release throughout 2025/6. For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.co.uk and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Exciting Competition Prizes
Open Road Access (ORA), a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) rental company is thrilled to announce an exciting competition in partnership with Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes. The competition aims to promote accessible travel and reward participants with fantastic prizes, including an accessible holiday experience. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes on this amazing competition” says David Dew-Veal, Co-founder of Open Road Access. Planning a getaway as a wheelchair user can involve complex preparation, often leading to less frequent travel. Accessible Holiday Escapes, Heddwch Accessible Escapes and Open Road Access are on a mission to make travel more accessible for everyone by considering the needs of wheelchair users, to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. This amazing giveaway offers one lucky winner an extraordinary accessible holiday. However, this is not the only prize to be won. What prizes can be won in the competition? There are 3 incredible prizes to be won in this competition. The grand prize is an accessible holiday experience, including a four-day WAV rental and a three-night stay at an accessible cottage. The second prize provides a one-week WAV rental, ensuring an independent and accessible travel for all. The final prize features a pair of AirPods. How to enter the competition: The competition is open now. Individuals can record an entry by filling out a short form. As part of this initiative, Open Road Access will be hosting a stand at Naidex, Europe’s largest event dedicated to disability and independent living, held at NEC Birmingham on 19-20 March. Individuals can double their chances to win by visiting the Open Road Access Naidex Stand (G110) and recording a short video sharing their take on accessibility. David Dew-Veal continues: “This competition embodies the company’s mission to transform accessible transport and empower individuals with unforgettable travel opportunities.” The competition winners will be announced in ORA’s April newsletter. Open Road Access invites attendees to Naidex to be part of this movement toward more accessible future. “We are excited to welcome visitors to our stand at Naidex and we encourage everyone to participate in this fantastic giveaway” adds Dew-Veal. Visit ORA at Naidex Find out more about Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes
Pembrokeshire access for all visitors in 2025
PEMBROKESHIRE TAKES NEXT STEPS IN PROVIDING ACCESS FOR ALL VISITORS IN 2025 Pembrokeshire is an inspiring place and to ensure everyone has access to its natural coastal beauty and experiences, Visit Pembrokeshire is stepping up its commitment to inclusivity with the launch of a dedicated portal on its website https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/open-to-all Part of a destination initiative called Open to All, the portal will feature a directory of businesses and organisations across Pembrokeshire offering services for those who face barriers to travel and tourism. It will include, for example, information about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s all-terrain equipment and easy-to-hire mobility trikes and beach wheelchairs. Plus, details of accommodation providers offering wheelchair equipped rooms, the location of adaptive toilet facilities, information about those businesses with hearing loop facilities or sign language trained staff. In short, it will reference those Pembrokeshire businesses and organisations – from coastal foragers to yoga providers – featuring inclusive elements within their offering. Providing positive examples in action, the case study section will highlight specific operators such as North Pembrokeshire based Havard Riding Stables, who offer lessons for all abilities. Also Windswept, the Dale-based paddleboarding-for-all company who provide individual as well as family and group sessions with adaptive kit and hoist facilities too. Plus, Blue Horizons, a surf school with an operation at Broadhaven Beach, is one of the only surf instruction schools to offer itself exclusively to those with disabilities and their families. Not just limited to disability specialists, other case studies will include businesses who, just by implementing small measures, have made a difference to visitors with extra needs. Celtic Deep, for example, a marine conservation and wildlife adventure company, tailors its experiences by offering small group sessions and minimising walking distances to its activities. While bushcraft expert Buzzard Chris Bushcraft offers a range of courses that can be tailored to meet specific needs. As well as being useful for visitors, it is hoped this case study section will inspire other Pembrokeshire operators to follow suit. To this end, providing practical help to do so, there will be a Resource Hub, featuring free education and support tools. This section will include suggestions on how small tweaks to a business’s website, such as enlarging the font and tailoring its messages on its social media, can make a difference to a visitor’s experience. Links to free training opportunities offering a diverse range of sessions from British Sign Language to cultural awareness and how to help those with partial autism is also included. These will be supplemented with information about forums and in-person meet ups such as beach days, designed to encourage businesses to network and share ideas about best practice. While a positive step, Visit Pembrokeshire understands that the launch of the website is very much part of an ongoing cultural change. Says Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire “The initial work conducted by the Open to All team alerted us to reports that a lack of accessibility provision was in fact discouraging potential visitors. “To turn this around, we initially began to highlight those organisations where accessible provision was already central to their offer, then used them as inspiration to other businesses to instil changes. “We’re now working with businesses across Pembrokeshire, helping them, where they can, to make changes and to tailor their own accessible offer; and we’re already seeing positive results. Some businesses for example have created new and bespoke access guides with accompanying videos. Others have added detailed information to their website about their inclusive offer for potential visitors to view. These positive tweaks demonstrate to potential guests that their needs are being taken into consideration. It says, ‘we’re listening,’ empowering them to feel confident in booking and visiting us.” She continues “Alongside this social inclusivity perspective, financially it makes sense too. Recent figures from the charity Scope suggest that the Purple Pound is worth over £249 billion annually, so ignoring this is not only doing a disservice to disabled visitors, but commercially to us as a destination too”. Open to All Project Manager, Abi Marriott, adds, “2024 was a busy and successful year gearing up to launch the new Open To All Resource Hub. Somewhat of a project legacy, this new website brings together the multiple strands of our work, offering access to business case study examples, training materials, toolkit and templates, plus a place where people can connect for ongoing specialist advice. It will also feature an inclusive media library for businesses to enrich their own marketing materials. We hope it will be an extremely useful resource for both visitors and businesses alike, adapting and expanding as we continue on our path to creating a more inclusive destination that is truly ‘Open to All’”.