September Clubs Forum

By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.
A pioneering solution is transforming packaging accessibility for individuals who are blind or with low vision. Developed by UK-based Zappar, these groundbreaking QR codes are tailored to provide essential product information with ease. These specialised ‘accessible QR codes’ have made their debut on UK store shelves, marking the collaboration of technology and social responsibility.
…Unlock the power of technology and become a Digital Mentor with ASCCA’s Be Connected Training! As a Be Connected Capacity Building Network Partner, ASCCA offers FREE training in September both in person (Perth) and online to help you guide seniors on their digital journey. Join us in making a meaningful impact.
We are excited to announce the latest Be Connected Digital Mentor training dates for September, 12th September in Perth – in partnership with the Centre for Accessibility Australia, and 20th and 22nd September online option (two half day sessions form the full day – registrants must be available for both sessions).
…By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.
Google has unveiled a new image-to-text feature in Chrome on ChromeOS. This functionality aims to assist screen readers in working with PDFs, particularly when images lack alt-text descriptions. With the ability to analyze image contents and convert text saved as an image back into machine-accessible text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, this feature enables users who are blind or with low vision, to access PDF content more effectively.
…By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.
In a recently released announcement, Apple revealed that they will be introducing new accessibility features to their devices, set to be released later this year.
…A major challenge in reading information online is the use of language. With new terms and acronyms it can seem like things are getting more complicated all the time. Fortunately on 20 June a new international plain language standard will be released which can help make the web an easier to understand place.
Many of our children and grandchildren often tell us how much they enjoy gaming online. Whether it’s using a video game console, a powerful Windows PC or casual gaming on a mobile phone or tablet, it has definitely got their attention. Seniors often ask themselves if this is an area where they can join in, and this is even more true of seniors with disabilities.
Exciting Highlights from CSUN, the World’s Largest Assistive Technology Conference.
By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.
The California State University, Northbridge Centre of Disabilities (CSUN), once again held its annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference this month in California at the Anaheim Marriott.
Guest Speaker – Colleen Hunter Centre for Accessibility Australia
Digital Accessibility – Helping to Keep Seniors Connected
It’s a new year and that means it’s time for the highlights of the Consumer electronics Show (CES) in the US. Some of the items that caught my attention from a disability perspective could have great implications as the year goes on.
As the year draws to a close, I thought it was a good time to reflect on some of the great accessibility improvements we’ve seen during 2022. So here are a few of my favourites.
Windows 11 is here, and will be in an update folder near you soon. Find out how our Seniors can take advantage of these to make digital technology more accessible, no matter what their abilities are.
Rich descriptions in alt text making all the difference for accessibility and equitable access to online resources
Xrai.Glass – augmented reality glasses you can buy which turn voices into subtitles in your field of view – and can translate from almost any language to another, too.
…Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Accessibility Heroes – one stop site for accessibility friendly places and services around Australia