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Canada updates standard for accessible employment
Accessibility Standards Canada has released the revised CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 (REV-2025) – Employment standard, updating its initial December 2024 edition. The updated standard will help create a work environment that is equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all workers, including persons with disabilities. The revised standard introduces new requirements for removing and preventing employment-related accessibility barriers. This includes how organizations can improve accessibility in the workplace. It also clarifies existing requirements to help organizations better support workers with disabilities.
BarrierBreak Highlight
Virginia's HB2541: A Landmark in Digital Accessibility and Inclusive Procurement
On March 24, 2025, Virginia enacted House Bill 2541 (HB2541), marking a significant advancement in digital accessibility and inclusive procurement.This legislation modernizes the Information Technology Access Act, ensuring that information and communications technology (ICT) is accessible to all people with disabilities, not just for those who are blind or visually impaired. The updated law requires vendors to adhere to accessibility standards when providing ICT solutions for public use. Vendors are required to provide Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) and submit remediation roadmaps if there are gaps in compliance. This act reinforces Virginia’s commitment to creating an inclusive digital environment for all individuals.
People Stories
Disney Extends Disability Access Service Validity Period Again
By WDW News TodayWhen Disney updated their DAS service in 2024, they extended the validity period from 60 days to 120 days. This means once a guest qualifies for the service, they do not need to re-register until that time period has elapsed or they purchase a completely new ticket. In September of last year, they further extended it to 240 days. Disney’s previous update to DAS restricted eligibility to just guests with autism and similar disorders, leading to controversy. Guests with conditions like narcolepsy and terminal cancer have been denied the service. A class action lawsuit was filed against Disney and partner Inspire Health Alliance alleging the updates to DAS are discriminatory.
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New AI and accessibility updates across Android, Chrome and more
In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Google rolled out exciting updates including deeper integration of Gemini AI with TalkBack, enhancing screen reader experiences on Android. Also announced: a new version of Expressive Captions that not only transcribes speech but captures how something is said, adding emotion and nuance to captions for more inclusive communication.
Apple unveils powerful accessibility features coming later this year
Apple today announced new accessibility features coming later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store. Users who are blind or have low vision can explore, learn, and interact using the new Magnifier app for Mac; take notes and perform calculations with the new Braille Access feature; and leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS. Additional announcements include Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Leveraging the power of Apple silicon, along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence, users will experience a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.
Achieve Digital Accessibility at Scale:
Audit – Manage – Comply
BarrierBreak is the Leader in Offshore Digital Accessibility Testing & Consulting. Your trusted adviser and reliable source for accessibility testing solutions. Get in touch with us to ensure your digital solutions conform to WCAG 2.2 & 2.1, Section 508 Testing, and to create a VPAT for your product