Featured Story
All Mobile Phones to Be Hearing Aid Compatible Under New FCC Mandate
By Hearing Health & Technology Matters
In October 2024, the FCC finalized a rule requiring all smartphones sold in the U.S. to be fully hearing aid compatible. This includes both acoustic and telecoil (t-coil) coupling as well as Bluetooth compatibility, which discourages the use of proprietary Bluetooth protocols. These new standards aim to ensure universal connectivity between mobile phones and traditional or over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, bridging existing compatibility gaps.
BarrierBreak Highlight
Digital Accessibility Landscape of the Finance Sector in India
The Indian Financial Sector is adopting digital products and services but are these accessible to customers with disabilities?
BarrierBreak & NCPEDP have come together to understand the implementation of Accessibility in the Finance Sector to promote financial inclusion of persons with disabilities. This research report evaluates the digital accessibility landscape of the Top 100 Companies in the Indian Financial Sector. It also highlights the importance of incorporating accessibility into the product development lifecycle and creating digital accessibility programs to ensure equitable access for all customers, including those with disabilities.
People Stories
Marissa Bode Says Wicked Crew Asked 'Right Questions,' Built Accessible Set
Wicked's cast and crew created an intentionally accessible environment for Marissa Bode on set so that her only job was to be the best Nessarose she could be. The Hollywood newcomer responded to an open casting call and completed a series of auditions to become the first authentic wheelchair user to play the younger sister of Elphaba.
Top Picks
Disabled travelers may need to do some extra prep before traveling this holiday season
Holiday travel usually means crowded airports, clogged roadways and exorbitant prices. For those with accessibility needs, it can be an even more complicated time of year to get around. Travelers with disabilities can take steps to ease the ordeal. Read more to see what should be kept in mind in each category to ensure the smoothest possible holiday trip.
Launch of 3D maps to help disabled travellers
A train company has launched 3D maps to allow disabled passengers to travel with "more independence". Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express, said the maps will allow people to gain more confidence in navigating some key stations on its network. Passengers will be able to plan their journeys through the stations operated by GTR using the 3D maps on their mobile phones and computers. The scheme, which is being trialed at 10 stations, aims to make it easier for disabled passengers to identify staircases, lifts, and ticket gates on bespoke aerial maps of stations.
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