| June 29, 2024 — Volume 82 |
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I recently went to a conference, the XR Access Symposium, sponsored by XR Access Initiative to learn about the latest going on in the mixed reality world and how it will assist anyone with a disability. The XR Access Initiative is a Research Consortium at Cornell Tech. The Initiative is dedicated to promoting a safe and inclusive community for its participants. Envisioning Access is part of this community and benefits from the work that the group undertakes. At the Symposium, which included leaders in industry, academia, and advocacy, we discussed and heard presentations that aimed to solve the most pressing problems in extended reality accessibility. The focus on Insights from XR Assistive Technology gave all the participants an opportunity to learn from the technologies aimed at making mainstream XR more accessible.
What is XR technology you ask? Extended reality (XR) is an encompassing term for technologies that combine the physical and virtual worlds by adding digital elements to the real world. XR includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Currently this technology is used in many industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality. XR technologies can create immersive and interactive experiences, and has the potential to transform interactions with the digital realm.
In the coming months Envisioning Access will be looking at undertaking projects in XR technology that will involve making the world around us more accessible for all.
Envisioning Access itself is also becoming more technologically advanced. We have switched to a new customer relationship management tool, making the donation pages and functionality on those pages much easier and sleeker (don’t you love that word) for you to use. Our new system, Bloomerang, gives us the opportunity to more easily provide you with up-to-date information, ease of use for you when you decide to engage with us, and a slightly different look.
Of course everything is accessible on all our pages. We will keep you abreast of all these changes throughout the summer as new initiatives on our website appear.
Finally, a huge THANK YOU to all of you for the outpouring of support in response to the flood in our office. Stay tuned for updates on social media—the rebuilding of our space is about to begin.
I've chosen two interesting articles to share with you this month. The first on VR. And the second, for all you Bridgerton fans, a piece on the deliberate inclusion of disability representation!
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Seniors Surprisingly Eager To Try Virtual Reality Therapy for Pain
When it comes to using new technology or acquiring new skills, older people have a reputation for being a little slow on the uptake. A Baby Boomer nearing 70, for example, might not rush out to buy the latest iPhone, while someone from GenZ or a Millennial would.
A new study of virtual reality (VR) therapy is proving how misguided that assumption is. Older people can indeed learn new things and benefit from them. |
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'Bridgerton' season 3 captures disability, neurodiversity in regency era
When "Bridgerton" showrunner Jess Brownell and her team started production on season 3 of the hit Netflix and Shondaland show, they say they were "very intentional" about inclusivity.
Disability representation has played a larger, celebrated role this season for that very reason. |
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Envisioning Access in the News! MassNonprofit News | News June 11, 2024 |
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| Envisioning Access Names Two Board Members
Envisioning Access, formerly known as Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers, has named two new board members, Glenn Gomes-Casseres and Alex James Major, to its board of directors.
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The “Marriage Penalty” within the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program
The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides crucial monthly cash assistance to disabled and elderly people with limited income and resources. However, many recipients face a significant drawback: the program penalizes marriage by reducing or eliminating benefits if a couple's combined assets exceed $3,000. This "marriage penalty" impacts both the financial support and health insurance SSI provides, as most recipients also qualify for Medicaid. This policy forces many disabled individuals to remain single, conceal their marriages, or even divorce to retain benefits, thereby perpetuating financial and social instability.
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Support our team at the Falmouth Road Race, August 18! |
The Falmouth Road Race (FRR) was established in 1973, and is one of the premier running events of the New England summer season. Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite, and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course. For the first time, there is a team running to support Envisioning Access! |
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Save the Date for Accessible Fencing |
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Have you always been interested in fencing but didn’t know where to start? Join us on Friday, October 25 for an afternoon of instruction, information, and fun!
Envisioning Access, in conjunction with the Boston Fencing Club, is hosting an accessible fencing event for anyone who would like to learn more about fencing no matter their ability. Anyone ages 12 and up who are able-bodied or are living with a physical disability are encouraged to participate. |
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Happy 34th Birthday, Jessica! |
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| Did you know—Jessica is our only monkey in Boston that has a birthday in June!
She is also the only white-fronted (or albifrons) capuchin at the Monkey Living Center. Like all the other monkeys, Jessica loves her peanut butter, but she doesn’t love bananas! She would much rather munch on blueberries than bananas or apples. |
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Don't forget, you can send gifts to the monkeys at the Monkey Living Center from our wishlist. They LOVE getting presents from you! |
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