| September 28, 2024 — Volume 85 |
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September 12, 2024 – Schloss Dagstuhl, Germany |
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It is not very often, if ever at all, that I write to you from anywhere other than from my desk in Boston. Or, during this summer remotely while we are renovating the office. However, in September I am writing from Germany at the Schloss Dagstuhl seminar I am attending the week of September 8 which is devoted to accessibility in Extended Virtual Reality.
It is overwhelmingly exciting that Envisioning Access was invited to be part of a group that was primarily made up of 35 leading scientists in the field of mixed reality. We were invited for our expertise (45 years of work in disability/accessibility), and our forward-thinking efforts in the transition we have made to our partnerships with tech start-ups and universities. There were men and women from all over the globe grappling with how to make this technology more accessible. Topics included:
- How does sign language work in VR and in how many languages?
- How do we develop VR programming for blind/low vision?
- How does VR become more accessible for those with mobility impairments?
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Avatar design?
- Limitations within VR – what are they?
- Standards to make VR accessible for absolutely everyone?
As I sat through the sessions and gave input from our perspective, I was overcome with the thought of just how far Envisioning Access has truly come in three short years in our extraordinary transformation. The scientists were asking ME about our work with our pilot projects and our recipients. Moreover, these scientists, all of whom are affiliated with various universities asked how our recipients would test new technology currently in the labs at their universities. Many were also fascinated with our legacy work with our capuchins and the path it paved for the work we are currently undertaking.
All of this would not be possible without all of you. Your continuing support makes it possible for all of us to work with innovative technology that will assist those living with disabilities to alleviate isolation, and go to back to work and/or school as well as advocate for the disability community.
As I head home from Germany, I will not only bring back all that I have learned from this amazing week of discussions with so many great minds. I also have 35 new friends and followers of Envisioning Access. Thirty-five people who are excited about our work, and are amazed at what we do. THANK YOU to all of you for making that possible.
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Watch President Biden speak about the ADA and learn how VR/AR gaming opportunities are growing as users flock to new platforms and technologies. |
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‘Source Of Opportunity, Respect, Pride & Dignity’: Biden Applauds Americans With Disabilities Act.
On Monday, President Biden spoke about The Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). |
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Gamers unlock new levels with rise of mobile VR and AR gaming.
The lines between reality and virtual worlds are blurring, thanks to the rapid adoption of mobile gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) technologies. As these platforms evolve, they are not only changing how people play games but also reshaping how brands and advertisers can partner with gaming companies. |
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| Thank you so much for all your support since our flood in May. It has been a difficult summer, but the Envisioning Access team has been working together to be flexible, patient, and resilient in the face of adversity.
August was spent getting permits issued and choosing replacements for things that were destroyed and construction began earlier this month. We are hopeful that we will be able to move our administrative team back into the office very soon! |
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Policy Review of the New SSI Rule: "Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations"
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented a rule that will eliminate food from the In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations when determining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and payment amounts. Effective September 30, 2024, this change is designed to make the SSI process less burdensome for beneficiaries and the SSA itself. The new rule removes food support* from the definition of "unearned income" that could reduce SSI payments or disqualify individuals from receiving benefits. This adjustment is part of a broader effort by the SSA to simplify its regulations and remove barriers to accessing payments.
Read my column this month to see the implications of this policy change and how it is a helps to simplify access to SSI benefits and reduces financial penalties for informal food assistance. *Food support is defined as help from your social network and food pantries. Before this change, a person had to calculate the food they got as unearned income which would then be factored into how much SSI recipients could receive. |
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Join us for Accessible Fencing! |
Save the Date for Accessible Fencing
October 25, 2024
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 Birthday to Penny—She's the only monkey at the Monkey Living Center who is celebrating a birthday in September! Don't forget, you can send gifts to monkeys like Penny at the Monkey Living Center from our wishlist. They LOVE getting presents from you! | |
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