Together we can build a future where everyone has the tools to live with dignity, connection, and hope. |
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While all of us at Envisioning Access have made a promise not to discuss politics publicly, it is very hard this spring not to discuss the fact that what is going on in the world is adversely affecting the work of organizations like ours working with people living with physical disabilities. Aiming to gut the essence of the Americans with Disabilities Act (which was passed with bipartisan support under the President George H.W. Bush administration 35 years ago this summer) will hurt millions of Americans. An online article from the Disability Rights & Justice News, Don’t Forget the “A” in DEIA: Trump’s Attacks on DEI Target Disability Rights & Justice states, “DEIA frameworks are designed to ensure that marginalized communities, including those with disabilities, have equitable opportunities to survive and thrive. Removing these programs weakens workplace accommodations, cuts funding for accessibility improvements, and undermines inclusive hiring practices. The impacts are tangible: without DEIA, individuals with disabilities face higher rates of unemployment, reduced access to education, and increased isolation. Eliminating accessibility standards in public spaces and denying reasonable workplace accommodations will force millions out of jobs, schools, and community life. These setbacks ripple outward, creating a society where the most disenfranchised are left further behind.”
If you've been following our monthly newsletters, you know this has been a central focus of our conversations. Through our collaborations with technology companies and universities exploring assistive technologies, we’re helping create opportunities for individuals to secure meaningful employment, pursue higher education, and stay engaged in their communities. Unfortunately, much of this vital work is facing funding cuts. That’s why I’m asking you to support Envisioning Access directly. Your donation empowers us to continue funding the research, development, and testing happening in these labs—ensuring innovation and inclusion move forward.
Developing new assistive technology that provides equal opportunity for all cannot stop. It is incumbent on all of us to ensure our family, friends and those in our community all have equal opportunities to thrive. Technology can make that possible. You can make it possible by continuing to support Envisioning Access on its Road to A Million.
Together we can build a future where everyone has the tools to live with dignity, connection, and hope. |
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Meet Daniel Steger, Architect and Envisioning Access Board Member
"Along with designing new homes, I bring to life visions for reimagined residential spaces from Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, and Boston’s suburbs to the Florida coast, Wisconsin, Texas, Vermont, the Sea of Japan, and other locations. My own home was chosen as the primary set for the Academy Award-winning film American Fiction, and my design work has earned me the top award from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston." Check out this great piece on Daniel and Envisioning Access! |
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| You Can Taste Cake in Virtual Reality With This New Device The device also mimics lemonade and coffee—but fried eggs? Not so much.
Smaller than a stamp, this new device contains a slurry of chemicals representing primary flavors like salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and savory (or umami). The reusable device mixes these together to mimic the taste of coffee, cake, and other foods and drinks. |
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Virtual reality platform offers new hope for speech anxiety sufferers
The fear of public speaking is widely cited as being the most common fear. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the prevalence of social anxiety and a fear of public speaking are both on the rise.
To address this, Dr. Chris Macdonald created an online platform where users transform into skilled and confident public speakers. On the platform, tailored course material develops key skills and life-like virtual reality training environments build confidence. |
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| The ADA Is Turning 35—And It’s in Trump’s Crosshairs Tony Coelho, the Americans with Disabilities Act’s main author, sees a new wave of threats looming for disability rights.
Since the bill was signed into law, disabled Americans have benefited from a much wider array of protections in the workforce, in education, and in the ability to access public places and private spaces open to the public, such as stores and restaurants. But in a world where disability rights victories, and disabled people themselves, are being attacked by anti-DEI activists, disability civil rights feel a little more fragile.
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The Deepening Shortage in the Caregiving Workforce
The U.S. healthcare and long-term care systems are at a critical juncture. As immigration enforcement intensifies under the Trump administration’s renewed policies, the nation faces a deepening shortage in its caregiving workforce—many of whom are immigrants. These workers make up a significant portion of home health aides, nursing assistants, and personal care workers. Their potential removal from the workforce threatens the continuity of care for millions of aging and disabled Americans.
This looming crisis also presents an opportunity: strategic investment in assistive technology—particularly in personal robotics and automated care solutions—can help bridge the caregiving gap, increase independence for people with disabilities, and reduce long-term strain on an already fragile system.
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Save the Date for the Envisioning Access Golf Classic! | |
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Planning is in "full swing" for our very first golf tournament; Thursday, October 2, 2025!
Join us for an unforgettable day of golf, networking, and philanthropy at the prestigious Pinehills Golf Course in Plymouth, MA. This event is your chance to connect with passionate advocates, innovators, and community leaders, all united by a shared vision of enhancing accessibility and fostering innovation in the disability space.
Event Highlights:
- 18 Holes of Championship Golf: Enjoy a round of golf on one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the region.
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Networking Opportunities:
- Build relationships with business leaders, tech innovators, and disability advocates from a variety of industries.
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Explore potential collaborations and partnerships with companies, universities, and nonprofits working to make a difference in accessibility and mobility technology.
- Gain valuable insights into how Envisioning Access is driving change and creating opportunities for innovation in the disability community.
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Interactive Engagements:
- Meet individuals with lived experience in mobility challenges who are shaping the future of accessible technology.
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Discuss emerging trends and ideas over a shared passion for inclusivity.
- Participate in small group discussions or connect informally during the day.
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Contests and Prizes: Engage in exciting on-course contests, raffles, and a silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences.
- Celebration Dinner & Program: End the day with a celebratory dinner where you’ll hear inspiring stories, celebrate achievements, and learn about the impact of your support.
Why Attend?
This event is more than a golf tournament—it’s a unique opportunity to expand your network, engage with like-minded individuals, and directly contribute to projects that make the world more accessible for all.
Register today and join us for an unforgettable day!
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS |
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Exciting News—We've been chosen for a 2nd time! | |
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| We’ve been selected by the Star Market GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program for a 2nd time!
Next month (May), whenever a $3.00 GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag is purchased at the Star Market located at 1065 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston $1 will be donated to Envisioning Access. This is a great and easy way to broaden awareness about our work and help raise money for Envisioning Access! More information will be available in May on social media. We can't wait to shop for a good cause! |
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