Dear AccessWorld Readers,
Happy holidays from all of us here at AccessWorld! Before we discuss the articles for this quarter's issue, I have some exciting news to share, especially if you're pursuing a career in the field of technology.
We are happy to announce that the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is now accepting applications for our Talent Lab Summer Boot Camp! AFB’s Digital Accessibility Boot Camp is a 3-month summer program designed for college students studying computer science or related fields. Participants will learn to design and build digital solutions that prioritize accessibility, ensuring inclusivity in technology. The fully remote experience includes hands-on projects, mentorship from accessibility experts, and networking opportunities with tech industry leaders in the field of accessibility. Students will earn digital credentials, receive an iPad for learning assistive technology, and may qualify for milestone and scholarship awards totaling $2,000. Applications for the 2025 program are currently open and close on January 31, 2025, with the Boot Camp running from June 2 to August 29, 2025. For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Boot Camp Info Page or submit your application here.
We begin this issue with a staple of our holiday editions: our annual accessible shopping article. This year, Janet Ingber brings us a review of the iOS mobile apps and desktop websites for both Target and Macy’s. This article highlights their wide array of available products and clothing.
For those new to accessibility, you may have heard mentions of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). We mention them in AccessWorld frequently, but you might not be terribly familiar with them. In this issue, I’ve written an article introducing readers to WCAG and explaining their importance in ensuring digital accessibility.
Next, we review two fully accessible action role-playing video games: Shadow Line and Fantasy Story II. Both games share similarities but handle accessibility using some differing approaches, though both do so effectively. Both games are free to download and play, and both have full visuals and text, making them helpful for sighted users who would like a hands-on experience with accessible gaming.
Being well versed in matters of personal finance can frequently be a critical skill when seeking financial success. Chris Peterson founded Penny Forward to aid people who are blind or have low vision in acquiring these vital skills. In this issue, Deborah Kendrick brings us an article in her Employment Matters series on Chris himself and his organization.
Finally, we share updates from the Google accessibility team, who are always hard at work enhancing the accessibility of their products and services. Google has kindly provided us with a summary of their third-quarter accessibility enhancements related to blindness and low vision, and we share them here for you.
We hope you have a great holiday season and thank you for being a reader of AccessWorld.
Sincerely,
Aaron Preece
AccessWorld Editor-in-Chief
American Foundation for the Blind
