Dear AccessWorld Readers,
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of AccessWorld!
During February, we celebrate Low Vision Awareness Month and featured content focused on people new to vision loss, including seniors.
Before we jump into this month's articles, we want to highlight some important research from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). We recently released a white paper titled: Including or Excluding: Expert Insights on Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for People with Disabilities
This report synthesizes data from multiple experts on the future of AI and its potential impact on people with disabilities. Based on this research, we have formulated a set of principles designed to help AI stakeholders ensure that people with disabilities are included and able to benefit from AI advancements, just like everyone else.
We have also published a webinar discussing this research, which you can find on the previously linked page.
This issue focuses on topics related to people with low vision and those new to vision loss. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Steve reviews the latest edition of the Micro-Speak Recorder, a device popular for its ease of use and accessibility features of benefit to people who are blind or have low vision.
In the first installment of a multi-part series, I examine the accessibility of AI-powered music generation applications, with this first article spotlighting the Suno platform. These web-based platforms serve as perfect examples of both best practices and common pitfalls when it comes to implementing accessibility in complex web applications.
Steve explores The Case for Vision, a specialized smartphone case that, when paired with a compatible app, turns your device into a powerful handheld video magnifier.
Next, James Brooks surveys several popular video games, assessing them for the presence of access features that could aid players with low vision. While we have given much attention to accessibility for people who are completely blind, there are many features that can also benefit individuals with moderate to minor vision loss—a group that makes up a significant portion of those with vision loss.
Janet interviews Anthony Corona, who lost his vision later in life and now works with the organization Open Doors to make travel more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
As always, thank you for being AccessWorld readers. We hope you enjoy this issue! I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to our wonderful authors—AccessWorld could not exist without their stellar contributions.
Sincerely,
Aaron Preece
Editor-in-Chief, AccessWorld
American Foundation for the Blind
