Issue #20 • 04 November 2025

Hi Reader.

A few weeks ago, I attended a talk by author Andrew Leland and asked how he handles the anxiety that can come from awkward or embarrassing moments tied to disability. His blunt reply, “Just say ‘f**k it’ and move on,” was a bit shocking, but also revealing. Andrew is a member of the National Federation of the Blind, and while he seems to align himself with its principles of self-confidence and fierce independence, he also recognizes that the organization’s assertive approach can feel off-putting to some.

In contrast, I recently joined my local chapter of the American Council of the Blind. This organization takes a more empathetic, interdependent approach to blindness and community. Both the NFB and ACB have long, proud histories of advocacy, but their memberships are aging, and both face challenges engaging younger blind and low vision people who may not feel as connected to traditional organizations.

Meanwhile, events like the Disabled Stories Collective, where I’ve seen young, career-minded blind professionals come together to share experiences, seem to point to a new model of community—one less about allegiance and more about shared identity and story. As we think about the next generation of disability culture, maybe the task isn’t choosing between independence or interdependence, but building spaces that honor both: where strength and vulnerability, leadership and listening, can coexist.

How do you see these values shaping the future of the disability community? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Upcoming events

Speaking at CSUN 2026

I'm excited to share that I'll be presenting again at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in March, this time alongside my friend and collaborator Igor Feinberg from Case for Vision.. Together, we’ll be talking about accessible marketing for assistive technology. It’s going to be a fun and interactive session, and I hope to see you there!

Learn about CSUN

Recent articles from our blog

How accessibility snapshots help me turn curiosity into connection

I'm discovering that sometimes the best way to start talking about accessibility is simply to show what’s possible. In this article, I discuss how a quick website check can spark interest, open doors, and turn meaningful conversations about inclusion into lasting client relationships.

Explore A11y Snapshots

Accessibility around the web

How to Write an Accessibility Statement in 2025, with Examples

By Chris Hinds from Equalize Digital

If you know me, you know I love a good a11y statement. This guide breaks down what makes one effective in 2025—with must-have components, clear examples, and common pitfalls to avoid—so you can publish yours with confidence and credibility.

When Accessibility Isn't Easy: Features That Need Love

By A11yTalks

In this engaging presentation, Suzanne Dergacheva discusses how to incorporate accessibility into complex widgets like mega menus, dynamic search filters, modals, and more. She offers specific tools, practical insights, and hands-on strategies for baking accessibility into the design, development, and testing of custom web components.

ARIA-live cheatsheet: announcing stuff without annoying your users

By James Sheasby Thomas

A great break down of when to use aria-live="assertive", when polite is enough, and when to skip it entirely. Clear examples cover urgent form errors, background notifications, and misuse pitfalls like carousels or marketing banners. When in doubt? Default to polite.

Have a novel November!

Simon Miner Pedal Point Solutions

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Explore Case for Vision This stand transforms my iPhone into a hands-free magnifier--helping me read, explore, and stay independent wherever I go. Learn about Case for Vision

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