Whether you’re scaling the peaks of ✨productivity✨, wandering through the leagues of learning, or simply trying to navigate the labyrinth of online resources, the web is your trusty map. However, it’s unmarked, there is no compass, and sometimes I think some gremlin puts it upside down in your hands on purpose.

Accessibility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way to ensure everyone can enjoy the wonders of everything in an equitable fashion, including the internet. You don’t need to be told to dodge, duck, dip, dive, adapt, overcome. What works for me isn’t going to work for everyone. Same for you. Acknowledging this makes us stronger and more capable people. 

For your amusement I have gathered, collected, hoarded, and laid out Tools, Resources, Art, Educational Stuffs, and Experience Related Websites!

\\with Disabilities

So you’ve gained a new label, huh? Welcome to the club! Sometimes It’s lively and has quite intense debates like “WHO parked in my spot outside?!” and “The elevators broken again, no today I didn’t need it, but it’s important and also not compliant for ADA purposes and..”

So what now? When’s the next meeting? First floor this time? I’ve got some helpful stuff to hold you over 🙂

General Resources

1. Ability Jobs – Helping job seekers with disabilities find opportunities to complain about their bosses just like everyone else. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
2. American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) – Because everyone deserves a group of friends who understand. Disability, accessibility.
3. American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) – For all those who think differently and want to learn more about it. Disability, accessibility.
4. BestColleges – Career Guide for Students with Disabilities – Helping students with disabilities become overqualified and underpaid too. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
5. CADRE (The National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education) – Where special education disputes go to get sorted out, kind of like a laundry day for problems. Disability, accessibility.
6. Can I Play That? – A guide of games for disabled gamers by disabled gamers because nobody should have to miss out on the fun. Disability, accessibility.
7. CareerCast – Disability Jobs – Jobs for those who want to feel the Monday blues just like everyone else. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
8. CareerOneStop – Resources for Workers with Disabilities – Your home for job resources, so you can enjoy the rat race too. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
9. Cerebral Palsy Guidance – Providing guidance and answers for those navigating the CP maze. Disability, accessibility.
10. Deaf Counseling Center – Therapy for the deaf, by the deaf, because talking to a mirror gets old. Disability, accessibility.
11. Disability Images – Stock photos of people with disabilities because we like to be seen too! Disability, accessibility.
12. Disability Map – Resources from the disability & media alliance project, putting the “fun” in functional. Disability, accessibility.
13. Disability Rights Advocates – Fighting for equal rights, one lawsuit at a time. Disability, accessibility.
14. Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) – Education and defense, like a superhero for disability rights. Disability, accessibility.
15. Disabled Person – The premier job board for individuals with disabilities, because unemployment is so last season. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
16. Disabled World – A world of disability information, because Google doesn’t have all the answers. Disability, accessibility.
17. Feeding America – Find your local food bank and eat like a superhero. Disability, accessibility.
18. Guide Dogs for the Blind – Guide dogs that help you see the world with a furry friend. Disability, accessibility.
19. Hearing Loss Association of America – For those who can’t hear the haters. Disability, accessibility.
20. Humanity & Inclusion – Because humanity is better when it’s inclusive. Disability, accessibility.
21. iCanConnect – Connecting the dots for people with vision and hearing loss. Disability, accessibility.
22. Light for the World – Bringing light to some of the darkest corners of the world. Disability, accessibility.
23. National Center for Learning Disabilities – For those who learn differently and proudly. Disability, accessibility.
24. RespectAbility – Fighting stigmas like a boss. Disability, accessibility.
25. Special Olympics – Sports for everyone, because being a couch potato is so last year. Disability, accessibility.
26. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – The UN making sure everyone gets a fair shot. Disability, accessibility.
27. Understood – For learning and thinking differences, because one size does not fit all. Disability, accessibility.
28. What Can You Do Campaign – Resources for Job Seekers and Employees – Resources for job seekers and employees, because adulting is hard. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
29. Work Without Limits – Promoting equal employment, one job at a time. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
30. My Employment Options – Helping people with disabilities find remote and on-site jobs because work from home is the new normal. Disability, jobs, opportunities, get help.
31. Disability Benefits Help – Get assistance with navigating the complex world of disability benefits, because paperwork shouldn’t be a full-time job. Disability, accessibility.
32. Disability Rights California – Advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in California, because justice should be accessible to all. Disability, accessibility.
33. AbleData – A comprehensive database of assistive technology products, so you can find the right gadget for the job. Disability, accessibility.

Arts of All Kinds

1. Access Gallery – Breaking down barriers in the art world with style and flair. Art, disability, accessibility.
2. Art Beyond Sight – Making art accessible for those who can’t see, because everyone deserves a little beauty. Art, disability, accessibility.
3. Art Enables – Helping artists with disabilities create and sell their work like true art bosses. Art, disability, accessibility.
4. Art of Autism – Connecting through the arts, because creativity has no boundaries. Art, disability, accessibility.
5. ArtLifting – Selling the artwork of homeless and disabled artists, because everyone deserves a chance to shine. Art, disability, accessibility.
6. Creativity Explored – Proving that art is a human right, one masterpiece at a time. Art, disability, accessibility.
7. CriticalAxis – Collecting and analyzing disability representation in media, because we like to see ourselves too. Art, disability, accessibility.
8. DASH (Disability Arts Shropshire) – Promoting and supporting disabled artists, because talent knows no bounds. Art, disability, accessibility.
9. Disability Arts Online – Sharing disability arts and culture with the world, because we’re awesome. Art, disability, accessibility.
10. MFPA USA – Mouth and foot painting artists creating masterpieces without a brush in hand. Art, disability, accessibility.
11. Na Laga’at Art – Where people with disabilities meet through art, because creativity connects us all. Art, disability, accessibility.
12. Outside In – Providing a platform for artists facing barriers, because everyone deserves a chance to be seen. Art, disability, accessibility.
13. ReelAbilities – The largest US film festival promoting the lives and stories of people with disabilities. Art, disability, accessibility.
14. Sense Arts – Bringing the arts to people with complex disabilities, because creativity is for everyone. Art, disability, accessibility.
15. Sins Invalid – Challenging norms of beauty and sexuality with provocative performances. Art, disability, accessibility.
16. The Disabled List – Showcasing the creative work of disabled artists, designers, and writers. Art, disability, accessibility.
17. Universal Design Style – Merging universal design with style, because function can be fashionable. Art, disability, accessibility.
18. Visionary Arts – Highlighting the work of artists with mental health challenges and disabilities. Art, disability, accessibility.
19. VSA – Showcasing the artistic talents of people with disabilities internationally. Art, disability, accessibility.
20. The Art of Access – Showcasing the creative expressions of artists with disabilities because art should be inclusive. Art, disability, accessibility.
21. DisArt – A platform promoting the culture of disability through art exhibitions and events. Art, disability, accessibility.
22. Synesthesia Art – Celebrating artists with synesthesia, where seeing sounds and tasting colors are the norm. Art, disability, accessibility.
23. Creative Growth – Providing studio space and resources for artists with disabilities to unleash their creativity. Art, disability, accessibility.

Education

Friend. I know it’s hard. Sometimes people think that when you come with a disability you get a special welcome bag and free pass into the world including an easier ride academically.
What is hard to accept, even as someone with disabilities, is that it is a pain in the ass to navigate all areas of life, especially education.
“Education, really?”
Yes, really.
Not only may it be harder for you to function day to day, now you have ✨extra paperwork!✨ This can be and is not limited to:

• Writing to your doctors to get letters about your disability to send to your school;
• Getting INTO your school’s student disability services (which may not happen the first time, some people are sticklers for dotting Eyes and Teas;)
• Getting paperwork to prove the accommodations you need to be able to actually get your education in an equitable format;
• Getting paperwork for financial aid;
• Paperwork for taxes;

It’s a lot.. People who are well versed in this realm have already been working hard to make it easier for you. So here are some school resources for you!

1. Accredited Online Colleges – Disability Education – A guide for online colleges, because learning should be accessible. Disability, learn, resources.
2. Affordable Colleges Online – Resources for Students with Disabilities – College resources aimed at students with disabilities, because education is for everyone. Disability, learn, resources.
3. Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) – Equity for persons with disabilities in higher education, because the sky’s the limit. Disability, learn, resources.
4. Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) – AEM – National center on accessible educational materials, making learning cool again. Disability, learn, resources.
5. DeafTEC – Tech education center for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, because geeks are awesome. Disability, learn, resources.
6. Federation for Children with Special Needs – Champions for children with disabilities, making superheroes out of all of us. Disability, learn, resources.
7. IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – Ensuring education is a right, not a privilege. Disability, learn, resources.
8. National Center on Deaf-Blindness – Literacy – Literacy for children with combined vision and hearing loss, because reading is fundamental. Disability, learn, resources.
9. PACER Center – Champions for children with disabilities, because every child deserves a cheerleader. Disability, learn, resources.
10. Landmark College – A college designed specifically for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism. Disability, learn, resources.
11. DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) – Promoting the success of students with disabilities in higher education and careers. Disability, learn, resources.
12. Bookshare – An online library of accessible ebooks for people with print disabilities. Disability, learn, resources.
13. College Autism Network – Supporting autistic college students through research and advocacy. Disability, learn, resources.

//The Shared Treasure: Inclusivity

The best part of inclusivity? The resources we’ve discovered are like canes. Anyone can use them—they benefit everyone, regardless of ability. Yes some benefit more from them. Others are more inclined to use them for whacking trees with.

Tools

1. ABA Tools and Materials – Helping parents and professionals turn “I don’t wanna” into “Okay, fine” since…whenever they started. Disability, accessibility.
2. Communication Matrix – For those complex communication needs, because sometimes charades just won’t cut it. Disability, accessibility.
3. Dictation.io – Talk to your computer like it’s your therapist, and watch it write down all your secrets. Disability, accessibility.
4. ESL Cafe – Grammar Lessons – Grammar fun for ESL students…yes, really! Disability, ESL, languages, accessibility.
5. Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – SOAR – Explore work accommodations and make your workplace as comfy as your couch. Disability, accessibility.
6. Kapwing – Caption your cat videos like a pro! Disability, accessibility.
7. Learn That – Learn that word, and maybe impress your cat. Disability, ESL, languages, accessibility.
8. National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS BARD) – Download books and magazines without lifting a finger (literally!). Disability, accessibility.
9. Natural Readers Web App – Turn text into speech because your ears need a workout too. Disability, accessibility.
10. NV Access – A free screen reader that’s faster than your ex’s replies. Disability, accessibility.
11. Pizzaz – Creative Writing and Grammar Activities – Where creativity and grammar have a pizza party! Disability, ESL, languages, accessibility.
12. SpeechTexter – Convert your spoken words to text with a tool that’s more reliable than your autocorrect. Disability, accessibility.
13. Ginger Software – A writing assistant that corrects your grammar like a strict English teacher. Disability, accessibility.
14. Voice Dream Reader – A text-to-speech app that reads your documents aloud, perfect for when your eyes need a break. Disability, accessibility.
15. ZoomText – A screen magnifier and reader for those who want to zoom into the details without squinting. Disability, accessibility.

Disability and Accessibility Experiences for All

You don’t need to have a disability to want to learn more. I understand the taboo feeling around walking up to someone and asking about their experiences, what it’s like to be in their shoes. Some websites have tried to tackle that impossible task:

1. Chronic World Adventures – Chronically ill and chronically adventurous, because life doesn’t stop. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
2. Disability Fun – A peek inside the daily struggles and humiliations, because laughing at ourselves is therapeutic. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
3. DSXYLIEA – Experience a glimpse into dyslexia, because seeing is believing. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
4. Eye Test – A free color vision test, because who doesn’t love free stuff? Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
5. National Federation of the Blind Blog – Insights into the world of blindness from those who live it every day. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
6. New York Times – The Daily – A collection of photo essays and personal stories from people with disabilities, challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
7. Online Tone Generator – Hearing Test – What’s your hearing? What? Can’t hear me? Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
8. StoryCorps – Disabilities – A collection of stories from people with disabilities and their families, offering a glimpse into their lives, struggles, and joys. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
9. TED Talk: Maysoon Zayid – “I got 99 problems… palsy is just one” – A comedian with cerebral palsy sharing her experiences with humor. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
10. The Music Lab – Tone Deaf Test – An experiment by Harvard researchers to test your musicality. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
11. This American Life – Episode 682: “Ten Sessions” – A podcast episode following a therapist who specializes in treating people with disabilities. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
12. YouTube Video: “Through My Eyes: An Autistic Photographer’s Vision” – Simulating the experience of being deaf in a noisy environment. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
13. The Mighty – A community where people share their personal stories of living with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
14. Invisible Disabilities Association – Sharing the experiences of those with invisible disabilities to foster understanding and support. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
15. Pain News Network – News and stories from the chronic pain community, because living with pain is a shared journey. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.
16. Love That Max – A blog about parenting kids with special needs, filled with heartwarming and humorous anecdotes. Disability, accessibility, experience, stories.

The Fellowship of Accessibility

Whether you have disabilities or are fully able bodied, there’s tools, communities, and even humor out there to aid you on your quest. Share your with me of your ideas, and may your adventures on the web be ever fruitful and entertaining. I can’t say vegetable full as that gets me in a lot of trouble. And if all else fails, just remember:

Wait. What am I remembering.
Oh Yeah. I remember. I forgot my glasses somewhere.

Did you enjoy this sh*t? Subscribe to my newsletter and you can have more accessible and humorous content, because who says you can’t have both? Stay tuned for future Books and Free Things.