IAAP releases overlay statement and recommendations

IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) has released an Overlay Position statement which can be read in full at
https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/s/overlay-position-and-recommendations

Excerpt:

IAAP believes that Overlays, plugins, or widgets must never impede access to users’ assistive technology, choice of browsers and/or operating system features. IAAP therefore does not support members making false claims about any products or services which could be harmful, either directly or indirectly, to end-users, including people with disabilities, or the integrity of the accessibility profession. More specifically, in relation to Overlay technologies, at this time companies should refrain from using marketing language implying that a website or application can be made fully accessible to all people with disabilities by simply installing a plugin or widget without requiring additional steps or services.

IAAP stands with people with disabilities, accessibility advocates, and accessibility professionals in acknowledging the deceptive nature of marketing claims that a single addition of a line of code, plugin, or widget, on its own, provides full compliance with web accessibility standards, mandates, regulations, or laws currently.

IAAP recognizes the importance of automating functions related to accessibility and that artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies have great potential in improving accessibility. At the same time, it is necessary that users, developers, and technology buyers remain aware of the limitations and potential risks of any new technology. IAAP believes that long lasting integration of accessibility innovations into services, products, and infrastructure is critical to achieving equal access for all. Innovation should be encouraged but carefully deployed so that it does not result in misleading potential buyers or impeding people with disabilities’ ability to access products and services using their assistive technology of choice.
in a way that improves access to websites and applications.

Links from Top Tech Tidbits: tech, advocacy, education, more

1. YouTube - Double Tap TV - March 8th 2022
In celebration of International Women's Day we are joined by Author, Speaker and Disability Rights Lawyer Haben Girma about her career and how she advises some of the biggest tech companies in the world
https://bit.ly/321OUEy

2. American Foundation for the Blind Urges Department of Justice to Complete Rulemaking Process for Digital Accessibility Regulations
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), along with their colleagues at the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), urges the Department of Justice to finalize a rule on web and application accessibility before the end of the current administration
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-foundation-for-the-blind-urges-department-of-justice-to-complete-rulemaking-process-for-digital-accessibility-regulations-301493154.html

3. This Walking Navigation System For The Visually Impaired Was Partly Developed By Honda
Navigation systems are becoming more advanced all the time, but until recently, they've nearly always been based on sight. Ashirase Inc., however, a new business initiative by Honda, is starting to change this by developing a GPS navigation system for the visually impaired. The in-shoe navigation system, also called Ashirase, notifies walkers using vibrational cues on their feet
https://www.autoblog.com/2022/03/06/honda-ashirase-navigation-visually-impaired/

4. Microsoft Just Finished Its Purchase Of Nuance For $19.7 Billion
Nuance is a well-known company specializing in artificial intelligence that also has a strong foothold in the medical industry. Microsoft initially announced its agreement to purchase Nuance for $19.7 billion back in April 2021. The deal has since gone through the required regulatory approvals
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-completes-197-billion-acquisition-ai-giant-nuance

5. SpeechWare has released a mic specifically designed for good speech recognition. Colin Hughes at AbilityNet has more information
https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/new-microphone-invented-speech-recognition
( more links below cut )

Where did they move the insert key to on the Microsoft Surface Go laptop?

I love my little laptop but, as a Jaws user, it is kind of a nuisance that the designers put the power button where the insert key typically goes, to the left of the delete key.

While Jaws can use the caps lock key in the laptop configuration as a meta key, there are a lot of keyboard commands that only work with the insert key.

I'm currently using a USB keyboard plugged into the laptop, but the more I think about it, the more it drives me crazy.

Can anyone find a picture on the web which indicates where they hid the insert key?

I already had to call the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk once this week, and I would rather not call them again if I can avoid it.