Fedora Outlier LLC Posts

“Oh lord, Vashaun has come back from Seattle with an allegory about bagels and syrup…”

“and he somehow managed to turn it into a super educational message about the importance of processes!?”
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If none of that made sense… don’t worry, it will!

Join Vashaun and several other amazing guests with disabilities this coming Wednesday, October 18th @ 1PM ET for the LIFE Online Savannah Tech Disability Employment Workshop.

The “Empowerment Through Employment: People with Disabilities at Work” seminar will take place via Zoom and feature stories and advice from real life individuals with disabilities who are not only surviving, but thriving in their careers!

There is no need to register, just save and click the following link Thursday, October 18th @ 1PM ET and you’ll be all set to immerse yourself in an hour of empowerment!

Workshop Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83892800183?pwd=UFRKRk5CNDVnQkhLaU5zODM4N3c2dz09

And don’t worry, we’ll send you a reminder day of as well. See you there!

Today Vashaun is answering a great question from Rhett Prince, a longtime follower of Fedora Outlier LLC!

“What are your thoughts on the stigma associated with blind people wearing sunglasses?”

Watch today’s video as we dive into it and Vashaun gives us a rare of him looking dapper in his one and only pair of sun shades!

If you or someone you know has an open VR case and would like to work with Fedora Outlier to gain the skills needed for successful employment — Contact us now!

Watch now for my honest thoughts on the iPhone 15 Pro and iOS 17.

Are you going to get the 15? Or If you have already, what are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments.

Steve Jobs said literally millions of times that “The only way to predict the future is to invent it”.   In this article, I’m mixing reality with what’s in my head as of todays date … and this is what leaked out.

The new Apple Vision Pro, which is an augmented-reality/VR headset, offers an immersive user interface without obstructing ones normal field of vision. 

But could it eventually allow blind users to actually drive a car autonomously? 

The first and most important question to ask ourselves should be “is it even legal to drive while wearing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) glasses”?  And the answer is maybe… 

The absence of specific rules regarding this issue are likely due to the limited presence of portable VR devices in the market. The recently introduced Apple Vision Pro AR headset, although technologically advanced, would still obstruct the driver’s view in case of any device malfunction. Moreover, the distorted and limited field of view provided by such headsets would not be safe for driving. ‘ There are already alternatives available, such as built-in head-up displays in modern cars or dash-mounted alternatives for older vehicles, which project vital information onto the windscreen, reducing the need to look away. Some newer vehicles even offer augmented reality head-up displays or systems that display virtual reality on the entire windscreen but none of that is particularly helpful to a blind user.  

The second question to ask then would be “is it even possible?”

While Self-driving car technology does exist, it is not specifically focused on and created for blind and visually impaired people and that is a problem.

But there is a lot of optimism in the blind community that self-driving cars could significantly enhance the way they live their lives. The advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, such as driving assistance features like lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and parking assist, have already provided assistance to blind and visually impaired drivers.

As cars become more autonomous, blind and visually impaired individuals may have increased opportunities to legally drive. Fully self-driving cars could potentially offer a level of freedom and independence previously unimaginable, allowing blind and visually impaired individuals to travel without relying on others.

However, as things currently stand, we must acknowledge certain challenges exist.  Just as an example: Inputting commands through touchscreen interfaces may be difficult for blind and visually impaired individuals. Voice assistant technology, already present in many cars, could be further developed to cater to their needs in self-driving cars. Researchers and organizations are already working on modifications and collaborations to address these requirements, such as creating Braille guides and maps for blind and visually impaired riders.

In summary, VR and self-driving car technology has the potential to revolutionize the lives of blind and visually impaired people, offering them newfound freedom and independence. Ongoing research and collaborations aim to make self-driving cars more accessible and accommodating for this community. 

These are my thoughts and JUST my thoughts as a technologist.  But the truth is, I’m not only predicting this to be a reality, I’m manifesting it… See you in the future.

Let’s change the world together!

Steve Jobs said literally millions of times that “The only way to predict the future is to invent it”.   In this article, I’m mixing reality with what’s in my head as of todays date … and this is what leaked out.

Up until now, golf hasn’t really been an accessible sport for the blind …

To be a professional golfer, there are several key skills that are important to develop:

1. Swing Technique: A solid golf swing is fundamental. This involves proper grip, stance, posture, and the ability to execute a consistent and fluid swing motion.

2. Hand-Eye Coordination: Golf requires good hand-eye coordination to strike the ball accurately. Developing the ability to align the clubface with the ball and make clean contact is crucial.

3. Accuracy: Golf is a precision sport, so accuracy is essential. This involves the ability to consistently hit the ball where you intend, whether it’s driving off the tee, approaching the green, or putting.

4. Distance Control: Being able to control the distance of your shots is vital. This skill allows you to adjust the power and swing length to achieve the desired distance with different clubs.

5. Course Management: Golfers need to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills on the course. This includes understanding the layout, choosing the right club for each shot, and making smart choices based on factors like wind, hazards, and course conditions.

6. Mental Focus and Patience: Golf requires mental discipline, concentration, and patience. Maintaining focus throughout a round, handling pressure, and staying positive after mistakes are crucial aspects of the game.

7. Short Game Skills: A significant portion of golf takes place around and on the greens. Developing skills like chipping, pitching, and putting are essential for lower scores.

8. Physical Fitness: Although not strictly a skill, maintaining a certain level of physical fitness can enhance a golfer’s performance. Strength, flexibility, and stamina contribute to a better swing and overall game.

Remember, becoming a skilled golfer takes time, practice, and dedication. It’s advisable to take lessons from a golf professional to learn proper technique and receive guidance tailored to your abilities.

And as a blind person, some of these skills don’t come easy! But the new Apple Vision Pro is poised to change the game (literally).

Yes, blind individuals can participate in golf with the help of adaptive equipment and assistance from sighted guides or trained instructors. There are specialized programs and organizations dedicated to promoting golf for individuals with visual impairments.

Blind golf typically involves modified rules and adaptations to accommodate the specific needs of blind players. Some adaptations include using audible balls that make noise when struck, having sighted guides assist with aiming and alignment, and using a clock system to provide direction and distance information.

The sighted guide or instructor plays a crucial role in providing verbal cues and descriptions of the course, distances, and obstacles. They may also assist with club selection and offer guidance during play.

With the the invention of Virtual / Augmented really though, blind individuals could successfully play golf independently and without any sighted help needed!

Blind golfers can experience the joy and challenge of the game by focusing on their swing technique, developing consistent contact with the ball, and improving their skills over time. Golf can provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and personal achievement for blind individuals.

These are my thoughts and JUST my thoughts as a technologist. But the truth is, I’m not only predicting this to be a reality, I’m manifesting it… See you in the future.

Let’s change the world together!

We all know Apple has a reputation for disrupting product categories and creating revolutionary devices like the iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch. And while the iPhone is often associated with hardware innovations, Apple has also led a transformative software revolution through its iOS accessibility features.  And unlike Windows, they offer it completely FREE to every user!  

These features have significantly improved the user experience for people with disabilities, enabling them to use iPhones with ease and delight.  With Apple’s commitment to accessibility, they’ve gained and empowered a loyal following of blind, deaf and physically disabled users who, for the first time, felt included without having to fight for it.  

Apple believes in accessibility as a basic human right and their efforts to create inclusive products is unmatched.  The role of third-party developers in creating accessible apps is also incredibly important and essential to the growth and popularity of iOS amongst disabled users. 

This philosophy should also translate to the web at large, better accessibility leads to a better user experience for everyone involved. That’s why we here at Fedora Outlier LLC believe in an “accessibility first” mindset when it comes to user experiences. When your site is easy to use for everyone, you gain more customers and lifetime loyalty from an often overlooked sector of the population.

Our manual auditing process, which is performed by actual blind and disabled individuals using accessibility software, ensures that your site is available and operable to to everyone.

To learn more and get started on making your business’ online presence more inclusive, contact us now.

The past few years have shown that diverse workplaces that embrace accessibility can help alleviate labor shortages. Remote work has indeed made the job market more accessible for disabled individuals, providing them with more opportunities and lessening some barriers they previously faced. This also presents employers with a wider pool of potential employees.

Moreover, hiring disabled individuals doesn’t just address the labor shortage. It also brings in diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches which can boost innovation and productivity. Features like closed captioning, flexible hours, and the use of personal assistive technology not only facilitate better work conditions for disabled individuals but also often enhance the overall working environment, potentially improving employee retention and engagement. 

Given these advantages, it’s quite likely that the trend of increased remote work and the consequent rise in employment among disabled individuals will continue, contributing positively to the economy.

This is why the work we do here at Fedora Outlier LLC in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation agencies all over the United States is so important.  We strive to equip disabled individuals with the skills and tools to not only pursue a career in technology, but to also thrive in it.   

By selecting candidates who have shown an interest in pursuing employment, we’re not only providing them with new skills but also the opportunity to participate in fast growing fields that’s driving job growth and shaping the future.

The pandemic has, in some ways, leveled the playing field.  Companies have discovered they can not only operate but flourish with remote teams. This, in turn, has opened up possibilities for more flexible work arrangements and better accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Fedora Outlier LLC offers a number of different technology specific courses, one on one training sessions and developmental planning options to assist vocational rehabilitation centers across the globe with placing disabled individuals in top paying jobs that they can excel in.  

If you or someone you know has an open VR case and would like to work with Fedora Outlier to gain the skills needed for successful employment — Contact us now!

Yes! The ADA and other laws like Title III of the ADA, Section 508, and WCAG 2.0/2.1 set standards to ensure equal access to digital properties for persons with disabilities. Ignorance of these laws and lack of accessibility can result in lawsuits, with a notable rise in such cases in recent years.

Being proactive about digital accessibility is beneficial, not just for legal compliance but also from a business perspective. It opens up access to a wider demographic, improves customer satisfaction, and enhances search engine optimization.

If a demand letter is received indicating non-compliance, the first step should always be to assess the validity of the claims and then devise a comprehensive plan to remediate these issues. This could involve enlisting a competent third-party consultant, especially if the organization lacks the internal expertise to navigate the required accessibility standards.

Choosing the right partner to navigate accessibility requirements is crucial. The partner should be able to identify and prioritize WCAG violations, provide training for developers and designers, and assist in creating a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), a document that demonstrates conformance with accessibility standards.

That’s why utilizing a team that is comprised of disabled individuals like Fedora Outlier LLC to help with your accessibility audit and remediation needs just makes sense. We have the hands on experience, life long knowledge and technology needed to perform the job quickly and correctly.

Becoming fully compliant may take time, but showing serious commitment to addressing accessibility issues, establishing a clear plan, and taking action towards remediation is essential. Regular testing and updating of VPATs is also recommended for maintaining compliance.

Ensuring digital accessibility is everyone’s responsibility. It’s about fostering an inclusive environment where all users, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, can access and engage with digital content. Remember, when we improve accessibility, we enhance the experience for everyone.

Time is of the essence when it comes to your business, so don’t hesitate. To have your website evaluated and / or remediated, contact us now. We can immediately get you started on the road to being accessibility compliant!