
Accessibility in action
We believe that making today’s technologies accessible to everyone is just as important
as the innovations themselves. See how that belief takes shape in our products and services as well as our culture.
Digital accessibility is for everybody
As the world increasingly turns to the internet for life's daily activities, small businesses and web administrators must also adapt to connect with increasingly diverse users. Usability experts offer good news for smaller operations that may think they lack the resources to pursue complex web design efforts: an accessible website need not be a lofty goal.
Be resolved: Five accessibility ideas to take to heart in the year ahead
In a year like no other, our understanding of what it takes to be accessible and inclusive expanded in new ways. If you’re resolved to make the world better in the year to come, especially for those with disabilities, look no further.
Enlightened AI is a business and human imperative
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to transform life for those living with disabilities. However, the inclusion of diverse perspectives in their research, design and development process will play a critical role in determining their accessibility. Find out how tech innovators can keep accessibility at the forefront.
Honoring 75 Years of Access and Opportunity with NDEAM
National Disability Employment Awareness Month marks its 75th anniversary this year. In honor of its chosen theme, Increasing Access and Opportunity, the ADA Lead On production team is back with another dynamic virtual event designed to lift the voices of those with disabilities.
October is Blind Awareness Month
Blind Awareness Month includes many special days and weeks dedicated to increasing understanding, expanding access and cultivating inclusion for people with low or no vision. Susan Mazrui of AT&T discusses why it’s important to celebrate, educate and advocate for this community.
COVID-19 Makes World Mental Health Day Mission Critical
Safeguarding our mental wellbeing is no small task in this time of global pandemic. Veterans, tested by some of life’s most intense stresses, can teach us a lot. Recognizing the profound importance of connections to family and friends, they point to technology as a key source of help.
Deaf Awareness Week
Deaf Awareness Week, Sept. 20 to 26, promotes the positive aspects of deafness and deaf culture while encouraging inclusion for all. To mark the occasion, Matt Myrick of AT&T shares an important innovation he worked on that improved 9-1-1 calling and other services for those with speech and hearing disabilities.
Accessibility in the COVID-19 World of Work
As employers and staff across the U.S. consider workplace changes in the era of COVID-19, countless details – masks, sanitizers, workstations and more – have received ample consideration. Yet, despite the best laid plans, employees with disabilities will no doubt face additional questions based on their own, unique situations.
Happy Birthday ADA!
Since 1990, millions of Americans have benefited from the most important disability legislation ever signed in the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In honor of the ADA’s 30- year anniversary, a remarkable event celebrates its extraordinary story, the people who made it happen and its profound impact on all our lives.
Smartphone app provides view of the world for the blind
Through her work at AT&T, Kelly Burton brought smartphone technology home to her husband who is blind, giving him a new outlook on life. The app connects Eric Burton to a remote agent who “sees” for him in real time and talks to him through his environment.
Saluting the importance of digital accessibility for all
Dedicated to human progress through technology and communication, AT&T supports digital accessibility for all. Join us in honoring the mission of Global Accessibility Awareness Day ― to raise awareness and practical knowledge about how to make the digital world inclusive for everybody.
Undiscovered talent no more
Employees with autism, and other learning and thinking differences, can bring unique perspectives, talents and skills to the workforce. Motivated by their contributions, AT&T plans to implement new strategies to recruit, retain and engage neurodiverse people.
Smart city planning that puts people first
As the pace of smart city development intensifies, AT&T leaders recognize the importance of including accessibility during the earliest stages of planning. They say that designing inclusive smart cities for all will require a human-centric approach and intensive involvement, planning and collaboration.
Customer service with heart
At AT&T’s Disability & Aging Call Center, agents are specifically trained to assist customers with special needs related to vision, hearing and aging. Fielding 220,000 calls per year, they not only help customers access services to improve their lives but create bonds with them in the process.
Seven resolutions you can make for a better 2020
New Year’s Day is just a few weeks away. What can you do to improve the year ahead for people living with a disability – and for you, too? Take a look at seven do’s and don’ts to consider and resolve to make 2020 more welcoming to all.
People with Disabilities Day to last all week in Mexico City
Living with a disability is a global experience. AT&T is using the Dec. 3 observance of International Day of People with Disabilities to spend a week focusing on disabilities in North America’s largest city.
Accessibility makes life better for all
Accessible solutions can expand the world in surprising ways. Curb cuts, automatic doors, text messaging and speech-to-text applications are just a few examples of innovations that originated to help people with disabilities and are now in widespread use.
Everyone counts at AT&T
Disabilities shouldn’t be kept in the shadows. The observance of World Mental Health Day and a program at AT&T are just a few efforts fighting the stigma that still keeps mental and physical disabilities in the dark.
Learning about life with a disability
The AT&T Accessibility Lab shares glimpses into the lives of people with disabilities. Charged with serving all people, AT&T employees can gain a sense of what it’s like to live with a cognitive, visual, hearing or motor disability by visiting the hands-on, traveling lab.
Happy birthday, ADA – historic disability legislation turns 29
Passed July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides people with disabilities the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The passage of the groundbreaking legislation created significant progress toward inclusion for all.
Life Experiences Shape AT&T Leaders’ Dedication to Accessibility
David Huntley, a senior executive vice president and the Chief Compliance Officer for AT&T, understands why accessibility matters. Because for us, it’s personal.
AT&T explores work and play during Global Accessibility Awareness Day
The AT&T team observed Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) for the second time this year. The event included demos of innovative new technologies and information about 14 separate initiatives currently underway.
Smartwatch powered by AT&T makes monitoring health conditions easier
The OnePulse smartwatch, powered by AT&T wireless connectivity, goes beyond tracking steps. By transmitting certain critical medical and health data to the cloud, it makes monitoring health conditions easier.
Blind ambition moves man through Bosporus Strait
Hundreds of AT&T employees unite to make a dream kayak trip come true and set an historical first in the process.
Bowled over: Meet Jonathan “300” Harmon
Bowling is Jonathan’s passion. See how this young man living with autism, who competed in the Special Olympics World Games, has a lifelong connection to AT&T.
Turning tragedy into triumph
A distracted driver with a smartphone caused a crash and a traumatic brain injury for AT&T employee Carolyn Chandler. Read about Carolyn’s efforts to heighten disability awareness and remove the stigma of a brain injury.
Why People Hide their Disabilities at Work
A full 30% of professionals fit the current federal definition of having a disability — and the majority are keeping that status a secret. Disclosing “invisible disabilities” on the job can relieve the stress of keeping things bottled up and support career development.
Smart Cities for All Collaborates with AT&T to Launch New Inclusive Innovation Playbook
The tool lays out specific steps that cities and their partners can take to infuse the urban innovation ecosystem with a greater focus on accessibility and a commitment to persons with disabilities.
Empowering Tech Caregivers to Tackle Online Safety
If you are assisting a loved one online, you may need to help safeguard against scams, spam, malware, identity theft and other online threats. Critical measures like strong passwords can be intimidating to many users, but support is available to help you protect the people you care about.
AT&T powering palliative technology
A new study intends to combine 5G with virtual reality and augmented reality (VR and AR) to test if it can help reduce chronic pain and anxiety for certain hospice patients. The goal: an alternative therapy that is easier for caregivers to implement and makes the patient most comfortable during this difficult time.
AT&T names new Chief Accessibility Officer
Suzanne Montgomery is the new chief accessibility officer (CAO) at AT&T. She will work closely with the company’s Corporate Accessibility Technology Office (CATO) to ensure AT&T products and solutions are accessible to people with disabilities.
Accessibility News
When disability and racial justice converge
The Disability Justice movement must work to be inclusive of Black people with disabilities. Those with intersectional identities – including ability and race – bring unique perspectives that can help improve the lives of all people. Allies in the fight for justice, these advocates can be stronger together.
Government websites get more accessible
The WhiteHouse.gov accessibility statement shows that the Biden administration is committed to making its website usable for people of all abilities. While this is just the beginning of a continuous journey, it’s an example of proactive digital accessibility leadership, and it sets a powerful example for others.
Inauguration sends inclusive messaging
Inauguration ceremonies of President Joe Biden took inclusivity to a new level. The Pledge of Allegiance included an American Sign Language interpretation. There also was a more sensitive way to request that those attending “rise.” According to the Biden inaugural website, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are "committed to providing opportunities for equitable participation" allowing "everyone to engage" with events.