The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams for Monday, April 6, 2026 – Issue 113

The Carroll Center For The Blind 14th Annual Walk For Independence | Saturday, May 30, 2026 9AM to 12PM ET at the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst (100 Carlson Avenue in Newton, MA)

The 14th Annual Walk for Independence is happening Saturday, May 30th, from 9:00 AM 12:00 PM ET at the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst (100 Carlson Avenue in Newton, MA). This free event invites participants to complete a 1 to 3-mile walk around the campus, followed by a celebration with free BBQ, popcorn, accessible activities, assistive technology demonstrations, and more!

Every step we take, every dollar we raise, puts people with vision loss further on the path to independence. The Walk for Independence is not only a fundraising event, but also a celebration of the entire community coming together to improve the lives of people with vision loss.

As the nation’s premier vision rehabilitation center, The Carroll Center for the Blind serves individuals of all ages and stages of vision loss, providing essential resources and support to those in need.

Please join us! 🦯

Help Shape the Future of Healthcare: Join Rare Patient Voice Through Dr. Kirk Adams

If you’re a patient or caregiver who wants to make a difference, I invite you to join Rare Patient Voice through my personal referral link: https://rarepatientvoice.com/rp/DrKirk.

Rare Patient Voice connects individuals living with rare and non-rare conditions to paid research opportunities where your voice directly shapes new treatments, products, and policies. Participants are typically compensated $120 per hour for surveys, interviews, and focus groups. It’s a powerful way to ensure your lived experience helps improve care for others, and you’ll be compensated for your time.

By signing up through my link, you’re also supporting our shared mission of making healthcare more inclusive and patient-driven.

Dr. Kirk Adams, Ph.D.
Advocate, Leader and Keynote Speaker on Disability Inclusion & Leadership
Leading the Way to Accessible Innovation

Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI)
Executive Director
Strengthening individual and organizational capability for creating diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Innovative Impact, LLC Consulting
Managing Director
Impactful Workforce Inclusion Starts Here

American Foundation for the Blind
Immediate Past President & CEO
To create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired.

1.) April Is Autism Acceptance Month — Let’s Build a Bigger, Brighter Constellation | Dr. Kirk Adams | April 5, 2026

April arrives like a soft sunrise, inviting us to see one another more clearly, more fully, more humanly. It is Autism Acceptance Month, and not just a moment for awareness, but a call to belonging.

2.) ISDI and Archbright Virtual Event: Legal & Political Landscape: Advancing DEI Amid Threats & Challenges: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:30 AM PT | Dr. Kirk Adams | March 29, 2026

The Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion (ISDI) launches its 2026 series of Special Events with this critical strategy session focused on the evolving legal and political environment shaping Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work nationwide.

3.) Why I’m Donating to Save the BrailleDoodle — and Why I Hope You Will Too | Dr. Kirk Adams | March 5, 2026

I do not support ideas simply because they are inspiring. I support them when they solve a real problem, meet a real need, and create a real opening for blind people to learn, grow, and thrive. That is why I am supporting the effort to save the BrailleDoodle.

4.) Lights. Camera. Authenticity: A Casting Search That Could Change Hollywood — ‘Family Trip’ Is Searching For A Blind Girl To Play A Blind Girl — And That’s A Big Deal | Dr. Kirk Adams | March 3, 2026

This summer, something beautiful is happening. An independent film titled Family Trip will be filmed in Los Angeles in summer 2026. Casting directors Beth Holmes and Elizabeth Vitale have launched a nationwide search for a young girl, ages 8-11, who has legal blindness to portray the character of Abby. No prior acting experience required.

April 7, 2026 | Inside The Braillenote Evolve Experience: From Keysoft Simplicity To Full Windows Power | Blind Information Technology Solutions (Bits)

5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 1:00 AM GMT
Join Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS) for an in-depth session exploring the BrailleNote Evolve, featuring insights from HumanWare specialists Joel Zimba and Rachel Ramos. This presentation highlights the device’s design, interface, and powerful capabilities, including Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft Office, JAWS, and NVDA, all integrated with a braille-first experience.

April 8, 2026 | Ask An ADA Professional: Remote Work Accommodations | Great Lakes ADA Center

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
Great Lakes ADA Center hosts an interactive discussion focused on remote work accommodations, providing expert insights and practical solutions for supporting employees with disabilities in virtual environments.

April 8, 2026 | JAWS Essentials: Navigating And Editing Text With A Screen Reader (Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
In this hands-on session, Access Ingenuity demonstrates essential JAWS commands for efficiently navigating and editing text across applications. Marisa Church covers practical workflows, keyboard shortcuts, and techniques to improve productivity and confidence for screen reader users.

April 11, 2026 | Steven Scott And Shaun Preece Talk Tech | Technology User Group At The Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled

7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 2:00 PM GMT
Join the Technology User Group at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for a lively session featuring Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, hosts of the Double Tap podcast, as they explore accessible technology with insight, humor, and real-world perspective. Covering topics from screen readers to the latest assistive devices, this engaging discussion delivers both practical knowledge and an entertaining experience.

April 13, 2026 | Multiple Perspectives 2026 | Civil Rights Compliance Office At The Ohio State University

Hosted by the Civil Rights Compliance Office at The Ohio State University, the Twenty Sixth Annual Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion & Disability Conference explores this year’s theme, “Infrastructures for Accessibility,” examining the policies, practices, and innovations that advance equality, full participation, and independent living for people with disabilities. The gathering highlights accessibility as integral to design, technology, and civic engagement while fostering collaboration across education, business, nonprofit, and government communities.

April 13, 2026 | The 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference: Infrastructures For Accessibility | The Ohio State University

12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year’s program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.

April 14, 2026 | The 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference: Infrastructures For Accessibility | The Ohio State University

12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year’s program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.

April 14, 2026 | Bird-A-Thon Information Session | Birdability

In this Birdability info session, blind and low-vision birders and their allies come together to learn about the global Bird-a-Thon, share tips for accessible birding by ear, and explore resources for inclusive participation.

April 14, 2026 | Multiple Perspectives 2026 | Civil Rights Compliance Office At The Ohio State University

Hosted by the Civil Rights Compliance Office at The Ohio State University, the Twenty Sixth Annual Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion & Disability Conference centers on “Infrastructures for Accessibility,” inviting participants to examine enabling structures, from curb cuts to AI, that support full societal engagement. Through workshops and public discussions, the conference advances the ADA’s goals of equality of opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

April 15, 2026 | Part 1 — Creating Accessible Microsoft Word Files: Headings, Tables, Lists, Styles, And Structure (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Access Ingenuity presents a foundational walkthrough of building accessible Microsoft Word documents, focusing on headings, tables, lists, and proper structure. Rachel Reeves explains how to create well-organized source files that translate cleanly into accessible PDFs.

April 16, 2026 | E/Brg Networking | Disability:In Wisconsin

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Disability:IN Wisconsin hosts a networking session designed to connect employee and business resource group members, fostering collaboration and shared learning across organizations.

April 17, 2026 | Legal & Political Landscape: Advancing DEI Amid Threats & Challenges | Institute For Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion And Archbright

11:30 AM PT, 12:30 PM MT, 1:30 PM CT, 2:30 PM ET, 6:30 PM GMT
Join the Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion and Archbright for a virtual session exploring the evolving legal and political landscape shaping DEI efforts across organizations. This discussion provides leaders with strategic, compliant approaches to embedding inclusion into organizational systems while navigating regulatory pressures and legal risks.

April 22, 2026 | Clearview Go: Portable Video Magnification For Home, Work, And On The Go (ACVREP CE Approved, Assistive Technology Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Explore the features and real-world applications of the ClearView Go portable video magnifier in this detailed session from Access Ingenuity. Ian Ramos and Joe McDaniel highlight usability, setup, and comparisons to help users enhance productivity across environments.

April 28, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

April 29, 2026 | Part 2 — Creating Accessible Microsoft Word Files: Converting To PDF And Cleaning Tags And Final Fixes In Adobe Acrobat (Digital Accessibility Webinar) | Access Ingenuity

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Access Ingenuity continues its series with a deep dive into refining PDFs in Adobe Acrobat, focusing on tag cleanup, reading order, and final accessibility checks. Rachel Reeves outlines a complete workflow to ensure documents meet accessibility standards before distribution.

May 3, 2026 | Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon | Birdability

Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.

May 4, 2026 | Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon | Birdability

Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.

May 21, 2026 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day | The GAAD Foundation

Join The GAAD Foundation on May 21, 2026, for the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a worldwide initiative designed to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion for more than one billion people with disabilities. The day encourages individuals, organizations, and developers to explore how technology can be designed and built to be accessible for all.

May 26, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

May 30, 2026 | The Carroll Center For The Blind 14th Annual Walk For Independence | The Carroll Center For The Blind

6:00 AM PT, 7:00 AM MT, 8:00 AM CT, 9:00 AM ET, 1:00 PM GMT
Join The Carroll Center For The Blind for a community-focused walk at the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst, featuring a 1 to 3-mile route followed by a celebratory gathering with food, accessible activities, and assistive technology demonstrations. This event supports efforts to empower individuals with vision loss while bringing the community together to promote independence and inclusion.

June 12, 2026 | Accessibility Summer Camp 2026 Registration Is Open | Accessibility Summer Camp

7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 2:00 PM GMT
Join Accessibility Summer Camp for a full-day virtual conference focused on accessibility, hosted via the Canvas Catalog platform. Attendees can take advantage of early bird pricing, group discounts, and guided support for registration, payment, and account setup.

June 23, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

July 3, 2026 | 2026 National Federation of the Blind Convention | NFB

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. Each year, we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind people. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest technology and innovation. And much more. The convention is open to all. If you are attending the convention in Austin, Texas, register for the 2026 NFB National Convention now! Online registration is $25 and closes May 31. Registration will be available on-site at the convention, but the cost will increase. By registering, you will gain access to the largest gathering of blind people in the world, the agenda, the app, and timely convention news and communications. Virtual Experience Registration. If you cannot attend the convention in Texas, we offer opportunities for engagement and connection through the Virtual Experience. The registration fee is $10. Register for the 2026 NFB National Convention Virtual Experience. Your registration includes access to the app, the ability to stream sessions from anywhere, and the opportunity to win door prizes.

July 4, 2026 | 2026 National Federation of the Blind Convention | NFB

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. Each year, we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind people. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest technology and innovation. And much more. The convention is open to all. If you are attending the convention in Austin, Texas, register for the 2026 NFB National Convention now! Online registration is $25 and closes May 31. Registration will be available on-site at the convention, but the cost will increase. By registering, you will gain access to the largest gathering of blind people in the world, the agenda, the app, and timely convention news and communications. Virtual Experience Registration. If you cannot attend the convention in Texas, we offer opportunities for engagement and connection through the Virtual Experience. The registration fee is $10. Register for the 2026 NFB National Convention Virtual Experience. Your registration includes access to the app, the ability to stream sessions from anywhere, and the opportunity to win door prizes.

July 5, 2026 | 2026 National Federation of the Blind Convention | NFB

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. Each year, we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind people. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest technology and innovation. And much more. The convention is open to all. If you are attending the convention in Austin, Texas, register for the 2026 NFB National Convention now! Online registration is $25 and closes May 31. Registration will be available on-site at the convention, but the cost will increase. By registering, you will gain access to the largest gathering of blind people in the world, the agenda, the app, and timely convention news and communications. Virtual Experience Registration. If you cannot attend the convention in Texas, we offer opportunities for engagement and connection through the Virtual Experience. The registration fee is $10. Register for the 2026 NFB National Convention Virtual Experience. Your registration includes access to the app, the ability to stream sessions from anywhere, and the opportunity to win door prizes.

July 6, 2026 | 2026 National Federation of the Blind Convention | NFB

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. Each year, we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind people. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest technology and innovation. And much more. The convention is open to all. If you are attending the convention in Austin, Texas, register for the 2026 NFB National Convention now! Online registration is $25 and closes May 31. Registration will be available on-site at the convention, but the cost will increase. By registering, you will gain access to the largest gathering of blind people in the world, the agenda, the app, and timely convention news and communications. Virtual Experience Registration. If you cannot attend the convention in Texas, we offer opportunities for engagement and connection through the Virtual Experience. The registration fee is $10. Register for the 2026 NFB National Convention Virtual Experience. Your registration includes access to the app, the ability to stream sessions from anywhere, and the opportunity to win door prizes.

July 7, 2026 | 2026 National Federation of the Blind Convention | NFB

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. Each year, we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind people. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest technology and innovation. And much more. The convention is open to all. If you are attending the convention in Austin, Texas, register for the 2026 NFB National Convention now! Online registration is $25 and closes May 31. Registration will be available on-site at the convention, but the cost will increase. By registering, you will gain access to the largest gathering of blind people in the world, the agenda, the app, and timely convention news and communications. Virtual Experience Registration. If you cannot attend the convention in Texas, we offer opportunities for engagement and connection through the Virtual Experience. The registration fee is $10. Register for the 2026 NFB National Convention Virtual Experience. Your registration includes access to the app, the ability to stream sessions from anywhere, and the opportunity to win door prizes.

July 8, 2026 | 2026 National Federation of the Blind Convention | NFB

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. Each year, we come together for important discussions, decisions, and information sharing. As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to: Network with thousands of blind people. Connect with leaders in the field of blindness. Attend presentations on a variety of empowering topics. Learn about the latest technology and innovation. And much more. The convention is open to all. If you are attending the convention in Austin, Texas, register for the 2026 NFB National Convention now! Online registration is $25 and closes May 31. Registration will be available on-site at the convention, but the cost will increase. By registering, you will gain access to the largest gathering of blind people in the world, the agenda, the app, and timely convention news and communications. Virtual Experience Registration. If you cannot attend the convention in Texas, we offer opportunities for engagement and connection through the Virtual Experience. The registration fee is $10. Register for the 2026 NFB National Convention Virtual Experience. Your registration includes access to the app, the ability to stream sessions from anywhere, and the opportunity to win door prizes.

July 28, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

August 25, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

September 22, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

October 27, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

November 24, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

December 22, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley

11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

---

Distribution: Dr. Kirk Adams

---

Distribution Since: 2025

As of April 7, 2025 the distribution of the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams is made possible by Dr. Kirk Adams, a leading disability inclusion advocate, workforce accessibility expert and business strategist dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and leadership development worldwide.

Any time the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams Newsletter carries less than its Sponsor limit, Dr. Kirk Adams donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.

---

Publisher: Dr. Kirk Adams

---

Publisher Since: April 7, 2025

Location: Seattle, Washington

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-2/GMT-1)

In addition to serving as Publisher for the Innovative Impact Newsletter, Dr. Kirk Adams also serves as the Managing Director for Innovative Impact, LLC, an award-winning firm where he leads strategic consulting, workforce inclusion initiatives, and leadership development programs focused on creating accessible, equitable, and high-performing workplaces. Through his consultation work with https://innovativeimpact.consulting to his speaking engagements and direct marketing initiatives via https://drkirkadams.com, Dr. Adams advises and assists Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives to drive meaningful, systemic change.

As Publisher, Dr. Adams oversees the monthly distribution of the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams on behalf of Dr. Kirk Adams.

” Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic advantage. “

Dr. Kirk Adams, Ph.D.
Advocate, Leader and Keynote Speaker on Disability Inclusion & Leadership
Leading the Way to Accessible Innovation

Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI)
Executive Director
Strengthening individual and organizational capability for creating diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Innovative Impact, LLC Consulting
Managing Director
Impactful Workforce Inclusion Starts Here

American Foundation for the Blind
Immediate Past President & CEO
To create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Connect With Me:

🌍 Website: https://drkirkadams.com
📧 Email: kirkadams@drkirkadams.com
📞 Phone: +1 (206) 660-1363
📃 Dissertation: https://drkirkadams.com/dissertation
🎙️ Podcasts: https://drkirkadams.com/podcasts
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://drkirkadams.com/podcasts-apple
🎙️ Amazon Music: https://drkirkadams.com/podcasts-amazon
🎙️ Spotify: https://drkirkadams.com/podcasts-spotify
🎙️ iHeart Radio: https://drkirkadams.com/podcasts-iheart-radio
📧 Subscribe: https://drkirkadams.com/subscribe
💬 Facebook: https://drkirkadams.com/facebook
💬 LinkedIn (Individual): https://drkirkadams.com/linkedin
💬 LinkedIn (Company): https://drkirkadams.com/linkedinpage
💬 Mastodon: https://drkirkadams.com/mastodon
✏️ Medium: https://drkirkadams.com/medium
🛜 RSS: https://drkirkadams.com/feed
💬 X (Formerly Twitter): https://drkirkadams.com/x
📽️ YouTube: https://drkirkadams.com/youtube
📍 Address: 140 Lakeside Avenue, Suite A, Seattle, Washington 98122-6538