Designing for Accessibility

In Episode 131 of White Canes Connect, host David Goldstein shares highlights from a powerful panel on digital accessibility and the expanded scope of ADA Title II, which now includes websites, mobile apps, and digital documents of publicly funded institutions. Moderated by Thomas DiAgostino and facilitated by JEME Agency and Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind, the panel features four experts from diverse backgrounds: Jamie Ray-Leonetti (Institute on Disabilities at Temple University), Adrienne Moore (Office for People with Disabilities, Philadelphia), architect Ricardo J. Rodríguez De Santiago, and Goldstein himself. The discussion centers on the DOJ's 2024 Title II update, requiring compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Panelists explore implementation challenges, legal obligations, and the critical role of inclusive design. Moore outlines Philadelphia's proactive strategies, while Rodríguez emphasizes human-centered design and breaking common accessibility misconceptions. Goldstein draws from lived experience, highlighting real-world digital barriers and the need to involve disabled users directly. Ray-Leonetti underscores the urgency of embedding accessibility into policy and organizational culture—not just for compliance, but as a moral imperative. This episode is both a rallying cry and a practical guide for anyone building digital spaces. Accessibility isn't extra—it's essential. Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/131 Links Mentioned Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/ JEME Agency: https://www.jeme.agency Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind: https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com Sip. Savor. Support. Keystone Chapter fundraiser at Landmark Americana: https://nfbofpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sip-Savor-Support-FINAL-TROY.pdf Attend PA Association of Blind Merchants Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/ Exhibit at PA Association of Blind Merchants Spring Fling!: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/ Be a sponsor of PA Association of Blind Merchants: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/ An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect. Donate to the NFB of PA Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/. We Want to Hear Your Story Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at [email protected]. Follow White Canes Connect Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast