Latest news with #Accessibility
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Windows 11's New Mouse Options, Updated Settings App, and More: Windows Wednesday
Welcome back to Windows Wednesday, where we round up everything Microsoft rolled out in Windows over the past week. Here's everything that showed up across the Insider channels and release versions this week. You can join the Windows Insider program to try out experimental features, but some changes are on a gradual rollout and not yet available to all Insider program members. You should not install Windows Insider builds on an important computer. Input Microsoft was testing a new pointer indicator accessibility setting last year, and the feature has now returned in the Canary Channel. This adds red crosshairs to your cursor, so it's easier to find on a monitor. It can be enabled from Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch > Pointer indicator, and afterwards it can be toggled with the Win+Ctrl+X keyboard shortcut. Microsoft said in a blog post, 'Low vision users on Windows can now easily locate and use their cursor. This will allow these users to be more productive and efficient when using a Windows device.' This reminds me of the virtual crosshairs found in some gaming monitors, but those are fixed to the center of the screen, while the Windows 11 feature moves with your mouse cursor. It's also a bit like the feature on macOS where the cursor will temporarily grow in size if you move it around quickly. Settings In the Dev Channel, Microsoft is removing the 'Manage or clear your Bing search history' option from Settings > Privacy & security > Search under Search history. You can still edit your Bing activity from the Privacy dashboard, linked in the Related settings on that settings page. The history page on the Bing website should also work the same way, as long as you're logged into the same Microsoft account as your PC. In the Canary Channel, the search box in Settings is moving to the top center of the window, which Microsoft says will 'deliver a more consistent and better search experience.' It was previously located in the left sidebar, under your profile picture and name. Microsoft already showed this off as part of the advanced Settings search on Copilot+ PCs, but now the updated design should appear on all PCs. File Explorer If your Windows PC is logged into a work or school account with Entra ID, the File Explorer already shows recently-changed files in the Home page. Now, Microsoft is adding user icons to that section, so you can more quickly recognize each person in the activity. This uses the person's Live Persona Card from the Microsoft 365 organizations. Home installations of Windows 11 still don't have these File Explorer features, but if you have a PC managed by your workplace or school, you might notice the new icons. This is rolling out in the Dev Channel. Source: Windows Insider Blog (1, 2, 3)
BBC News
04-08-2025
- General
- BBC News
Completed city centre work makes Hull more 'inviting'
Improvement work on the oldest street in Hull has been completed. A new crossing and footpaths have been installed in High Street, while work has also been carried out on Humber Dock is part of a wider project aiming to make the city centre more City Council cabinet member Mark Ieronimo said the improvements were "a significant step in creating a city centre that's better connected, easier to move through and more inviting". The work has been paid for by National Highways and the city council, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Skift
29-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Diversity, Inclusion, and the Outdoors: How Greater Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Everyone Under the Sun
The newly expanded Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale combines waterfront beauty, cultural diversity, and inclusive design to create an ideal setting for large, accessible events. With state-of-the-art features, on-site accommodations, and a welcoming spirit, it's a destination where creativity, well-being, and belonging thrive. Greater Fort Lauderdale's enviable weather and miles of golden beaches make it an easy choice for event planners who appreciate nature's positive impact on well-being and productivity. But beyond that postcard-perfect surface, you'll find that the region's true beauty lies in its warm hospitality and cultural diversity. And when you pair those ideal elements with the recent expansion of the waterfront Broward County Convention Center (BCCC), you've got the perfect recipe for a meaningful mega event. 'We are a sophisticated, diverse, dynamic destination that offers great airlift, world-class meeting and convention facilities, upscale hotels, and endless opportunities for activities and excitement beyond the meeting room,' said Mike Pouey, the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Visit Lauderdale. How BCCC Prioritizes Accessibility and Inclusion Diversity and inclusion are not a passing trend in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area — they're an integral part of the destination's DNA. There's a strong history of Seminole and Caribbean heritage, and the region is home to people from 170 countries. More than 145 languages are spoken here, and you'll find Greater Fort Lauderdale's rich cultural diversity reflected in the local restaurants and cultural events. In addition, LGBTQ+ residents and visitors feel at home in Greater Fort Lauderdale. 'It's known as Florida's LGBTQ+ capital for its welcoming vibe and abundance of gay-owned bars, restaurants, and other businesses, as well as its annual Pride Festival and LGBTQ+ events,' Pouey said. Fort Lauderdale is also committed to the inclusion of travelers with disabilities. 'Accessibility initiatives implemented across the region ensure that the destination welcomes travelers with both visible and hidden disabilities,' Pouey said. 'Broward County Convention Center is accessible-friendly, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program that supports travelers with disabilities, and even the beaches have features for travelers of all abilities to be able to enjoy the beach and the water.' Interested in planning an event at the Broward County Convention Center but unsure how you can welcome 'everyone under the sun?' According to Pouey, the BCCC team provides a variety of resources and services for planners to create an inclusive and accessible event. 'By supporting the 'everyone under the sun' motto, BCCC offers an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to participate fully.' Networking feels effortless when the ocean is your backdrop.. Photo credit: visit lauderdale. The New Broward County Convention Center: Features & Highlights Here are some key ways they achieve this: Accessibility features: The convention center is equipped with wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms and seating areas, and other features that ensure all attendees can navigate the venue comfortably. BCCC was the first convention center in North America to participate in the Sunflower program, and an on-site Sunflower room offers a quiet place for attendees with disabilities to relax between meetings. Customizable spaces: With flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, planners can tailor layouts to meet the specific needs of their audience, ensuring that everyone can participate fully. Staff training: The convention center staff is trained in accessibility best practices, enabling them to assist event planners in implementing inclusive strategies. Collaboration: The center actively works with event planners to understand their specific accessibility needs and provide guidance on creating an inclusive environment. Connected & Convenient: Location Advantages for Planners Located just five minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, event attendees can reach the Broward County Convention Center moments after their flight touches down. And the location isn't just convenient for arrival and departure — it's also within walking distance of several hotels and a quick drive to ports (including Port Everglades, which is adjacent to the convention center), restaurants, and an abundance of outdoor activities along Greater Fort Lauderdale's 24 miles of beaches. 'There are numerous golf courses in the area, as well as watersports, such as deep-sea fishing and scuba diving,' Pouey said. 'And you can find plenty of shopping and dining options on Las Olas Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.' Some popular spots, like the legendary Elbo Room, a beach bar on the corner of Las Olas and A1A, have served cold drinks, warm hospitality, and live music for over 80 years. Mix business and mingling with rooftop views that inspire connection.. photo credit: visit lauderdale. Waterfront Wellness: The Value of Blue Space in Meetings Beyond the logistical ease of BCCC's location and the appeal of the entertainment options in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, this extraordinary setting also offers natural mind and body benefits to foster engaging meetings. Studies have found that being near 'blue spaces' (bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans) promotes physical activity and has a restorative effect on the mind. BCCC offers a six-acre outdoor plaza on-site, and less than one mile away, conference goers can also access several beaches certified as 'Blue Wave' for their safety, cleanliness, and environmental standards. So, whether you host open-air meetings at BCCC or plan an off-site team building or relaxation activity at the beach, this waterfront location is ideal for event planners and attendees who value the balance of work and wellness and are interested in an environment that inspires creativity. Newly Expanded Facilities for Mega Events The recent expansion is taking the Broward County Convention Center from 600,000 square feet to 1.2 million square feet. 'We're doubling in size,' said Richard Fredette, BCCC's Director of Facilities. 'We'll have a six-acre plaza in front of the building with an acoustical amphitheater and a couple of areas where we can add enclosed tents. And we'll have the 801-room Omni hotel at our door, connected to the existing building. It's a game changer for Fort Lauderdale.' The updated developments are indeed catapulting BCCC into an entirely new category. 'Our newly expanded convention center and the Omni hotel are ideal for large conventions that need to occupy several overflow hotels,' Pouey said. 'Our expanded expo hall puts us in the 'mega convention center' category, allowing us to accommodate more attendees and huge trade shows.' According to Pouey, the expansion, coupled with the availability of the area's high-end hotels, 300 sports venues, numerous parks and recreation facilities, beaches, pleasant weather, and entertainment, also makes BCCC a perfect fit for incentive trips, large medical and healthcare conventions, and sporting events. But growing in size doesn't mean sacrificing the welcoming vibes Fort Lauderdale and BCCC are known for. In fact, the expanded space is creating even more opportunities to share that hospitality with more people through highly customized large events, indoor and outdoor meetings, and memorable dining experiences. Inspiring Events Start Here: Tailored Experiences at BCCC From the initial site visit through the closing event, Fredette said the BCCC team presents meeting planners with tailored options and advice down to the smallest details, such as mocktails that are inclusive to attendees who don't drink alcohol and tropical touches that take meals beyond typical trade show eats to exceptional fare that reflects the flavors of Fort Lauderdale and the event. Now, there's more room to enjoy it all at BCCC. 'The new tropical outdoor waterfront event area can host welcome receptions and other meals, entertainment functions, and activations,' Pouey said. 'The convention center will also have one of the largest waterfront ballrooms (65,000 square feet) in the state and numerous branding opportunities for planners, including over 85 digital monitors.' photo caption: The Broward County Convention Center boasts a 6-acre outdoor plaza and multipurpose venue. photo credit: visit lauderdale In addition to acoustical architecture, LED color-changing lighting, and other state-of-the-art technology, Fredette said the ballroom has another extra special feature. 'On the east side of the Atlantic Ballroom is a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, where you can see boats and cruise ships going in and out.' This is yet another way BCCC connects meetings — even those held indoors — to the stunning setting outside. This is an ideal home base for meetings and events that prioritize inclusivity, diversity, accessibility, well-being, and creativity. Now, with the expanded facilities and the on-site Omni hotel, Fort Lauderdale and the Broward County Convention Center are ready to welcome 'everyone under the sun.' This content was created collaboratively by Visit Lauderdale and Skift's branded content studio, SkiftX.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hyve Solutions Recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion
Hyve Earns Top Score on the 2025 Disability Equality Index for U.S. and U.K. Operations FREMONT, Calif., July 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyve Solutions Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX) and a leading provider of hyperscale digital infrastructures, today announced that it has been recognized as a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion" on the 2025 Disability Index for both our United States and United Kingdom sites. This achievement reflects Hyve's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace where all employees can thrive and drive meaningful success. The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is the world's leading third-party benchmarking tool for evaluating corporate disability inclusion. Used by hundreds of companies globally, it measures performance across six key categories: Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, Supplier Inclusion and Responsible Procurement. We believe that disability inclusion and accessibility will allow us to recruit and retain a broader range of exceptional talent," said Steve Ichinaga, President of Hyve Solutions. "We're proud to foster an inclusive, accessible and empowering environment where all team members can thrive and perform at their best." Companies earning top scores receive the distinction of being named a "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion," a designation that highlights leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement in disability inclusion practices. "Achieving a high score on the Disability Index is a significant milestone. This recognition is a testament to the leadership and innovation required to drive meaningful progress," said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. To learn more about Hyve's inclusion efforts and the Disability Equality Index, visit About Hyve Solutions Corporation Hyve Solutions Corporation is a leader in the design to worldwide deployment of hyperscale digital infrastructures. In partnership with customers, Hyve leverages deep-seated industry experience and strong vendor partnerships to design and deliver purpose-built server, storage, and networking solutions to meet datacenter demands for today and beyond. Hyve Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of TD SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX). For more information about Hyve Solutions, visit email sales@ or call (855) 869-6973. About TD SYNNEX Corporation TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. We're an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX's 23,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 2,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, AI, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit follow our newsroom or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. About the Disability Equality Index® The DEI is an annual, confidential benchmarking tool that evaluates business disability inclusion efforts. Trusted by more than 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500, it helps companies develop data-driven strategies that deliver measurable business and social impact. For 2025, the Index is open to companies in Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. About Disability:IN Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. With the world's leading companies as partners, Disability:IN drives progress through initiatives, tools, and expertise that deliver long-term business impact. © Copyright 2025 TD SYNNEX. All rights reserved. TD SYNNEX, Hyve Solutions, the TD SYNNEX Logo and all other TD SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of TD SYNNEX Corporation. TD SYNNEX, Hyve Solutions, the TD SYNNEX Logo, Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. Other names and marks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Bill FoxHughes AgencyFor TD SYNNEX Corporation(864) 271-0718billf@
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie exposes major danger in $13 billion rail project: 'How did nobody notice'
Disability advocates are blasting a new Australian rail project that's set to open in just a matter of months for seemingly failing to factor in travellers with mobility issues, including wheelchair users and parents with prams. Concerns have been raised this week over accessibility issues in Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel stations, especially among individuals with mobility impairments. During testing, it was discovered that the platforms at these stations did not align with the height of train floors, resulting in a gap of several centimetres. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, longtime disability advocate Zoe Simmons said this misalignment poses challenges for wheelchair users and others requiring level boarding, potentially hindering safe and independent access. "It's pretty crappy, isn't it?" she said. "I really don't think anyone in charge actually realises how much of a safety and access risk this is, for not only so many people with different kinds of disabilities and mobility aids, but also parents with prams." Zoe said it's exhausting constantly having to fight for basic accessibility, especially when infrastructure projects of this scale apparently overlook the needs of people with disabilities. She urges decision-makers not to treat Australians with disabilities as afterthoughts. Construction on the Melbourne Metro began in 2018, with the project now in its final stages and set to open in late 2025. Three of the five new underground stations — Arden, Parkville and Anzac — are complete, while State Library and Town Hall stations are near finished. The project is slated for completion a year ahead of the original 2026 target. Zoe is not alone in her criticisms. The Disability Resources Centre has raised concerns about the design flaw, emphasising that it undermines the project's commitment to accessibility. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has similarly highlighted the issue, releasing images and confirming ongoing discussions with advocacy groups to address multiple accessibility concerns. Despite assurances from the government that the stations will be among the most accessible in the network, advocates question how the platform-train height mismatch will be resolved. "This is why it's important to have disabled people in every part of the process — nothing about us without us," Zoe said. "How does this even happen? Did they just not measure it? Not check? Not care? "Hopefully, we can put pressure on them to ensure they will fix it, and double-check all the other accessibility features. Oh, and hire disabled people to be a part of this process." Qantas passenger hits out over hidden travel frustration for thousands Woman slams shocking treatment at Aussie music festival IKEA car park detail sparks confusion among Aussies While so far ahead of time, the project initially was estimated at $10.9 billion in 2016, but since costs have escalated to approximately $13.48 billion, marking an $837 million increase. The Victorian government attributes this rise to unforeseen global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, international conflicts, and interest rate hikes. Some reports suggest the total expenditure could exceed $15 billion when considering all associated costs. Speaking to media this week, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan insisted that once the new stations open, they will be accessible to all passengers. "There's design work that is being done, and people in a wheelchair will be able to get on and off — roll on and off — on our trains that will align with the platforms," she said. Zoe remains sceptical, but hopes for change. "Access benefits everybody, and we deserve safety, particularly when it's an [estimated] $15 billion project that has a whole webpage emphasising how accessible they want to make it," she said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
