UsableNet to receive 'Access-Ability Award' from Helen Keller Services

At UsableNet, we have something extra to celebrate during this year’s DeafBlind Awareness Week! On June 30th, UsableNet will be honored alongside Microsoft, Be My Eyes, and others at the first annual ‘AccessAbility Awards’ from Helen Keller Services. 

We are thrilled to be recognized for our work in improving website accessibility and committing to a diverse, inclusive workforce.

Watch the event live at 2:30 pm EST on the HKS Facebook page and YouTube.

“UsableNet shares Helen Keller Services' vision to enables all individuals to live, work and thrive throughout the digital world. It is an honor to be recognized for the work that we do,” said Jason Taylor, our Chief Innovation Strategist. “This award will fuel our efforts to ensure every person is included in the digital revolution that is around us and in front of us all.”

'AccessAbility Awards' for Diversity and Inclusion

HKS established its ‘AccessAbility Awards’ to shine a light on the efforts of organizations and individuals that are pioneering inclusivity and accessibility.

“The companies we are recognizing have made significant contributions to improving the everyday life of those who are DeafBlind, blind, and have low vision,” commented Larry Kinitsky, Chairman of HKS.

“I hope this helps other companies embrace the ability to expand their teams and increase their focus on inclusive hiring,” expressed Taylor of UsableNet’s honor.

We are so excited to share this honor with other inspiring award recipients, including Microsoft, the Academy Awards, Be my Eyes, and Sunrise Credit Services. It’s encouraging to watch more and more industry leaders make a difference by prioritizing diversity, accessibility, and inclusion!

All of the recipients of the inaugural set of awards are: 

• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, for its outstanding work in providing accessible accommodations to first-time casted DeafBlind actor Robert Tarango in the Oscar^®-nominated film Feeling Through during the 93^rd Oscars^® ceremony
  
• Microsoft, for its exceptional commitment towards accessibility, when developing products and services, and by doubling down on disability inclusion throughout the company and empowering others to adopt similar best practices
  
• UsableNet, for our work in improving website accessibility and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce
  
• Sunrise Credit Services, for making diversity and inclusivity a priority by  providing training and employment opportunities to people who are blind, DeafBlind and have low vision
  
• Be My Eyes, for its exceptional services in making the world more accessible for people who are blind through its network of volunteers

We’d love for our community to join us for the live broadcast on June 30, 2021, at 2:30 pm EST. The Awards are open to everyone and can be attended on the HKS Facebook page and YouTube.