Nick Awad

George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust Grant Proposal

New York State Department of Transportation Grant Proposal

How do Federal Courts Apply ADA Accommodation Rules to Websites?

Is a website is a place of public accommodation? In these ADA cases, federal courts differ in their approaches to this debate.

California's Unruh Act and Accessibility

An in-depth explanation of the Unruh Act - from its history to its logistics - and how it applies to ADA cases in California.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Unruh Act Claims

The Unruh Civil Rights Act is a powerful shield against discrimination for Californians. Gain clarity on the statute of limitations of the Unruh Act.

Digital Accessibility Lawsuits Filed in New York in 2022

In this piece, we'll explore the various federal and state-level factors that helped contribute to New York's high number of digital accessibility lawsuits in 2022.

Understanding Compensatory Damages in an ADA Context

In ADA cases, prevailing plaintiffs are often awarded what's known as compensatory damages.

Understanding Places of Public Accommodation and Title III Adherence

This piece will clearly explain "places of public accommodation" as defined by the ADA. We will also discuss how this ADA title continues to raise questions within the world of accessibility.

How Accessible is the new iPhone?

In the fall of 2022, Apple announced the debut of its 14th iPhone series. As with previous iPhone releases, the announcement caused a flurry of excitement amongst Apple users. On September 7, Apple released the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

How Does Web Page Indexing Affect Accessibility?

More often than not, indexing a web page is associated with following savvy marketing and algorithm practices like SEO. However, one could argue that prioritizing accessibility is equally effective for indexing a web page. In this piece, we'll go over the basics of web page indexing along with its relationship to digital accessibility.

Assessing the Accessibility of Social Media Platforms

Social media is a fixture in our society. Through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter people worldwide can connect. The corporate space has also benefited. Thanks to social media, small businesses and large corporations can craft a customer experience that is immersive, transparent, and accommodating.

Don't forget the audio descriptions for your videos

In the current information landscape, video is the dominant content medium. While this is apparent in the entertainment world (streaming services, video podcasts, etc.), it's also the case in the business world. According to industry data, of large businesses use video content for training and marketing purposes.

Hearing Aid Apps: What You Need to Know

Smartphone apps have integrated into many aspects of our daily lives. You can use apps to adjust home thermostats, power appliances, or even pay bills. But did you know you can also use apps to control hearing aids? The accompanying apps of many different hearing aids are invaluable for individuals who use hearing aids.

How Accessible are Dating Apps?

Once a novel concept, online dating has become all but ubiquitous. About 30% of U.S. adults have, at one point, used either a dating app or website. With online platforms central to so many social interactions, it comes as no surprise that dating has followed suit.

What Businesses Can Learn from 2022's Surge in Accessibility Lawsuits

2022 saw a staggering increase in digital-based accessibility lawsuits in the United States. A total of 2,387 website accessibility lawsuits were filed by the end of the year, according to Accessibility.com's 2022 report. This is a slight increase (1.5%) from 2021's total of 2,352, and an increase of over 14% from 2022.

Designing Accessible Workplace Training Programs

The ADA mandates that employers provide equal job opportunities to individuals of differing ability levels. Companies will often uphold these laws through a lack of discriminating hiring practices. Adherence to these laws means about 33% of the American workforce comprises individuals with disabilities.

How Retailers can Ensure a Digitally Accessible Black Friday

For years, Black Friday has been associated with the experience of going to stores to shop. Long lines, massive crowds, and the occasional in-store brawl have come to embody this holiday tradition. While a fun and festive time for many, the typical Black Friday experience leaves little room for people with disabilities.

Tips for an Accessible Marketing Campaign

When planning a marketing campaign, companies aim to reach as many potential customers as possible. Inclusion of all people in the community is a major component of this strategy. Among the demographics important to consider are people with disabilities. When planning ways to reach individuals with various ability levels or with impairments, companies should prioritize accessibility.

International Remote Hiring and Accessibility: What you Need to Know

Traditional office culture has given way to the rise of remote working and hiring in the aftermath of the pandemic. This new professional reality is becoming the norm. According to Apollo Technical , around 4.7 million people in the U.S. work remotely at least half the time.

Companies that Meet or Exceed ADA Employment Requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Individuals must be qualified to perform essential functions of the job with or without necessary accommodations. They must also be able to satisfy any preliminary job requirements. This includes experience or certification.

Influencing the Trends of Digital Inclusion: An Interview with Jonathan Hassell

Jonathan Hassell is the founder and CEO of Hassell Inclusion . As one of the world's leading accessibility thought leaders, he has demonstrated an incredible talent for finding practical solutions to complex problems. Today, Jonathan leads Hassell Inclusion's team of accessibility experts to help businesses and organizations meet and exceed accessibility compliance standards.

Understanding ADHD as a Disability

Understanding ADHD as a disability is an important step in providing individuals with the support and accommodations they need to thrive.

The Inaccessibility of World Sight Day Social Media Celebrations

Given the nature of its cause, it's important to ensure that World Sight Day celebrations remain accessible.

Recognizing and Countering Ableism in the Workplace

Prevent ableism in the workplace and help contribute to a more accessible society by recognizing and combating its various forms.

Vermont Community Supports Young Woman With Disabilities

Friends and well-wishers have come together to help raise funds for Georgia Reed of Calais, Vermont. According to Vermont paper , the fundraising campaign aims to help pay the $60,000 down payment on a side entry lift-van. The new van would allow 22-year-old Reed to travel in her power chair and continue to engage in her local community.

California Suspends Hundreds of Thousands of Disability Claims

On January 13, 2022, the State of California announced that it would pause 345,000 pending disability claims in an effort to combat a recent surge in suspected fraud. Scammers have purportedly begun to impersonate doctors as they make fraudulent disability claims for nonexistent patients.

Important Information For Tenants with Disabilities

Navigating the world of renting is always a challenge. Affordable and accessible housing is a core component of independent living in America. Still, persons with disabilities face insurmountable odds at times of finding housing that can accommodate them. So what rights do tenants have when advocating for accessible accommodations in housing?

"RUINS OF HUMANITY": A SPLIT BY HAJDUK, AKANTHA, NIMBIFER, AND SØRGELIG - NO CLEAN SINGING

We welcome guest writer Nick Awad, who shares his review of a 2020 black metal split release among Hajduk, Akantha, Nimbifer, and Sørgelig that deserves more attention.

H.E.R.- "Back of My Mind" Review

A review of the R&B star's debut full-length.

Thoughts on Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush"

A review of Neil Young's classic 1970 album.

Half a Century Layter: A Reflection on Nick Drake’s Sophomore Release

A retrospective on "Bryter Layter", by Nick Drake

The Sink or Swim Interview: Matt Kimball - Big Heavy World

I was able to meet up with a tired, but simultaneously pumped, Mr. Kimball after Sink or Swim played their set.

Mental Health: How Men Can Support Their Partners

Explore essential strategies for men to effectively support their partners' mental health, fostering stronger, empathetic relationships.

Men's Well-Being: Fitness and Mental Health

Gentlemen, boost your mental and physical health with exercise. Discover how working out is key to your mental well-being and take the first step today.

4 Mindful Tips for Keeping Up a Workout Routine - Top.me

After a long year of lockdowns, people are emerging back into the world to pick up where they left off in life. Others may be taking this opportunity to get a fresh start and make healthier life choices.

4 Tips to Manage Post-Pandemic Anxiety

The U.S. has turned a corner after an excruciating year. Government briefings, workplace emails, and common conversations now bear a new attitude.

Strength in Community: The Positive Impact of Men's Support Groups

What you should know if you’ve been on the fence about joining a men’s support group

Greater Than a Tourist- Burlington Vermont USA: 50 Travel Tips from a Local

Slow down, stay in one place, and get to know the people and culture. By the time you finish this book, you will be eager and prepared to travel to your next destination.

Are Arabic Coffee and Turkish Coffee the Same Thing?

If you're a fan of Middle-Eastern cuisine, then you know that one of the best parts of a meal is at the very end. After a hearty kebab, or shawarma, or tagine. After one-too-many pieces of baklava. The best part is the after-dinner coffee. The small cup that packs a huge punch.

Ful Mdammas Salad (Middle Eastern Vegetarian Dish)

My take on a classic Middle-Eastern vegetarian dish

Men's Fashion in 2024: 10 Timeless Pieces

In this piece, we cover 10 key pieces that form the foundation of a classic and versatile men's wardrobe. Use these essentials to elevate your style.

You Know What You Are?

Three friends walk into a bar. One gets in a fight. The other two argue whether it's worth it to help him.

Past the Screen Door

A young woman returns to her rundown home, her alcoholic mother, and her disabled brother.