by Daniel Parker, RDPFS Contributor:
The accessibility website AppleVis, originally set to go offline permanently at the end of August, reopens on September 9, 2024. As covered in a previous issue of this Bulletin, AppleVis focuses on the accessibility of Apple devices. Founded in 2010 by David Goodwin, it contains lists of accessible apps, guides to using devices tailored to people with vision loss, and forums for users to share ideas. The site was acquired by Be My Eyes, a company best known for its mobile app that helps people with vision loss solve problems by connecting them with sighted volunteers, corporate customer service representatives, and artificial intelligence. AppleVis will now be run by two paid staff members reporting to Be My Eyes Vice-Chairman Brian Bashin, while retaining full editorial independence from its parent company. The AppleVis team will publish its usual analyses of Apple’s fall software releases, starting with iOS 18 later this month. Mike Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes, said of the acquisition, “David Goodwin built something remarkable and immensely valuable, and when the Be My Eyes team discussed the possible closure, we quickly concluded that we had to do something to keep such an important and loved community resource available. …We will continue to build AppleVis with the direct input and leadership of the blind and low-vision community.” Bashin added, “AppleVis is undoubtedly a must-have resource… I for one have used the site and listened to its podcasts on countless occasions. Their intra-community forum, technology reviews, guides, advice, awards, report cards, and active discussions, combined with our own giant user community, makes a powerful voice…And…AppleVis will continue to be free of charge.” Finally, Goodwin stated, “Fourteen years ago, I along with several others set out to make AppleVis the go to online resource for individuals who are blind or have low vision who wanted to learn more about accessible technologies. We did that and so much more. But sadly, for several unavoidable reasons, we had to announce…the impending closure … But following the subsequent outpouring of support, we just knew we needed to find a way to keep AppleVis going. Partnering with such a globally trusted, and valued technology partner as Be My Eyes could not have been a better outcome, and I look forward to the ongoing growth and evolution of AppleVis under their stewardship.” More information can be found in this AppleVis announcement and this one from Be My Eyes.
