Accessibility Services

 
 
A woman sits at her desk using a braille reader. Her white cane is leaned against a file cabinet in the corner. The words "Accessibility Services" are across the image.

Accessibility Services at World Services for the Blind

At World Services for the Blind (WSB), we provide practical training and evaluation services that help people and organizations build inclusive environments for blind and visually impaired individuals.

At a Glance

· Step into the experience – Blind Immersion Training builds empathy and confidence for anyone working with the public.

· Eliminate digital barriers – Web Accessibility Audits ensure your sites and apps meet compliance and usability standards.

· See through every user’s eyes – UX Testing with blind professionals reveals hidden issues and improves real-world usability.

Blind Immersion Training

For many people, working alongside or supporting someone who is blind may be a new experience. Our Blind Immersion Training provides a safe, guided way to step into that perspective. Participants are introduced to the tools, strategies, and lived experiences of navigating the world without sight.

This training is designed for:

· Healthcare and medical professionals

· Human services and social work practitioners

· Educators and trainers

· Public-facing roles in business and community settings

In just a short session, participants gain practical awareness, empathy, and confidence—skills that directly translate into better service, stronger communication, and more inclusive environments.

Web & Digital Accessibility Audits

Accessibility online is just as critical as it is in person. Our specialists conduct comprehensive web accessibility audits to identify barriers on websites, applications, and digital platforms. Using industry standards like WCAG and Section 508, we provide clear recommendations to ensure your digital content is usable for everyone.

Key audit features include:

· Detailed reports with actionable solutions

· Testing across screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive technology

· Ongoing consultation to support remediation efforts

User Experience (UX) Testing with Blind Professionals

Accessibility is about more than meeting technical standards—it’s about usability. WSB offers UX testing services with blind and low-vision professionals who provide authentic, first-hand feedback on digital tools, apps, and websites.

Benefits of UX testing:

· Insights from real user experiences

· Identification of barriers automated tools often miss

· Practical recommendations that improve usability for all audiences

Building a More Accessible Future

Whether you’re preparing future healthcare providers, strengthening a nonprofit team, or ensuring your website meets accessibility standards, WSB is here to help. Together, we can create inclusive spaces—both physical and digital—that empower blind and low-vision individuals to thrive.

  • As an instructor of dental hygiene at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, I have had the privilege of bringing my senior students to World Services for the Blind for guided sight training for several years. This opportunity has been invaluable in preparing future healthcare providers to deliver care with greater awareness, empathy, and accessibility.

    Many of my students enter the training with little or no prior experience interacting with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Through this experience, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation in their confidence and understanding. Each year, the feedback from my students is overwhelmingly positive, often noting that the training has expanded their perspective on patient care beyond the dental chair.

    This type of training is beneficial for everyone, but it is especially critical for healthcare professionals. Exposure to real-world situations such as those provided at World Services for the Blind equips students with the skills and sensitivity needed to ensure that clinics and workplaces are more inclusive, accessible, and accommodating for all. The impact is not only on the students who carry these lessons into their professional practice, but also on the patients and communities they will serve throughout their careers.

    Brittany Rose, M.Ed., RDH Instructor & Director of Admissions and Recruiting

    College of Health Professions: Dept. of Dental Hygiene

  • The collaboration and support of World Services for the Blind has been invaluable to the success of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts’ Art Together program. Through training and insight, WSB has helped fine-tune the program to create a welcoming and supportive experience for guests with low vision. Their expertise has strengthened our work to ensure that all members of our community feel included and valued. In addition to sharing their knowledge, WSB has helped organize guest visits and amplified our efforts within the community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and the positive impact it has made.

    -Chris Revelle

    Director of Community Engagement

     Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts