John Rochford

We are creating a Website with reliable COVID-19 information we simplify so it is understandable by the world's huge populations of people with cognitive disabilities, people with low literacy, non-native language speakers, the Deaf, and seniors. We are collecting the information from the Websites of every country's governments. Those Websites are not usable by people with physical disabilities, such as the blind. Their information is not understandable. Our Website will be an example to them… Show more

We are creating a Website with reliable COVID-19 information we simplify so it is understandable by the world's huge populations of people with cognitive disabilities, people with low literacy, non-native language speakers, the Deaf, and seniors. We are collecting the information from the Websites of every country's governments. Those Websites are not usable by people with physical disabilities, such as the blind. Their information is not understandable. Our Website will be an example to them. Accessible, understandable COVID-19 information for all the world's citizens will make the world healthier and safer throughout this time of crisis. Experts from all over the world work as volunteers. Funders and partners include Microsoft AI for Health, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, OpenAI, Diffbot, Twitter Academic Research Program, Global Symbols, and other accessibility industry partners. Show less

Create and support promising practices that address gaps in the current system of support for people dually-diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental illness. This project is funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

Help reduce the number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDD) who are victims of sexual assault. Increase the number of people PwIDD who understand and can identify instances of sexual assault, as well as know how to report the crimes. Ensure PwIDD survivors have access to appropriate formal and informal supports and services. This project is funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

What We Do
We teach AI to make text easy to understand.
We do all we can to teach AI to be fair to all.
See our exciting new project, Easy-COVID-19.
Readable.com Readability Rating A

Use plain-language rules for AI to write easy text.
Test if people understand easy text more than typical text.
Include self-advocates and autistics as peer researchers.

Develop AI-powered web text simplification for people with cognitive disabilities and/or low literacy; and for non-native language speakers. Project funders: Amazon Machine Learning Research Awards; Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities; Commonwealth Medicine; and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Develop and pilot a peer supports training program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PwIDD) to be peer support specialists helping other people with PwIDD with employment, independent living, and self-esteem. This project is funded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

A website that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities independently find places to live and to work, and to use their funding how they choose. This project is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.

Primary Author, proposed Success Criterion 3.3.7 Accessible Authentication (Level A)
"If an authentication process relies on a cognitive function test, at least one other method must also be available that does not rely on a cognitive function test."
Co-Authors: other members of the W3C Cognitive and Learning Disabilities Task Force.

A website that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities independently find in-person trainings designed for them. This project is funded by the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School.

We provide free information about programs, providers, and services for Massachusetts residents with disabilities. This project is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.