May We Introduce You To: 2023 Year in Review

by Lee Gehrls R&D Coordinator (Volunteer)

Here we are once again at the end of another year of newsletters and it’s time to give you an update on three resources that were Feature Articles. 

January | accessiBe

It was in the January issue that we announced the addition of the accessiBe software to our website to support those who have different challenges when using websites. For some with ADHD, reading off a screen is difficult due to glare, the inability to focus on what they are reading, and some even get headaches.

This software is unique with many special profiles: Seizure Safe Profile, Vision Impaired Profile, ADHD Friendly Profile, Cognitive Disability Profile, Keyboard Navigation (Motor), & Blind Users (Screen Reader). It is available in 16 languages, you can adjust the font size, color, and content to name just a few of the possibilities to make your reading easier. The only area on our website accessiBe won’t work is in our newsletter archive*.

If you haven’t given it a try I encourage you to check it out. It’s easy to use and you may find it could be an additional support in your ADHD Tool Kit. In October we were honored to be featured in accessiBe’s October Blog for National ADHD Awareness Month.

*AccessiBe only works on our domain, adaminc.org. Our newsletters (example) are hosted by MailChimp, and so can’t be adjusted by the AccessiBe tool.

Positive Steps 2023 Example

March | American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD)

It was in the March issue that many of you first learned about a new organization that you’ll be hearing quite a bit about in 2024. APSARD brings ADHD experts together from all over the world to work together to improve research, treatment, and outcomes for those living with ADHD and their families.

They have been working on developing the first US Guidelines for Adults with ADHD with the release date to be in 2023. However, as of this writing, we have learned that the new guidelines will be released in 2024. ADDitude Magazine published an update on the guidelines, First-Ever Adult ADHD Guidelines Forthcoming (October 18, 2023). We will continue to monitor this and let you know as soon as the guidelines are published. 

October | Speechify, Text-To-Speech Technology

It was in the October issue that we announced text-to-speech and other apps that can provide support to readers. We chose to introduce you to Speechify because it is not only a support tool for those with dyslexia but it can also support those with ADHD, people with vision impairments, and those who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This app does require a monthly subscription and there is a free 3-day trial. Again this may be a support option you may want to check out to see if it would be a useful addition to your ADHD Tool Kit. 

In closing, I’d like to thank all of you who have subscribed to our monthly Positive Steps Newsletter. Our first issue was published in May 2020 and now 44 issues later we have covered a wide range of resources that we hope you have found useful. As always we welcome your feedback. One thing is for certain and that is the amount of new ADHD information continues to grow and we will all continue to learn together on our ADHD journeys. From all our volunteers we wish you and your families a Happy Holiday Season and the very best in the New Year.

Disclaimer: This document is for information purposes only.  A-D-A-M℠ does not receive compensation from any above-named organization. If you are considering mobile applications or other software products be sure to do your research, as there are alternatives that could be better suited for your needs. Always consult your primary healthcare and/or mental healthcare provider on the treatment of ADHD and related conditions.

Disclaimer: A-D-A-M℠ provides information about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the form of resources, including articles, books, videos, and websites, as well as links to directories to help you find health professionals, services and facilities that provide services for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This information and these directories are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by A-D-A-M℠; and to the best of A-D-A-M’s knowledge are true and accurate at the time of publication. A-D-A-M℠ makes no claim, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the contents found in this information and in these directories, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions. Although great care is given to the composition and contents provided, A-D-A-M℠ cannot guarantee the correctness of the nature and contents of the information. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained through these resources does so at his or her own risk.