Launch Above and Beyond Labs

Empowering Accessibility: Help Us Launch Above and Beyond Labs

Accessibility is a right, not a privilege. At Above and Beyond Labs, we are dedicated to creating a world where blind and low-vision individuals have the tools, training, and technologies they need to thrive. Our nonprofit aims to revolutionize accessibility by building adaptive products, developing smart home solutions, and providing training in assistive technologies—all within a state-of-the-art makerspace.

We need your help to bring this vision to life.

Mission Statement:

Above and Beyond Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the blind and visually impaired community by designing and producing accessible adaptations for games, educational tools, scientific equipment, and full home automation systems while offering training in assistive technologies and accessibility QA testing.

Vision:

We envision a world where blind individuals have equal access to education, employment, and independent living through innovative products, training, and smart technologies.

Your donation supports:

• Accessible Maker Space: A hub equipped with 3D printers, Braille embossers, and adaptive design software for developing solutions tailored to the blind community.

• Assistive Technology Training: Empowering individuals with hands-on learning and certification programs in accessibility testing and tools.

• Adaptive Products: From tactile educational tools to voice-activated smart home systems, we’re creating products that bridge gaps.

Goal: $200,000

Breakdown of Startup Costs:

• Facility Rental and Modifications: $50,000

• Equipment (3D Printers, CNC Machines, Braille Embossers): $100,000

• Staffing and Training Programs: $30,000

• Marketing and Community Outreach: $20,000

Rewards for Backers:

$20: A personalized thank-you email and acknowledgment on our website.

$50: A digital badge recognizing you as a supporter of accessibility innovation.

$100: Access to an exclusive video tour of our makerspace once operational.

$250: A custom Braille thank-you card created in our makerspace.

$500: Your name featured on the “Founders Wall” inside the makerspace.

$1,000+: An invitation to our exclusive launch event and a custom tactile token as a keepsake.

Why This Matters:

Over 1.3 million blind individuals in the U.S. face barriers to independence and education. By supporting this campaign, you are funding innovations that directly address these challenges.

Join Us in Creating a World Without Barriers!

Your support can change lives. Donate today and empower accessibility beyond limits.

Team Bios:

Jeremiah Beasley – Accessibility and Training Specialist

Jeremiah Beasley is a seasoned expert in accessibility testing and training, with over 20 years of experience in assistive technology, digital accessibility, and IT solutions. He has a proven record of designing and implementing training programs and accessibility compliance strategies for organizations across industries, ensuring inclusivity for people with disabilities.

Expertise and Focus Areas

Jeremiah specializes in:

Accessibility Testing: Proficient in evaluating software, websites, and applications using manual and automated methods to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.0/2.1/2.2, Section 508, and WAI-ARIA standards. Skilled in testing with assistive technologies, including screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver), screen magnification tools (ZoomText), refreshable Braille displays, and mobile assistive tools like TalkBack.

Accessibility Training: An accomplished trainer who develops and delivers customized training programs for designers, developers, and leadership teams. Topics include disability awareness, accessible design principles, WCAG standards, and integration of accessibility in agile workflows.

Policy Development and Implementation: Expert in creating organizational accessibility policies and integrating compliance into product development cycles.

Professional Achievements

Wells Fargo: Developed and executed an enterprise-wide accessibility training program that empowered agile teams to integrate accessibility testing and remediation into their workflows. Conducted hands-on workshops and created curricula covering WCAG standards, assistive technologies, and defect reporting.

CVS Health: Established a hands-on accessibility learning center and created tailored training materials for engineers and designers. Focused on practical accessibility testing techniques and tools to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

San Francisco State University: Designed and delivered accessibility training for IT personnel, focusing on website and document compliance. Led user testing initiatives to improve campus-wide accessibility practices.

Google: Tested and validated G Suite applications for compliance with WCAG standards and Google’s internal guidelines. Trained UX leads and product owners on accessible design strategies.

Training Philosophy

Jeremiah is passionate about translating technical expertise into actionable learning. He combines hands-on demonstrations, real-world scenarios, and tailored content to create engaging training experiences. His approach empowers teams to not only meet compliance standards but also understand the real-world impact of accessibility for users with disabilities.

Key Competencies

Expert knowledge of assistive technologies, including screen readers, Braille displays, and magnification tools.

Proficient in automated and manual accessibility testing tools.

Skilled in developing training curricula for teams at all levels, from beginners to accessibility professionals.

Experienced in creating accessible documents, websites, and applications using tools like HTML, CSS, Adobe Acrobat, and remediation tools.

Vision for Accessibility Training and Testing

Jeremiah’s mission is to bridge the gap between accessibility compliance and user experience by equipping organizations with the tools, skills, and understanding needed to create truly inclusive digital environments. Through his extensive background in testing and training, he ensures that accessibility is not just a checkbox but a core component of innovation and design.

Zach Mann – Accessibility and Training Specialist

Zach Mann is a dedicated Accessibility and Training Specialist with extensive experience in accessibility testing, assistive technology instruction, and technical support. With a strong focus on improving digital inclusion, Zach combines technical expertise with a passion for training to ensure products and services are accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities.

Expertise and Focus Areas

Accessibility Testing: Skilled in performing detailed manual and automated accessibility testing for compliance with WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and other accessibility standards. Experienced in identifying issues, assessing defect severity, and providing actionable remediation recommendations.

Assistive Technology Expertise: Proficient in screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack), braille displays, OCR packages, and other adaptive tools on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Training and Instruction: Proven ability to design and deliver customized training for diverse audiences, helping individuals and organizations adopt assistive technologies and implement accessibility best practices.

Technical Proficiency: Expertise in operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Linux, iOS, Android) and software applications, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Apple iWork Suite.

Professional Achievements

Accessibility Trusted Tester at Google: Conducts rigorous testing of Google’s products and services to ensure compliance with accessibility standards, providing detailed bug reports and usability recommendations.

Adaptive Technology Trainer at ATR: Delivered training sessions and product demonstrations for assistive technologies, enabling clients to effectively utilize adaptive tools in educational and workplace settings.

Volunteer Technology Instructor: Taught assistive technology to K-12 students and adults, focusing on individual needs to improve their proficiency with screen readers, braille displays, and other accessibility tools.

Training Philosophy

Zach is passionate about creating training programs that are practical, engaging, and accessible. He focuses on tailoring instruction to the unique needs of participants, from beginners to advanced users, ensuring that they gain confidence and skills to use assistive technologies effectively. His ability to demystify complex tools and standards empowers organizations to build accessible products and environments.

Vision for Accessibility Testing and Training

Zach’s mission is to bridge the gap between accessibility compliance and usability by providing comprehensive testing services and actionable feedback. Through expert training programs, he equips teams with the knowledge and tools to design, develop, and test for inclusivity, creating products that are not only compliant but also truly user-friendly.