Steven Aquino
@stevenaquino.bsky.social
I’m a disabled person and freelance tech reporter who covers accessibility and assistive tech. My byline lives at Forbes, TechCrunch, The Verge, and elsewhere.
I wrote a brief piece about Alice Wong’s passing away over the weekend. It's an honor to think she appreciated my work, and the disability community will miss her.
www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-11...
www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-11...
Alice Wong, Writer and disability activist, Dies — Curb Cuts
Chloe Veltman reported Saturday for NPR Alice Wong, 51, died of an infection at a San Francisco hospital. Her death was confirmed by friend and fellow activist, Sandy Ho. Wong enjoyed a sizable onli...
www.curbcuts.co
November 17, 2025 at 8:06 PM
I wrote a brief piece about Alice Wong’s passing away over the weekend. It's an honor to think she appreciated my work, and the disability community will miss her.
www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-11...
www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-11...
Every time a tech news outlet hires an AI reporter, the accessibility champion inside me dies a little bit.
You can hire for bespoke beats like AI, but disability inclusion is too niche? 🤷♂️
You can hire for bespoke beats like AI, but disability inclusion is too niche? 🤷♂️
November 15, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Every time a tech news outlet hires an AI reporter, the accessibility champion inside me dies a little bit.
You can hire for bespoke beats like AI, but disability inclusion is too niche? 🤷♂️
You can hire for bespoke beats like AI, but disability inclusion is too niche? 🤷♂️
I can't wait for Ezra Klein's next column: "Disabled people really don't contribute to the betterment of society. It's okay they're left out of DEI activism."
September 17, 2025 at 1:57 AM
I can't wait for Ezra Klein's next column: "Disabled people really don't contribute to the betterment of society. It's okay they're left out of DEI activism."
If you missed it, I was at Apple Park on Tuesday for the iPhone 17 media event and yesterday published 2,000 words on what everything means in a disability context.
Please read and share!
Please read and share!
Pondering this week’s ‘Awe-Dropping’ Apple Event — Curb Cuts
I was on the ground at Apple Park yesterday covering Apple’s “Awe-Dropping” event , during which the company announced a slew of upgraded iPhones , Apple Watches , AirPods Pro , and more. The critiques of the new products are, for now anyway, compromised if only because I haven’t had meaningful
www.curbcuts.co
September 11, 2025 at 9:58 PM
If you missed it, I was at Apple Park on Tuesday for the iPhone 17 media event and yesterday published 2,000 words on what everything means in a disability context.
Please read and share!
Please read and share!
I wrote close to 2,000 words on yesterday's Apple event and everything the company announced.
As usual, accessibility is everywhere.
Please read and share!
As usual, accessibility is everywhere.
Please read and share!
Pondering this week’s ‘Awe-Dropping’ Apple Event — Curb Cuts
I was on the ground at Apple Park yesterday covering Apple’s “Awe-Dropping” event , during which the company announced a slew of upgraded iPhones , Apple Watches , AirPods Pro , and more. The critiques of the new products are, for now anyway, compromised if only because I haven’t had meaningful
www.curbcuts.co
September 10, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I wrote close to 2,000 words on yesterday's Apple event and everything the company announced.
As usual, accessibility is everywhere.
Please read and share!
As usual, accessibility is everywhere.
Please read and share!
Friday afternoon news dump: I'll be on the ground this coming Tuesday at Apple Park covering Apple's announcements. If you're in the press and we know each other, please say hi! It's a helluva lot easier for you to find me than it is for me to find you.
September 5, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Friday afternoon news dump: I'll be on the ground this coming Tuesday at Apple Park covering Apple's announcements. If you're in the press and we know each other, please say hi! It's a helluva lot easier for you to find me than it is for me to find you.
I know it's popular for iOS and Android users to poke fun at each other for innovation, but the truth is Pixelsnap makes Pixels more accessible to Android users. That's a good thing!
‘Pixelsnap’ makes Google’s Pixel More Accessible — Curb Cuts
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is how the old adage goes. That’s the thought that immediately sprung to mind when I learned about Google’s announcement of Pixelsnap at this week’s “Made By Google” event in New York City where the company announced the Pixel 10 and related
www.curbcuts.co
August 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
I know it's popular for iOS and Android users to poke fun at each other for innovation, but the truth is Pixelsnap makes Pixels more accessible to Android users. That's a good thing!
I wrote a little about the recent report saying Apple's readying Claude integration with Xcode and why it's notable from an accessibility angle.
Xcode Getting Claude AI Integration, Report Says — Curb Cuts
Marcus Mendes reports for 9to5 Mac this week Apple is readying Anthropic’s Claude AI system to natively integrate with Xcode. Mendes writes there are “multiple references” to Anthropic accounts found within Xcode 26 Beta 7, released to developers on Monday. Specifically, there are mentions of C
www.curbcuts.co
August 19, 2025 at 5:25 PM
I wrote a little about the recent report saying Apple's readying Claude integration with Xcode and why it's notable from an accessibility angle.
I wrote a little bit this morning about Trump's call to abolish absentee voting. It's yet another overt display of disdain for disabled people like myself. Mail-in ballots are accessibility.
ending Mail-In Voting is a canary in the coal Mine — Curb Cuts
President Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to post a screed about the evils of absentee voting. He writes, in part, he plans to “lead a movement” by way of executive order to abolish mail-in voting for the 2026 midterm elections. Trump falsely claims the United States is “the only country in t
www.curbcuts.co
August 18, 2025 at 8:57 PM
I wrote a little bit this morning about Trump's call to abolish absentee voting. It's yet another overt display of disdain for disabled people like myself. Mail-in ballots are accessibility.
I know this sounds self-serving and Eeyore-like, but I can't help but think oftentimes I feel like I'm writing into the abyss. As successful as my career has undoubtedly been, accessibility coverage still has trouble breaking through the tech news noise.
It's a lonely beat, to be sure.
It's a lonely beat, to be sure.
August 16, 2025 at 1:26 AM
I know this sounds self-serving and Eeyore-like, but I can't help but think oftentimes I feel like I'm writing into the abyss. As successful as my career has undoubtedly been, accessibility coverage still has trouble breaking through the tech news noise.
It's a lonely beat, to be sure.
It's a lonely beat, to be sure.
I wrote a little bit about the base model M1 MacBook Air going on sale right now for $599 (!!!) at Walmart. It's a big deal for accessibility, in more ways than one.
Walmart Makes M1 MacBook Air More Accessible — Curb Cuts
Joe Rossignol reports today for MacRumors Walmart has begun selling the dearly beloved M1 MacBook Air for the low price (for MacBooks) of $599. The deal is for the laptop’s base configuration of 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD in gold, silver, or space gray. “In case you missed it, Walmart is currently
www.curbcuts.co
August 14, 2025 at 12:07 AM
I wrote a little bit about the base model M1 MacBook Air going on sale right now for $599 (!!!) at Walmart. It's a big deal for accessibility, in more ways than one.
Saw this meme on Facebook just now. It fits my experience perfectly.
August 5, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Saw this meme on Facebook just now. It fits my experience perfectly.
I finally reviewed the Beats Studio Buds+ I got last year during Prime Day.
A Brief (And belated) review of Beats Studio Buds+ — Curb Cuts
Here’s my short take on Beats Studio Buds+ : the transparent ones look fucking cool . My longer take is I bought the $170 earbuds after seeing them discounted for last year’s Prime Day. I’ve used them with good regularity over the last year, alternating between them and my AirPods Pro, and they’r
www.curbcuts.co
July 22, 2025 at 11:34 PM
I finally reviewed the Beats Studio Buds+ I got last year during Prime Day.
For my latest, I interviewed FIFA's Natalie Gross about how the organization made the recent Club World Cup more accessible, inclusive by adding in-stadium audio descriptions.
How FIFA Made The Club World Cup Accessible to All — Curb Cuts
In late May, FIFA announced this year’s FIFA Club World Cup would be “the most inclusive tournament ever” as tournament matches would be augmented with audio descriptions for Blind and low vision people. The ADC, or audio descriptive commentary, was first used by FIFA during the 2014 World Cup i
www.curbcuts.co
July 17, 2025 at 6:55 PM
For my latest, I interviewed FIFA's Natalie Gross about how the organization made the recent Club World Cup more accessible, inclusive by adding in-stadium audio descriptions.
For my latest at Curb Cuts, I talked Entrust VP of product design Mark Opland about the new European Accessibility Act and much more.
Entrust Product Design Chief Mark Opland Talks the European Accessibility Act, More in Interview — Curb Cuts
A couple of weeks ago, a landmark law spearheaded by the European Commission went into effect. It’s called the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and it mandates digital goods be accessible to people with disabilities. The June 28, 2025 timeframe was the cutoff date for member states in the European
www.curbcuts.co
July 7, 2025 at 6:13 PM
For my latest at Curb Cuts, I talked Entrust VP of product design Mark Opland about the new European Accessibility Act and much more.
I highly enjoy this deep, deep, DEEP cut from Linkin Park.
One Step Closer (100 gecs Reanimation) - Single by LINKIN PARK on Apple Music
Album · 2021 · 1 Song
music.apple.com
June 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
I highly enjoy this deep, deep, DEEP cut from Linkin Park.
For my latest at Curb Cuts, I wrote a little about Apple Podcasts turning 20 and shared some insights into my experience as a severely lapsed podcaster, as well as—of course—how Apple has made podcasts a more accessible medium.
My bit Part In Apple Podcasts’ two Decade story — Curb Cuts
Apple on Thursday celebrated a big anniversary: Apple Podcasts has turned 20! To mark the milestone, the company released a staff-selected list of “20 podcasts we love.” “Since the medium came to iTunes in 2005, our team has dedicated countless hours to helping people discover new shows. To cele
www.curbcuts.co
June 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
For my latest at Curb Cuts, I wrote a little about Apple Podcasts turning 20 and shared some insights into my experience as a severely lapsed podcaster, as well as—of course—how Apple has made podcasts a more accessible medium.
I wrote a little about the new Camera Remote feature coming to AirPods in iOS 26 and what it could mean for accessibility, but also what it says about Apple's approach to product development.
Thoughts On AirPods, Cameras, and Accessibility — Curb Cuts
Ryan Christoffel reports for 9to5 Mac this week a new feature in iOS 26 is a harbinger of camera-equipped AirPods Pro. Among the enhancements coming to AirPods this year is a Camera Remote feature. The functionality is similar to that on Apple Watch, whereby users can use the Watch as a shutter b
www.curbcuts.co
June 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I wrote a little about the new Camera Remote feature coming to AirPods in iOS 26 and what it could mean for accessibility, but also what it says about Apple's approach to product development.
For my latest, I wrote about the people who are crowing about accessibility vis-a-vis Liquid Glass when nobody gives a shit about accessibility 99.9% of the time.
I've been here the whole time!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-16-the-shoe-is-on-the-other-foot-wwdc-edition
I've been here the whole time!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-16-the-shoe-is-on-the-other-foot-wwdc-edition
The shoe is on the other foot, WWDC Edition — Curb Cuts
As I write this, it’s been exactly one week since I was on the ground at Apple Park in Cupertino to cover this year’s WWDC keynote . In the days since, the majority of the chatter online has surrounded Apple’s all-new design language called Liquid Glass . It’s been interesting to observe the disco
www.curbcuts.co
June 16, 2025 at 6:05 PM
For my latest, I wrote about the people who are crowing about accessibility vis-a-vis Liquid Glass when nobody gives a shit about accessibility 99.9% of the time.
I've been here the whole time!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-16-the-shoe-is-on-the-other-foot-wwdc-edition
I've been here the whole time!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-16-the-shoe-is-on-the-other-foot-wwdc-edition
One bittersweet piece of news to come out of WWDC this week is learning I'll have to replace my trusty Intel-based iMac sooner than later.
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-11-its-official-yours-truly-needs-a-new-mac-soon
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-11-its-official-yours-truly-needs-a-new-mac-soon
It’s Official: Yours Truly Needs a new Mac Soon — Curb Cuts
Amidst this week’s hubbub regarding Liquid Glass and more, one tidbit of news has me feeling melancholy. The next version of macOS, named Tahoe , is the last edition to support Intel-based Macs. This is important news because, as I suspected , I’ll need to upgrade my Mac pretty soon. My trusty
www.curbcuts.co
June 11, 2025 at 5:12 PM
One bittersweet piece of news to come out of WWDC this week is learning I'll have to replace my trusty Intel-based iMac sooner than later.
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-11-its-official-yours-truly-needs-a-new-mac-soon
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-11-its-official-yours-truly-needs-a-new-mac-soon
Here's my first bit of WWDC 2025 coverage: I wrote about the early response to Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design language and reshared my newsy tidbit from my chat with the company's accessibility boss.
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-10-apples-liquid-glass-wont-make-the-sky-fall
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-10-apples-liquid-glass-wont-make-the-sky-fall
Apple’s ‘Liquid Glass’ won’t make the sky fall — Curb Cuts
I was on the ground yesterday at Apple Park covering this year’s WWDC keynote . The star of the show was Apple’s introduction of its all-new Liquid Glass design language. The company has a great session on Liquid Glass in the Developer app. I highly suggest watching it (and other sessions) on a b
www.curbcuts.co
June 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Here's my first bit of WWDC 2025 coverage: I wrote about the early response to Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design language and reshared my newsy tidbit from my chat with the company's accessibility boss.
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-10-apples-liquid-glass-wont-make-the-sky-fall
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-6-10-apples-liquid-glass-wont-make-the-sky-fall
It shouldn't need to be said, but here goes:
The news pubs doing WWDC recaps and "what's new" stories are overlooking the accessibility features Apple announced last month. They're shipping in the updates, and shouldn't be left out of your reporting.
"Niche," my ass btw.
The news pubs doing WWDC recaps and "what's new" stories are overlooking the accessibility features Apple announced last month. They're shipping in the updates, and shouldn't be left out of your reporting.
"Niche," my ass btw.
June 10, 2025 at 12:29 AM
It shouldn't need to be said, but here goes:
The news pubs doing WWDC recaps and "what's new" stories are overlooking the accessibility features Apple announced last month. They're shipping in the updates, and shouldn't be left out of your reporting.
"Niche," my ass btw.
The news pubs doing WWDC recaps and "what's new" stories are overlooking the accessibility features Apple announced last month. They're shipping in the updates, and shouldn't be left out of your reporting.
"Niche," my ass btw.
I have a WWDC tidbit of news to share.
I bumped into Apple's accessibility leader, Sarah Herrlinger, and my understanding is the Liquid Glass UI can be changed for accessibility.
I expected it, but there's your confirmation.
I bumped into Apple's accessibility leader, Sarah Herrlinger, and my understanding is the Liquid Glass UI can be changed for accessibility.
I expected it, but there's your confirmation.
June 9, 2025 at 7:46 PM
I have a WWDC tidbit of news to share.
I bumped into Apple's accessibility leader, Sarah Herrlinger, and my understanding is the Liquid Glass UI can be changed for accessibility.
I expected it, but there's your confirmation.
I bumped into Apple's accessibility leader, Sarah Herrlinger, and my understanding is the Liquid Glass UI can be changed for accessibility.
I expected it, but there's your confirmation.
Some late Friday afternoon reading from me: I talked to Nyle DiMarco this week about the upcoming Apple TV+ documentary DEAF PRESIDENT NOW, out a week from today, and how Deaf history and culture ought to be known by all.
Please read and share!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-5-9-upcoming-deaf
Please read and share!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-5-9-upcoming-deaf
Upcoming ‘Deaf President now’ Movie Offers Poignant ‘Snapshot’ of Deaf history, culture — Curb Cuts
When I asked Nyle DiMarco to share his thoughts on the forthcoming Apple TV+ documentary Deaf President Now in an interview earlier this week, the film’s producer didn’t shy away from exulting its deep cultural resonance to Deaf people everywhere. “This [event] really is one of the most impo
www.curbcuts.co
May 9, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Some late Friday afternoon reading from me: I talked to Nyle DiMarco this week about the upcoming Apple TV+ documentary DEAF PRESIDENT NOW, out a week from today, and how Deaf history and culture ought to be known by all.
Please read and share!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-5-9-upcoming-deaf
Please read and share!
https://www.curbcuts.co/blog/2025-5-9-upcoming-deaf
As somewhat of a Coke fiend, this ad really warms my CODA-filled heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUCtzkKUwSo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUCtzkKUwSo
May 8, 2025 at 11:41 PM
As somewhat of a Coke fiend, this ad really warms my CODA-filled heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUCtzkKUwSo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUCtzkKUwSo