Meta’s Post

During our recent visit to the Google Accessibility Discovery Center, we at Bridge the Gap were deeply inspired by a crucial shift in perspective that resonates with our core beliefs: the immense power of technology lies not in correcting perceived deficits but in empowering individuals to navigate the world on their own terms. This insight brought to life the principles of empowerment and the social model of disability, driving home the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Empowerment, in this context, is about enabling individuals with disabilities to control their lives, make their own decisions, and fully participate in society. It’s about providing the necessary tools, resources, and support to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges, can reach their potential. This philosophy is intertwined with the social model of disability, which shifts the focus from an individual's impairment to the societal barriers that limit participation. Unlike the medical model that views disability as a problem to be fixed, the social model sees the environment and societal attitudes as the main obstacles to inclusion. It advocates for societal changes—improving accessibility, eliminating physical barriers, and fostering acceptance—to empower people with disabilities to live independently and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Our time at the Google Accessibility Discovery Center highlighted how technology can embody this philosophy. We witnessed firsthand innovations such as Google's 'Live Transcribe' and 'Live Captioning', and technologies from other companies like Apple's 'Lost Voice' app and Tobii's eye tracking system. These aren't just tools; they're gateways to independence, participation, and empowerment, demonstrating how technology, when guided by the principles of the social model, can dismantle barriers and transform lives. The experience has left us more motivated than ever to continue our mission at Bridge the Gap, pushing for accessible technology. It’s a reminder that at the core of every device, application, and system should be the aim of empowering individuals, fostering a society that celebrates diversity, and ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to a more inclusive world. As we look towards the future, we’re excited by the possibilities of using technology not only to change individual lives but to reshape society into one where every person, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to live a full and dignified life. #BridgeTheGap #Accessibility #Empowerment #Inclusion #TechForGood #SocialModelOfDisability #AccessibleTech #GoogleAccessibility #InnovateForInclusion #DigitalInclusion

Visualfy, a start-up we invest and believe in, on TechCrunch to show how accessibility tech for disabilities has been overlooked for too long, but in 2022 $4 billion was invested in early-stage disability tech companies. And now what? AI to help people with hearing loss, while prioritizing inclusivity? Check ✔️ Read the whole article here: https://lnkd.in/dW36Gpuq

Thanks Global Toy News for shining a light on the Toy Industry and potential for (and lack of!!) neurodiverse talent in our industry! We have A LOT of work to do to create jobs, representation, equity, inclusion and products for people with visible and invisible, physical and mental disabilities. Three cheers for Empowering #WorkforceDevelopment events like last month’s Autism In Entertainment conference where GennComm, LLC, Disney, Paramount and others connected with bright neurodiverse talent to attract them to the entertainment-driven industry and GennComm, LLC was there talking about the toy and licensing industries. I met TONS of people and actually hired a bright talented designer and writer there, who heard me speaking about the Toy Industry on Marlene Sharp’s Gaming Panel - thank you again Marlene for creating space to talk about working in toys and the #GeniusofPlay! Emmet N., you’re amazing - Welcome to GennComm! Sometimes I feel like a lone toy soldier and the little engine that could, but know that together we can create real change! Please reach out to join me and be part of the Disability Framework I’m compiling with mission-aligned partners. 85%+ underemployment in the disabled community. 1 in 4 Americans has a disability. TONS of jobs in the toy industry they are perfect for! I can not think of ONE person with a visible physical disability who works in Toys and Licensing - Can you!? Diverse Executive Teams outperform 4 to 1. Let’s evolve people! Thank you Marlene Sharp (마를린) ♥️ #WeInspireTogether #DisabilityInclusion #Equity #SIS #SocialImpact #Equity

Accessibility refers to the practice of making information, environments, and technology meaningful and usable for as many individuals as possible. The ways in which people with disabilities interact with technology can vary significantly. #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveTech In today's connected world, access to technology is central to our daily operations and is fundamental to creating a more inclusive society and equitable future. #DigitalInclusion #Equity Customizable technology, such as iOS or Android notifications settings, allows individuals to tailor their experience to suit their needs. For instance: - Individuals with permanent disabilities, such as anxiety disorders, may opt to disable notifications entirely. #PermanentDisability - Those experiencing temporary disabilities, such as a family emergency, may adjust notification settings to filter messages by type or establish temporary notification-free periods. #TemporaryDisability - Individuals facing situational disabilities, such as heightened stress, may temporarily disable notifications during overwhelming work periods. #SituationalDisability Ultimately, accessibility is about providing individuals with the opportunity to utilize technology in a manner that suits their needs. #AccessibilityIsKey #EmpowermentThroughTech

To kick off Low Vision Awareness Month, we're talking about a trend that is going to benefit the vision impairment (and other disability communities) in strides! Historically, big tech has treated accessibility as an afterthought. Recently though, major players like Apple and Google have started to shift gears - releasing a stream of features for their headline products that are aimed at making the consumer tech experience more accessible for those with disabilities. As these industry trend-setters wake up to the importance of accessibility - as both a right for disabled consumers, and a largely untapped business opportunity - it’s crucial that they take steps to ensure that their accessibility efforts truly move the needle for disabled consumers. I wrote about what real disabled inclusion means for big tech - and the importance of acknowledging diversity within the disabled community - in my latest piece on Medium, offering a roadmap for how Apple, Google, and big tech as a whole can make accessibility an expectation in the future of consumer tech. #LowVisionAwarenessMonth #DisabilityInclusion #AssistiveTechnology

I'm honoured to have an invite to contribute to a panel discussion on Inclusion, Technology, and Jobs for People with Disabilities - part of the Inclusive Tech event held by Loginro and Google on 11 July. How do we make jobs accessible for people with disabilities? I'm looking forward to being part of the conversation! Details in the comments. #InclusiveTech #AccessibleJobs #AccessibleWorkplace #Google #Loginro

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝. This is a wonderful use of AR/VR. Vibrations in gloves which allow users to virtually feel art. The possibilities here are endless. The new tech revolution now under way will be life transforming for many with disabilities. Credit to Ronald van Loon and BBC 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭? If you like this type of content follow me Matt Sheehan #spatial #geospatial #augmentedreality #disability #virtualreality

Tie-up to develop AI-powered interfaces for people with disabilities ⚕ AI has the potential to offer personalized experiences and assistive solutions that can help overcome some of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. For example, AI can be used to develop speech recognition systems that understand and interpret various speech patterns, or visual recognition systems that can describe the environment to visually impaired users. This development is not just about creating new technologies; it's about reshaping society to be more inclusive. By ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the tools they need to interact with the world more effectively, we are taking a significant step towards equality. It's a move that acknowledges the diverse needs of all individuals and seeks to empower them through technology. Moreover, this initiative can serve as a model for other sectors to follow, demonstrating the importance of designing with accessibility in mind from the outset. It's a proactive approach that can lead to more innovative and thoughtful design in all areas of technology. Overall, the article sheds light on an important and progressive effort in the tech industry, one that promises to bring about positive change for many people 💫 ✨ Source: https://lnkd.in/dB4QiPf9 #Innovations #Healthcare #AI #Disabilities

🌟 Artificial Intelligence: A Game-Changer for People with Disabilities? 🌟 In today’s world, technology is advancing at a breathtaking pace, and one of the most transformative forces at work is Artificial Intelligence (AI). For people with disabilities, AI is not just a buzzword—it’s a life-changing innovation. 🔹 Enhancing Communication: AI-powered applications are breaking down communication barriers. Text-to-speech and speech-to-text technologies, are making it easier for those with a disability to observe information and connect more efficient with others. 🔹 Improving Accessibility: Visual and auditory aids powered by AI, like screen readers and real-time captioning services, are making digital content more accessible. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access information and participate in the digital world. ♿️ For example, last week Apple announced during their WWDC that they are developing Apple Intelligence. This technology could lead to the iPhone's voice control being used not only by people with disabilities but by everyone. For instance, it will become possible to search for images within your gallery using a spoken command, rather than having to focus with your eyes until you find the pictures. This will relieve eye strain and support more people with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments, in their daily lives. ♿️ It will also be possible to interact with Siri using contextual statements and receive appropriate responses. For example, you can say, "What did my best friend write to me last week because we wanted to meet up?" and Siri will have an answer. This allows for faster and more efficient communication, especially for people with visual impairments, providing significant support in their daily lives. ♿️ Apple also announced the introduction of an eye-tracking feature to their iOS system, designed to assist individuals with physical disabilities. This innovative technology is powered by AI, making it possible in ways that would otherwise be unattainable. 🚀 All those features are simply amazing. I am really looking forward to trying them out.🚀 The impact of AI on the lives of people with disabilities is profound and far-reaching. By continuing to innovate and prioritize inclusivity, we can create a world where technology empowers everyone to live their best lives. What do you think? #ArtificialIntelligence #Accessibility #Inclusivity #TechForGood #DisabilityAdvocacy #Innovation #FutureOfWork

The inspiration behind this blog comes from reflecting on recent readings by authors who share their lived experiences with disability. Some of my recommendations are in the blog! What should I read next? #AssistiveTechnology #GAAD #Accessibility