Sight Tech Global 2021

Accessibility Advances: Sight Tech Global Event

Following the inaugural Sight Tech Global event last December, both Apple and Microsoft unveiled groundbreaking new functionalities for mobile devices. Users can now simply direct their phone’s camera at a scene and request a description.

Within moments, an AI-powered computer vision system analyzes the scene, and a synthesized voice relays the information. While identifying “a room containing three chairs and a table” may not appear revolutionary to those with sight, this feature represents a significant leap forward in accessibility technology.

The second annual Sight Tech Global event, scheduled for December 1-2, 2021, will feature discussions on technologies like scene description. This free, virtual, and globally accessible event, supported by sponsors, will bring together leading technologists, researchers, advocates, and founders.

The focus will be on how rapidly evolving technologies – particularly those centered around AI – are impacting accessibility for individuals experiencing sight loss, both positively and negatively.

Register today – admission is free.

The Challenge of Adoption

A central question at Sight Tech Global is how advanced, AI-driven technologies can be transformed into affordable and appealing products for the blind and visually impaired community.

The evolution from the $50,000 “Kurzweil reading machine” – a bulky desktop device – to the free text-reading apps available on modern smartphones took four decades. Developing genuinely useful, everyday, and affordable tools for people with vision loss remains a substantial undertaking.

Expert Speakers and Sessions

Last year’s event featured prominent figures in the field, including:

Saqib Shaikh (Microsoft)
Josh Miele (Amazon)
Chris Fleizach (Apple)
Amnon Shashua (Orcam)
Haben Girma (Civil Rights Lawyer)
Sara Hendren (Author and Professor)
Danna Gurari (Researcher and Professor)

In addition to these speakers, a dozen breakout sessions were led by organizations such as Perkins Access, Salesforce, APH, and Humanware.

Event Success and Accessibility

The free, virtual, and accessible format of the event attracted over 4,000 attendees from 70 countries. Recordings and transcripts of all sessions are still available on demand through the event agenda and on YouTube.

Attendees rated the programming 4.7 out of 5 and the accessibility 4.6 out of 5.

Stay Informed and Contribute

Register now to receive updates on the agenda and secure a spot in limited-attendance breakout sessions. You can register here.

Do you have ideas for the program? The committee welcomes submissions from founders, inventors, and researchers with working technology products. Contact us at Info@sighttechglobal.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Google, TechCrunch, and Verizon Media have already committed as sponsors for 2021, and most of last year’s sponsors intend to renew their support. Private donations are also gratefully accepted.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here or contact sponsor@sighttechglobal.com.

About Vista Center

Sight Tech Global is organized by the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a 501(c)(3) organization serving the Silicon Valley area for 75 years. Karae Lisle, Vista’s executive director, chairs the event.

Vista receives all sponsorships and donations to Sight Tech Global. In 2020, 92% of the proceeds from the event directly supported Vista’s programs, helping thousands of individuals with vision loss in the Bay Area live fulfilling lives.

Join us at Sight Tech Global this December!