Sight Tech Global - December 1-2

Sight Tech Global: An Accessibility Revolution in Technology

The second annual Sight Tech Global event is scheduled to take place this week, on December 1st and 2nd. This complimentary, virtual gathering offers extensive insights into how advancements in technology are driving an accessibility revolution for individuals with blindness or low vision. Registration is available now.

All sessions have been pre-recorded, and based on preview access, the panels and fireside chats are exceptionally insightful, regardless of your specific area of expertise. Join host Will Butler, VP of Be My Eyes, for two mornings of stimulating discussion, beginning at 8 a.m. PT on December 1st and 2nd. Below is the agenda, along with a brief overview of the ten featured sessions:

Apple: A leading Apple researcher will detail how the integration of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) features – including image description, gesture control, and scene description – creates a customizable accessibility framework.
Amazon Alexa: Amazon’s foremost AI specialist will discuss the evolution of Alexa into a more conversational and efficient assistant, prioritizing action over verbose responses.
Microsoft Seeing AI: The co-creator of Seeing AI will share their vision for enhancing navigation for the blind through adaptable audio Augmented Reality (AR).
Website Accessibility 2.0: A frequently overlooked technical challenge contributes to the high cost of website accessibility. This is poised to change.
Indoor Navigation: Leading researchers in the field will explore how emerging technologies, such as LiDAR, are crucial for resolving the complex challenges of indoor mobility for the blind.
Autonomous Taxis: The timeline for commercial deployment of self-driving taxis, and their potential usability for the blind and visually impaired, will be debated by a prominent AI researcher and representatives from Waymo.
Inventors: Historically, products initially designed to assist blind individuals often find broader applications. Three innovators will present their latest creations.
Achieving Accessibility: Representatives from Spotify and Peloton will discuss the challenges and strategies involved in reaching full accessibility within product development.
Blind Kindle: The development of multi-line Braille displays capable of rendering tactile graphics represents a significant advancement in information appliances. APH will showcase its AI-powered prototype.
Google: With Android powering 75% of mobile devices, Google’s Lookout app is a vital resource for blind Android users. The Lookout team will highlight their progress leveraging Google’s accessibility initiatives and AI capabilities.

For those seeking further information, seven live breakout sessions will provide in-depth exploration of topics covered on the main stage, as well as introduce new subjects.

Perkins Access: The application of AI to eliminate digital obstacles for mathematics students.
Fable: A critical examination of the future of screen readers and identifying concepts that may prove unhelpful.
APH: The creation of a novel tactile display that combines Braille and graphics into a unified experience.
W3C ARIA-AT: Exploring screen reader interoperability and the dawn of a new era in web accessibility.
HumanWare: The unveiling of HumanWare’s latest generation of intelligent Braille displays.
WordPress.com: An overview of the accessibility features integrated into WordPress.com.
Vispero: The introduction of next-generation assistive technology user testing methodologies.

We encourage you to participate in this free, virtual event on December 1st & 2nd, beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific Time. Register today to secure your spot.

Sight Tech Global is organized by Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the blind and low vision community in Silicon Valley for 75 years.

Attendance at Sight Tech Global is free thanks to the contributions of a volunteer production team and sponsors including Facebook, Salesforce, Google, WordPress, Mojo Vision, Ford, Fable, APH, Humanware, Microsoft, Vispero, Amazon, Yahoo and TechCrunch. All sponsorship funds directly support the nonprofit Vista Center, a 501(c)(3) organization. New sponsors are always welcome.