Accessible Product Design at TechCrunch Sessions: Justice

The Often Unnoticed Privilege of Accessible Design

It's often easy to overlook how much the world is tailored to certain abilities. This is particularly true for those who navigate a world not inherently designed with their needs in mind – individuals with disabilities.

At TechCrunch Sessions: Justice, taking place on March 3rd, we will delve into the critical need for accessible product design from the outset. We will investigate how both the social and medical perspectives on disability shape the course of technological advancement.

Why Inclusive Design Matters

Integrating the knowledge and experience of disabled technologists, creators, investors, scientists, and software engineers is essential. This integration, starting at the foundational level of a company, is vital for building a truly functional and equitable society.

Furthermore, prioritizing accessibility isn’t just ethically sound; it represents a significant business opportunity. Ignoring inclusive design could mean missing out on potential revenue streams.

Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: Justice for a comprehensive discussion. We aim to address these important questions and further explore the principles of inclusive design with Cynthia Bennett, Mara Mills, and Srin Madipalli.

Meet the Speakers

Cynthia Bennett currently holds a post-doctoral position at Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute. She is also a researcher at Apple.

Her work centers on human-computer interaction, accessibility, and Disability Studies. As detailed on her website, her research encompasses both critical analysis and the development of HCI theory and methods, alongside the creation of innovative and accessible interactions with technology.

Notable projects include “Biographical Prototypes: Reimagining Recognition and Disability in Design” and “The Promise of Empathy: Design, Disability, and Knowing the ‘Other.’”

Mara Mills is an Associate Professor of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University. She also serves as a co-founder and co-director of the NYU Center for Disability Studies.

Mills’ research explores the intersections of sound studies, disability studies, and historical analysis. You can listen to her discuss the relationship between artificial intelligence and disability with Meredith Whittaker and Sara Hendren on the TechCrunch Mixtape podcast here.

Srin Madipalli is an investor and the co-founder of Accomable. This online platform connected users with accessible vacation rentals before being acquired by Airbnb.

His advocacy efforts are focused on promoting disability inclusion. Tickets for this event are available for just $5 – secure yours here.