PDFs became my real-world AI benchmark. I can’t fill forms by hand, so ChatGPT in Agent mode now handles flat scans, anchors, proofs, and signatures on my phone—showing both the limits and the leverage of assistive AI.
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#Accessibility #AssistiveTech #A11y #AI #AgenticAI #PDFForms #AcroForms #Inclusion #MobileFirst #SpeechRecognition #Automation #Productivity #AGI #DocumentAI
As the year comes to a close, I want to reflect on an incredible journey in 2024 filled with meaningful projects, inspiring collaborations, and opportunities to push the boundaries of accessibility, inclusion, and innovation.
One of the highlights was visiting Google’s Accessibility Discovery Center in London with Björn Lubetzki. Thanks to the European Disability Forum for funding this trip, which allowed Bridge the Gap to explore innovative assistive technologies and engage in inspiring discussions on the future of accessibility.
Presenting *Crip Sensorama* with Puneet Jain at the Ars Electronica Festival was a moment to rethink accessibility through creativity and technology. Collaborating with the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK) on the XR project *Probing XR’s Futures* opened exciting new possibilities for exploring interaction paradigms and narratives around disability.
At TEDNext 2024, I explored deeper conversations around Disability Culture, accessibility, and innovation. In November, I was honored to hold a workshop on digitalisation at *Kommune Inklusiv*, a conference by Aktion Mensch. Discussions there emphasized the need for digital accessibility to be integral from the start.
Joining the European Network on Independent Living for the Freedom Drive in Brussels and engaging in events like *Praxiszeit Personal* and *LiebesLeben* were powerful opportunities to share ideas, learn, and connect.
2024 has been a year of growth and collaboration, fueled by the passion of incredible individuals and organizations. Thank you to everyone who supported and shared this journey. Together, we’re breaking barriers and shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
As I write this from my winter holiday retreat on the beautiful island of Gran Canaria, I wish you a joyful Christmas filled with love and warmth, and a New Year full of possibilities and progress.
#Accessibility #Inclusion #Innovation #DisabilityRights #CripSensorama #ProbingXRsFutures #TEDNext #ArsElectronica #BridgeTheGap #GoogleAccessibility #AktionMensch #KommuneInklusiv #DigitalAccessibility #XR #ZHdK #DisabilityCulture #TechnologyForGood #InclusionMatters #GranCanaria #MerryChris
🚀 Exciting News Alert! 🌌
In what might just be the coolest thing to ever happen to me, I received a personal invitation from Jeff Bezos himself, following a conversation with TED Conferences's Chris Anderson about the incredible work we're doing at Bridge the Gap. The invite? To test the accessibility for disabled individuals on none other than a suborbital rocket - BLUE ORIGIN's New Shepard!
Yes, you read that right. My good friend Björn and I are being given the opportunity to participate in one of the next launches. 🌍➡️🚀 This isn't just a giant leap for accessibility; it's a quantum leap for inclusive space exploration!
Our journey with Bridge the Gap, advocating for tech and design solutions that foster inclusion and accessibility, has always aimed sky-high, but this is literally out of this world. We've tackled challenges on the ground, and now, we might just be taking them to space.
The prospect of contributing to making space travel accessible is a dream that's too good not to share. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this star-studded adventure!
#AccessibilityInSpace #BridgeTheGap #NewShepard #InclusiveExploration #SpaceAccessibility #InclusiveSpace #AccessibleSpaceTravel #UniversalDesign #TechForAll #InclusiveInnovation #BarrierFreeSpace #DisabledInSpace #AdaptiveTechnology #InclusiveExploration #AprilFools
I tried the new automatic transcripts on Apple Podcasts (iOS 17.4 update for iPhone, iPad, and Mac) and I'm impressed! It not only transcribes but lets you search for keywords or phrases within the episode. This is amazing for:
Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals,
Users in noisy environments and anyone seeking enhanced comprehension or searchability. As accessibility consultants, we see this as a major step toward a more inclusive digital landscape. #ApplePodcasts #Accessibility #Inclusion
Our visit to the Google Accessibility Discovery Center in London on March 5th still gives us goosebumps from excitement. This visit was the centerpiece of our project 'AI for All: Bridging the Gap at Google's Accessibility Discovery Center', which was thankfully funded by European Disability Forum's Artificial Inteligence Grants Programme.
Arranged for four hours on March 5th, we were hosted by Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility for EMEA at Google. As the focus of our discussions was learning, sharing, and networking to advance the conversation around AI and accessibility, we spoke about several aspects:
- Exploring empowering technologies: We had the chance to get direct look into both Google's and other tech innovators' contributions towards accessible technology. Notable technologies showcased included 'Live Transcribe,' 'Live Captioning,' 'Guided Frames,' along with Apple's 'Lost Voice' app and Tobii's eye tracking system. This experience illuminated the potential of AI to empower rather than 'fix' individuals with disabilities, aligning with the social model of disability which we advocate for.
- Discussion: Post-tour, we engaged in a meaningful conversation with Mr. Patnoe over lunch, provided by our hosts. The discussion spanned Google's ongoing efforts in accessibility, the role of AI in enhancing these efforts, and the broader implications of AI for people with disabilities. This exchange was invaluable in understanding the industry's current stance and the challenges ahead.
- Exploring AI Downsides: Our conversation also delved into critical concerns surrounding AI, such as biases in generative AI models and the perpetuation of stereotypes, highlighting the importance of privacy and the potential risks of AI in decision-making in employment, medical treatment, and access to services. These discussions underscored the need for on-device processing to ensure privacy and enhance user experience.
#AccessibleTech #InclusionInAI #TechForAll #DisabilityRights #AIAccessibility #EmpowermentThroughTech #InclusiveDesign #AccessibilityMatters #FutureOfAccessibility #DigitalInclusion #AssistiveTech #InnovateForInclusion #AIForGood #Tech4Good
The @googleuk ‘s ADC (Accessibility Discovery Centre) in London is way more than just a showcase for Google products. It’s a showcase of accessibility products in general and a place designed to foster ideas. It was amazing to be able to have a 3 hour long conversation with @christopherpatnoe about accessibility, disability and AI. Thanks to the #edf european Disability Forum, for the opportunity to go there! #google #googleuk #ai # disabilityawareness #accessibility #accessibilitymatters
In October 2023 we visited @google #googlemunich. We gave a talk about "How our disabilities led us to become Hackers". Thanks to @isabelle.joswig for the opportunity. #google #googlesafetyengineeringcenter #disabilityawareness #disabilityawareness #invisibledisability #disability
These 2 snaps were taken from the @TED 2024 Website. TED asked us for 2 statements about or experience at TED 2023. Unfortunately we can't be at TED 2024. It's TEDs 40th birthday. We would have loved to see how TED celebrates the past and prepares for the future. The future is ever changing. #ted2024 #disabilityawareness #inclusion #ted #thebraveandthebrilliant
Shot during the dress rehersal at @ted 2023 in Vancouver. @conor.russomanno of @openbci gave an amazing TED talk and @cbayerlein flew a drone via EMG. TED 2023 was the birthplace for Bridge the Gap. #bridgethegap #ted #tedtalk #ted2023 #accessibility #dissability #openbci #bci #barrierefreiheit #wheelchair
