Stage: Spotlight

Understanding the accessibility of digital map tools is essential for creating inclusive maps. The first product from XR Navigation, Audiom, makes digital geography accessible to blind and low-vision people for the first time as a digital map viewer and editor that’s fully usable visually, auditorily, and through text. XR Navigation’s strategic goal is that every map is accessible to everyone, providing the platform map tools can use to make their maps accessible and legally compliant for the first time.

Cooking safely and independently can be challenging for people who are blind or have low vision. In this session, the Brava team joins Sam Seavey of The Blind Life to explore how Brava’s smart oven is breaking down barriers in the kitchen. Sam, who has reviewed Brava on his YouTube channel, shares his first-hand cooking experiences, and together they’ll discuss accessibility improvements and look ahead at Brava’s next frontier: conversational app control powered by GPT.

This Spotlight Session unveils the story behind Agiga’s EchoVision—the groundbreaking smart glasses designed specifically for the blind and low-vision community. Discover what sets this product apart: real-time scene description and contextual understanding powered by advanced AI. Our speakers delve into how deep collaboration with the blind and low-vision community influenced every design decision, prioritizing accessibility, comfort, and trust, with authentic user experiences and a live product demonstration. Learn more, join the Facebook Group, the Google Group, and watch YouTube videos.

This spotlight session introduces the Blind Institute of Technology’s (BIT) innovative Academy-to-Apprenticeship-to-Employment program, offering professionals with disabilities a direct pathway to tech careers. Hear from BIT’s leadership and program participants about the journey from complimentary training through the BIT Academy to earn industry certifications, followed by paid apprenticeships, culminating in direct employment with partner companies. Discover how BIT leverages federal grants and corporate partnerships to deliver real career outcomes for people who are blind or visually impaired.

This Spotlight session introduces DocAccess, a breakthrough solution addressing the pervasive problem of inaccessible PDFs in government and public sectors. Rather than retrofitting documents page by page, DocAccess uses advanced AI to interpret document structure and intent—delivering fully accessible, WCAG-compliant HTML versions that are screen-reader friendly and maintain original context. Attendees learn how this innovative tool transforms millions of PDF records into truly interactive, comprehensible content for all users, advancing digital equity and transparency.

Join Mael Fabien, Biped’s CEO, and Gustavo, an enthusiastic user, for a hands-on demonstration of NOA, the AI-powered wearable revolutionizing mobility. Experience how this shoulder-mounted device uses bone-conduction audio and advanced cameras to provide real-time navigation, transforming daily journeys into confident explorations through streets of New York and Lisbon.

Experience a demonstration of Glide, the revolutionary AI-powered mobility device from Glidance that’s transforming independent navigation. Watch as the team showcases how this sleek, two-wheeled robotic guide uses advanced sensors and intuitive design to create optimal paths, detect obstacles, and identify points of interest in real-time. Learn how Glide’s ergonomic handle and autonomous navigation system work together to deliver enhanced mobility and confidence.