News and issues on the disabled 25 Oct 2024
Azmi Anuar
Contents
1. CXO Today India - Empowering Young People with Disabilities Through Digital Literacy and Technologies: Unlocking Potential and Promoting Inclusion
2. Punch Nigeria - US govt fines American airlines $50m for maltreating persons with disabilities
3. Business Standard India - Govt enforces new amendments to Rights of Persons with Disabilities rules
4. ReliefWeb - Call to protect people with disabilities as ‘unprecedented’ floods hit South Sudan
5. The Hindu India - Centre finalises stricter norms for disability certificates; activists seek their withdrawal
6. Bar and Bench India - State must ensure digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities: Kerala High Court
7. Loop News St. Lucia - Landmark meeting held on path forward for persons with disabilities
8. Bizcommunity South Africa - ConCourt showdown on copyright bill
9. WPTV USA - Blind group crosses busy intersection to raise awareness
10. Business Wire USA - Gather AI Partners with Bosma Enterprises, Equipping Visually Impaired Warehouse Employees with Intuitive Inventory Management Solutions
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1. CXO Today India - Empowering Young People with Disabilities Through Digital Literacy and Technologies: Unlocking Potential and Promoting Inclusion24 Oct 2024
According to the 2011 Census, over 2.21% of the Indian population lives with a disability, with a significant portion being young people. Yet, negative attitudes, discrimination, and other types of barriers create significant obstacles that hinder their academic success, employment opportunities, access to quality healthcare, and full participation in their communities.
The potential of accessible technology to overcome these challenges is immense, providing young people with disabilities with tools for learning, communication, and independent living. In this context, digital literacy emerges as a crucial skill set for young people with disabilities, as it allows them to navigate the online world with confidence, access educational resources, communicate with peers, explore career paths, and build essential life skills. By breaking down digital barriers, technology can drive inclusion and empower young people with disabilities to reach their full potential and become active, engaged members of society.
Empowering Through Digital Literacy and Technologies
According to UNESCO, “digital literacy involves the confident and critical use of a full range of digital technologies for information, communication and basic problem-solving in all aspects of life.” For young people with disabilities, this encompasses a wide array of skills, ranging from simple computer usage to more complex proficiencies including the use of assistive technologies and accessibility features in operating systems, software, and websites. However, technology needs to be designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind and to be developed in collaboration with persons with disabilities. Only then, can solutions truly meet the needs of all users.
Here are some key digital inclusion technologies and platforms that can benefit young people with disabilities:
- Assistive technologies: People with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments can use computers and the internet with ease through tools like screen readers (JAWS, NVDA), text readers, speech input software (Dragon Naturally Speaking), and alternative input devices (such as head pointers, motion tracking, on-screen keyboards). These technologies open a world of possibilities for learning, communication, and productivity.
- Built-in accessibility features: Many websites and online platforms now incorporate accessibility features to enhance user experiences for persons with disabilities. These features include adjustable text sizes, high contrast modes, readable fonts, alternative text for images, accessible forms, and color blindness support. For multimedia content, closed captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions are essential.
- Social media and online communities: For young people with disabilities, these platforms can be powerful tools for building support networks, accessing information, and advocating for their rights. Social media influencers with disabilities are breaking stereotypes and challenging perceptions. By sharing their lives, passions, and achievements, they are reaching millions and advancing equality.
- Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): These immersive experiences can be used for physical rehabilitation, sensory stimulation, education, and social interaction. AR can offer practical assistance through features like object recognition and navigation support.
To fully realize the potential of digital technology for young persons with disabilities, concerted efforts from various stakeholders are essential. Governments, private companies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of digital inclusion. By investing in research, development, and implementation of accessible technologies, these entities can drive significant progress. Collaborative initiatives, policy frameworks, and accessibility standards are crucial to creating a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.
Contributing to Sustainable Development
Digital inclusion for young people with disabilities is imperative for achieving a just and sustainable future, as outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals. By investing in digital literacy and accessible technologies, we not only bridge the digital divide but also unlock the potential of people from marginalized groups.
Young people with disabilities are agents of change, capable of driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Ensuring their full participation in the digital age is essential for building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. Digital rights are inherently human rights, and by empowering young persons with disabilities, we can uphold these fundamental principles.
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2. Punch Nigeria - US govt fines American airlines $50m for maltreating persons with disabilities24 Oct 2024
The United States government has fined American Airlines $50m for maltreating persons with disabilities.
The Department of Transportation has fined American Airlines $50 million for violating laws that protect individuals with disabilities.
The DOT stated that its investigation into American Airlines revealed instances of unsafe physical assistance, which sometimes led to injuries and undignified treatment of wheelchair users.
Regulations require airlines to promptly return wheelchairs and other mobility devices in the condition they were received and to provide timely assistance for disabled passengers when boarding, disembarking, and moving within airports.
The investigation reported “repeated failures to provide prompt wheelchair assistance.”
According to The New York Times on Wednesday, the report also noted that American Airlines mishandled thousands of wheelchairs, either damaging them or delaying their return, leaving passengers without the essential devices they need for mobility.
“The era of tolerating poor treatment of airline passengers with disabilities is over,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this penalty, we are setting a new standard of accountability for airlines that violate the civil rights of passengers with disabilities.”
Buttigieg explained that the $50 million fine was deliberately set at a level beyond the typical cost of doing business for airlines, aiming to change industry practices.
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3. Business Standard India - Govt enforces new amendments to Rights of Persons with Disabilities rules22 Oct 2024
The government has enforced new amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) rules, which aims to streamline the application process for disability certificates and Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Cards to improve accessibility and provide more efficient services for persons with disabilities.
Under the new rules, individuals with specified disabilities can apply for disability certificates and UDID cards through the UDID Portal, submitting applications to their district medical authorities or medical facilities where they are undergoing treatment.
The amendments also introduce color-coded UDID cards, signifying different levels of disability: White for disabilities below 40 per cent, Yellow for 40-79 per cent and Blue for those with 80 per cent or higher disability.
Additionally, the new rules ensure that medical authorities must issue disability certificates and UDID cards within three months of a diagnosis.
If an application remains unresolved for over two years, it will be deemed inactive and the applicants will need to reapply. Permanent certificates will be issued for those with irreversible disabilities, while time-limited certificates will be granted to individuals whose conditions may improve.
The Central government introduced these amendments after reviewing public feedback, with the aim of simplifying the process for obtaining official disability documentation.
Earlier in July, the government had sought suggestions from stakeholders on the matter.
"Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 100 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017, namely -- These rules may be called the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules, 2024, they shall come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette," the notification said.
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4. ReliefWeb - Call to protect people with disabilities as ‘unprecedented’ floods hit South Sudan23 Oct 2024
The emergency has already affected 1 million people, with more than 270,000 forced to leave their homes.
People with disabilities in South Sudan are among the hardest hit as the country faces flooding on a scale “unprecedented in the last century”.
The United Nations projects 3.3 million people will be impacted by the end of 2024, which will drive parts of the country to the brink of famine.
South Sudan has the world’s lowest level of coping capacity to manage climate-induced disasters.
Disproportionate impact of climate-induced disasters on people with disabilities
When climate disasters strike, people with disabilities are more likely to die than those without disabilities, be injured and suffer property damage.
Thirty-nine per cent of people with disabilities have a lot of difficulty or cannot evacuate during a sudden disaster, according to the UN’s flagship 2024 report on disability. More than one in four (28 per cent) need to evacuate but have no one to assist them.
A UN survey revealed “unacceptable failures” to protect people with disabilities from disasters. It found 84% of people with disabilities do not have a personal plan to prepare for disasters.
Supporting people with disabilities in South Sudan floods
Light for the World is supporting people with disabilities in the floods and to prepare for future climate disasters.
Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs) are working with people with disabilities in Jonglei State — one of the areas most affected by flooding — to ensure they are not left behind.
DIFs have advised on how to evacuate to safe spaces. They have also provided mobility devices, including wheelchairs, tricycles, walking sticks and white canes. Several temporary shelters are being made accessible for people with disabilities.
Psychosocial support is provided and those likely to be affected by the floods are also connected with partner organisations for additional support.
Community leaders, local government representatives, teachers and other humanitarian organisations are being trained in how to support people with disabilities and provide accessible information in an emergency. For example, providing public information about the floods in large print and with images, posted in accessible locations.
Ayuen (pictured in the image carousel above), a farmer and church leader, was previously given a tricycle by Light for the World but finds it hard to use in the flood water.
“My movement is limited as most of the roads are filled with water,” he says.
“My house is originally in Gak village, which is completely taken by water now. The place I’m staying in right now was offered to me by my cousin.
“During the evacuations, I always make sure my wife takes my children to high ground while I stay home to keep our things from getting lost.”
Ayen (pictured in the image carousel above) is a mother of six. Three of her children have disabilities.
She received business management training and financing from Light for the World to start a small business selling groundnuts (peanuts). But, after her store was flooded, she struggles to sell as much from home.
“There are no customers here,” Ayen says.
“When my husband was alive, he used to help me take care of the kids, but when he passed away in 2005, the weight became too much on me.
“Although the neighbours are always there to support, it becomes hard for me to evacuate. We are always the last to leave the area. Even relatives and neighbours only come to help us when they move all of their things to high ground.”
DIFs regularly visit Ayen and other parents of children with disabilities, as well as people with disabilities in three payams (administrative regions) in Bor.
Preparing for future climate disasters
Ayen and other parents of children with disabilities, community leaders and local government officials recently received training focused on disaster preparedness and building resilience.
Part of the We Are Able project, the training will ensure people with disabilities are better prepared to adapt and respond to future climate crisis-related disasters.
Athiei John, a DIF in Jonglei State, says: “We have been experiencing many challenges due to floods. But now, with the knowledge we’ve gained, we can plan with our stakeholders and raise awareness in the community about disaster risk management, especially for people with disabilities.”
Sophia Mohammed, Country Director at Light for the World South Sudan, says: “The floods are already having a devastating impact and people with disabilities face a nightmare scenario.
“They have multiple challenges, including inaccessible roads preventing movement to higher ground, the risk of disease from flood water, poisonous snake bites and a lack of accessible information.
“In the emergency response to this crisis, we must ensure people with disabilities are not left behind. Information about emergency assistance should be communicated in accessible formats, including sign language, and camps for Internally Displaced People (IDPs) must have accessible washrooms and roads. All humanitarian assistance must be available to everyone.
“The estimated 1.2 million people with disabilities in South Sudan are often invisible when crises like this hit. We strongly urge the international community to remember and support them through this unimaginably difficult time.”
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5. The Hindu India - Centre finalises stricter norms for disability certificates; activists seek their withdrawal23 Oct 2024
A day after the Union Government notified amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, tightening the norms for getting a disability certificate, the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) on Wednesday denounced them and called for their withdrawal.
The rights body said the amendments “are regressive in nature and will only add to the already existing hurdles for genuine persons with disabilities to get certified, so essential for identification, accessing services and entitlements”. It said that its objections to the draft rules were ignored.
The Government made the draft amendments public in July this year seeking public suggestions for a month. It notified the final amendments in an Extraordinary Gazette published on October 22.
Puja Khedkar case
The amendments to the rules came in the wake of the row over Puja Khedkar, a dismissed IAS probationer accused of faking her disability certificate, among other transgressions.
The new rules will require people with disabilities to mandatorily submit proof of identity, a photo not older than six months, and an Aadhaar card. They further require only medical authorities to be considered competent to receive and process applications for disability certificates, also increasing the time taken to process each application from one to three months.
The amended rules also have a clause in Rule 18 that allows for an application to lapse or become “inactive” if the medical authority concerned is unable to decide on it for over two years – following which the applicant will have to re-apply or approach the authority to reactivate it.
Soon after the draft amendments were published, the NPRD, along with over five dozen disability rights bodies and activists, had raised objections to the new rules. “It is regrettable that none of the concerns expressed by various disability rights organisations and activists were considered,” NPRD general secretary V. Muralidharan said in a statement on Wednesday.
‘Flawed approach’
“The proposed amendments are based on the wrongful understanding that persons with disabilities alone are to be blamed for manipulation of the process. The number of fake certificates being issued is a very small percentage of the total number of disability certificates being issued, and similar flaws exist in almost all systems of documentation in India. Thus, the response of making the process more stringent and difficult is totally flawed,” he added.
Mr. Muralidharan said these amendments “will in no way be able to address the systemic problems exposed in the wake of the Puja Khedkar case”.
“The Khedkar case was a classic example of manipulation at various levels, responsibility for which has still not been fixed. The case is a reflection of the lack of accountability, honesty, transparency and due diligence at multiple levels, including at the highest, none of which these amendments seek to address,” his statement added.
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6. Bar and Bench India - State must ensure digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities: Kerala High Court24 Oct 2024
The Kerala High Court recently emphasised that State authorities have a duty to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to digital platforms, and not just physical spaces [The Kerala Public Service Commission & anr v Sabeena KS & anr].
A Bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and PM Manoj emphasised that the right to equality included the need to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities and give special considerations for such marginalised groups to address their unique challenges.
Such reasonable accommodation was essential to integrate individuals with disabilities into the social framework, the Court observed. Societal structures should adapt to accommodate their differences rather than force them to conform to norms created for the physically-abled, the Court said.
"The duty of the State extends beyond merely providing access to public buildings and services; it must also ensure that digital platforms are accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities," the Court added.
Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice PM Manoj
The Court made the observation in a case where in noticed that the online process introduced by the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) for job applications did not provide adequate support for visually challenged candidates.
This made it difficult for differently abled candidates to complete and submit their applications.
This failure to account for the unique needs of persons with disabilities effectively excluded them from competing on equal footing with other candidates, the Court noted.
The Court went on to observe that the PSC, being a constitutional body, has a duty to ensure that all prospective candidates could apply without facing any obstacles.
It, therefore, urged the State and the PSC to set up service centres aimed at assisting persons with disabilities, including those with visual impairments.
"It is the duty of the PSC and the State to provide measures to allow visually challenged to submit applications online without barriers. The State or PSC are bound to establish service centers providing services to persons with disabilities including the visually challenged. We hope the State and the PSC will do the best for them," the October 21 order said.
The Court passed the ruling in a case where an application filed by a woman with 100 per cent visual disability for a teaching post advertised by the PSC was rejected as she failed to upload her Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET) certificate within the prescribed deadline.
The candidate challenged the rejection of her candidature before the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT), which took a compassionate view and ordered the PSC to participate in the selection process.
This was challenged by the Kerala PSC before the High Court.
The PSC's counsel argued that no laws were violated in the rejection of the candidate's application.
The candidate's counsel countered that the unique challenges posed by her on account of her visual disability warranted special consideration, rather than a strict application of the PSC's online application rules.
The Court agreed with the candidate's arguments. It noted that forcing visually impaired individuals to rely on third parties diminished their autonomy and independence, creating an extra layer of difficulty that sighted candidates did not encounter.
The Court pointed out that that the lack of consideration for the requirements of visually impaired individuals in the digital application process effectively marginalised them in comparison to their peers.
"Can the PSC treat visually challenged candidates the same as those who are visually abled under the same application rules?" the Court asked.
The Court also stressed on the need for the current system to adequately support visually challenged applicants in submitting online applications, in line with constitutional principles and reasonable accommodation principles ingrained in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
It proceeded to dismiss the PSC's plea with the hope that the State authorities will take measures to do what's best for candidates with disabilities as well.
Advocate PC Sasidharan appeared for the Kerala Public Service Commission. Advocates Shaj appeared for the candidate. Senior government pleader Nisha Bose represented the State.
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7. Loop News St. Lucia - Landmark meeting held on path forward for persons with disabilities23 Oct 2024
In a landmark event, stakeholders from across Saint Lucia gathered for a pivotal meeting aimed at addressing the long-standing needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
The historic assembly, led by Minister for Persons with Disabilities Jeremiah Norbert, marked a turning point in Saint Lucia's approach to disability rights with Norbert pledging to usher in a new era of inclusion and equity.
The meeting, which brought together agencies, advocates, and community leaders, was hailed as "long overdue" by Norbert, who spoke passionately about the neglect persons with disabilities have endured.
"For far too long in this country, disability and the issues that surround it have not been given the attention they so rightfully deserve. Today, we begin to change that," he said in his opening address.
Norbert, who himself lives with a disability, spoke with personal conviction, emphasizing that his commitment to the cause transcends his role as a government official.
“This cause is deeply personal to me. I stand here not just as a minister but as someone who has lived through the challenges we are here to address.”
One of the most significant announcements was the government’s receipt of the first draft of the Situational Analysis of Persons with Disabilities in Saint Lucia, which is set to guide the country’s future efforts to improve the lives of disabled citizens.
"This policy will serve as a roadmap," Norbert declared, urging stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the final version of the policy, ensuring that it truly reflects the community's needs and aspirations.
The government’s move to assign disability issues to a dedicated portfolio under the newly expanded Ministry of Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, and Persons with Disabilities was praised as a milestone.
"This is a significant development," Norbert noted, highlighting that the change reflects a higher level of attention and urgency for disability issues. The decision, he said, signals a clear commitment from the government to address barriers and create equal opportunities for the disabled community.
He also extended thanks to the Ministry of Equity and the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, acknowledging their pioneering efforts in laying the foundation for progress. Their advocacy and services, he said, have been "critical in ensuring that the voices of those who may otherwise be unheard are not just amplified but are central to decision-making processes."
While the mood was hopeful, Norbert cautioned the stakeholders to balance their excitement with realism.
He reminded the gathering of the complexity of the issues at hand, urging for a step-by-step approach. "Real progress comes through patience, careful planning, and collaboration," he advised.
The minister’s remarks were met with optimism from attendees, who see this meeting as the beginning of long-awaited, tangible change. As the day progressed, stakeholders engaged in discussions, offering insights and recommendations that will shape the final disability policy.
Merphilius James, President of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), expressed cautious optimism during the meeting, stating, "We are very wary of forums that turn into mere talk shops or places for venting frustration. What we need are forums that lead to meaningful action and concrete steps. We are hopeful, especially considering the progress made since Saint Lucia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2020."
James highlighted the ongoing development of a national disability policy, which he believes is a critical step. Reflecting on his recent participation in a Caribbean disabilities conference in Grenada, he emphasized, "The CARICOM Rapporteur on Disability urged us to push for specific disability legislation. Without laws directly addressing the rights of people with disabilities—ensuring equality and protection from discrimination—we lack proper legal safeguards."
He further stressed the urgency for legal reform, stating, "We are eager for the Government of Saint Lucia to enact enforceable, disability-specific legislation. Such laws will guarantee access to public services, employment, and freedom from discrimination for people with disabilities."
This meeting, Norbert concluded, "is not just about voicing concerns but about finding solutions, solutions that we can implement in a meaningful and sustainable way."
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8. Bizcommunity South Africa - ConCourt showdown on copyright bill23 Oct 2024
The Constitutional Court will, in November, hear two applications relating to copyright in South Africa and, in particular, the rights of blind and visually impaired people to convert into accessible formats, copyright protected works.
The apex court issued directions on Wednesday, setting out tight timeframes for the filing of papers in the two matters.
One is an urgent application by Blind SA. The other is a direct referral by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Copyright Amendment Bill in which he raises concerns about possible constitutional contraventions in the draft legislation.
In its application, Blind SA claimed that President Ramaphosa had shirked his constitutional obligations by not signing the bill which would give access to blind and visually impaired people, without consent, to protected material.
As one of its orders, it wanted the court to direct the President to sign the bill.
However, three weeks after the application was served on the Presidency, his office issued a press statement that the bill had been referred to the Constitutional Court.
In a further affidavit, Zeenat Sujee, attorney at Section27, which is representing Blind SA, said the blind and visually impaired provisions in the bill do not form part of the President’s referral.
“And yet their coming into force is held hostage by the referral process,” Sujee said.
She said it was no longer open for Blind SA to pursue an order directing the President to sign the bill within 10 days of the court’s order and that had been abandoned.
It could also not pursue a declarator, on an urgent basis, that he had shirked his constitutional duties “although Blind SA remains concerned about the President’s conduct and is still of the view that he acted unlawfully”.
Sujee said Blind SA would persist with its application for an order which would effectively resuscitate a previous order of a “reading in” of the existing Copyright Act, which created an exception for blind people to convert, without consent, books into formats they can read, such as braille or large print.
This “reading in” would remain in place as long as it takes for the legislation to be enacted which would cure the defect the Constitutional Court identified in the Copyright Act.
It has been two years since the apex court ruled that sections of the Act were unconstitutional and trampled on the rights of blind people.
It suspended the declaration of invalidity for two years to give Parliament time to remedy the defects through the introduction of the bill and ordered the “reading in” in the interim. But that has now lapsed, and the protections given to blind and visually impaired people have therefore fallen away.
Surjee said their clients needed urgent relief, because even after the court ruled on the constitutionality or otherwise of the bill, it could be referred back to the National Assembly in a process which could take as long as four years.
“Whatever happens in the referral proceedings, this much is clear: without obtaining the substantive relief sought in this application, and for as long as the [the bill] does not become law, persons with visual and print disabilities will continue to be denied their fundamental rights,” she said.
She said this would mean that the apex court’s decision in 2022 would be “little more than a pyrrhic victory” and this could not be justified.
“Put simply, we are here because those who should have ensured that this court’s order was properly implemented, or at least taken appropriate steps to vary, supplement, or extend the order timeously, failed to do anything.”
The Chief Justice has directed that the two applications be consolidated and will be heard on 28 November.
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9. WPTV USA - Blind group crosses busy intersection to raise awareness23 Oct 2024
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — A group is working to make sure blind people can move freely and that drivers know exactly what they need to do if they see a blind pedestrian.
Dozens of people who are either visually impaired or blind crossed one of the busiest intersections in Boynton Beach on Wednesday morning. Their goal was to raise awareness about White Cane safety laws, which Florida has.
According to the 2024 statute, only blind or visually impaired people, or otherwise handicap, should use white canes with red tips.
All drivers near an intersection where a blind person is trying to cross need to bring their cars to a full stop.
Wednesday morning, the group, led by the Braille Club of Palm Beach County, with the city of Boynton Beach and its police department, crossed at Federal Highway and Woolbright Road several times. The police officers present were talking to drivers about their initiative.
The goal is to teach them to slow down, look for the white and red canes, and come to a full stop if drivers see a blind pedestrian.
WPTV News journalist Victor Jorges spoke to Mark Melendez. He was born blind, but has taught himself several music instruments since he was a kid.
He said he’s proud to be doing events like Wednesday’s to raise awareness about his community.
“Blindness is very challenging to many, many people who don't know what blindness really really is and how it affects them,” Melendez said. “This is why we gotta raise awareness about the importance of blindness, the white cane, how to get around independently.”
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10. Business Wire USA - Gather AI Partners with Bosma Enterprises, Equipping Visually Impaired Warehouse Employees with Intuitive Inventory Management SolutionsPittsburgh, October 23, 2024--This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, inventory intelligence solution Gather AI announces a new customer, Bosma Enterprises (Bosma), Indiana's largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Bosma delivers exceptional business solutions including warehousing, contract packaging, light manufacturing, product assembly, and more. Bosma also offers rehabilitation services, job training, and employment programs to people experiencing vision loss.
Seventy percent of Americans who are blind or visually impaired are not employed. With a staff that is over 50% blind or visually impaired, Bosma gives its employees the opportunity to pursue financial independence and be productive citizens.
Bosma has implemented the Gather AI solution in their warehouse to enhance warehouse productivity and efficiency. Easy to install and intuitive to use, this solution automates manual inventory processes and data analysis through the use of autonomous drones and advanced computer vision technology.
With Gather AI, artificial intelligence (AI) software enables drones to fly autonomously through warehouses with no GPS, WiFi, or infrastructure changes needed. The machine learning (ML) algorithm analyzes inventory pictures and is able to read and interpret barcodes, lot codes, text, expiration dates, case counts, and occupancy information. This data is exactly what warehouse operators need in order to compare the real-time physical inventory with what is digitally stored in the warehouse management system (WMS). This solution scans on average 15X faster than traditional means and improves inventory accuracy by 66%. Here's a "How it Works" video.
Now, any Bosma employee trained to use the technology can participate in the cycle counting and inventory management processes, as Gather AI’s accessible solution contains voiceover and screen magnification capabilities. The voiceover function allows the operator to hear the commands necessary to set up a drone mission, launch the drone, and land the drone if necessary. Gather AI’s drone flight automation takes care of the rest.
Bosma President & CEO, Jeffrey Mittman, says "Gather AI helps with maintaining inventory accuracy throughout the year. I’m excited to be able to have this new technology available for employees that creates the opportunity for diverse jobs within our company. Technology can fill the gap when someone loses their vision. The drones are a perfect example of technology making the overall process effective for everyone and are accessible to someone who is blind. Gather AI allows Bosma to create new skills and employment opportunities."
"We aim to make our solution as easy as possible to use. Warehouses today are already under pressure due to various factors including supply chain delays, staff turnover, and more. It’s an honor to be working with Bosma and supporting their mission," says Gather AI CEO and Co-Founder Sankalp Arora, Ph.D.
About Gather AI: Pittsburgh-based Gather AI is the market leader in supply chain AI to decrease the cost of inventory, improve productivity, and boost revenue. Gather AI was founded in 2017 by Carnegie Mellon University alumni Sankalp Arora, Ph.D., Daniel Maturana, Ph.D., and Geetesh Dubey. The Gather AI solution is currently deployed in warehouses across third-party logistics, retail distribution, manufacturing, food & beverage, and air cargo at companies including GEODIS, NFI Industries, Emirates Airlines, Barrett Distribution, Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), and more. Gather AI was included in the 2024 CB Insights AI 100 and was named an Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics and Supply Chain Technology Provider. Gather AI is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, Tribeca Venture Partners, Xplorer Capital, Dundee Venture Capital, Expa, Bling Capital, and XRC Ventures. To learn more about Gather AI, visit www.gather.ai and on YouTube and LinkedIn.
About Bosma Enterprises
As Indiana’s largest statewide provider of employment and training programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, Bosma Enterprises operates an ISO-certified facility that provides top-of-the-line health and safety items. Over 750 million high-quality nitrile exam and surgical gloves are packaged and shipped out each year from the Indianapolis-based warehouse. By partnering with companies large and small, Bosma Enterprises fulfills over 1,000 orders per month and meets the unique needs of various customers across the country. For more information about Bosma, please visit bosma.org.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241023360535/en/
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This Google Group news service has been made possible by courtesy of the Society of the Blind in Malaysia