News and issues on the disabled 22 Oct 2024
Azmi Anuar
Contents
1. Tuoi Tre News Vietnam - In Vietnam, blind student manages to pursue studies at 2 universities at once
2. Good Things Guy - White Cane Day March Empowers Visually Impaired Youth; Youngster Gains Sight
3. Wired - Protesters Say Uber and Lyft Are Still Failing Their Blind Passengers
4. Red Deer Advocate Canada - Red Deer Sight Night promotes sport for visually impaired people
5. Xinhua China - Visual impaired runners shine at Tianjin Marathon
6. MSN - Mom will help guide son who's legally blind during Charlotte airport 5K
7. Leadership Nigeria - Blind, Visually Impaired Person Are Also Human
8. News Trail India - Chess is light at the end of the tunnel for this visually impaired duo
9. Travel And Tour World - New Hilton Initiative Elevates Hotel Experience for Blind and Low Vision Travelers with Be My Eyes
10. Assistive Technology UK - Building inclusion for visually impaired people with technology in the workplace
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1. Tuoi Tre News Vietnam - In Vietnam, blind student manages to pursue studies at 2 universities at once20 Oct 2024
Huynh Ngoc Hieu, a 19-year-old blind student from Ho Chi Minh City, has defied the odds by earning a full scholarship to RMIT University while also studying at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).
A graduate of Suong Nguyet Anh Middle and High School, Hieu’s perseverance and academic excellence, including ranking first in his class during his junior year, led to his acceptance into UEH's marketing technology program.
Now enrolled in two universities, he continues to break barriers and inspire others with his achievements.
“I live by the conviction that [disabilities] are not a big deal. If your heart is big enough, you can find a way to overcome difficulties,” he said.
Studying at two universities
Recently, Hieu was offered a full scholarship from RMIT University Vietnam, which covers all of his undergraduate tuition fees, English program costs, and additional mandatory charges.
He also receives a monthly living stipend of VND11 million ($458) and a laptop.
In an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, the RMIT Scholarship Selection Committee praised Hieu for his community service, especially his advocacy for visually impaired students.
They noted his maturity and eagerness to learn.
In early October, Hieu began a new challenge: studying at both RMIT and UEH, as he is currently enrolled in an English program at RMIT and plans to pursue the professional communication major.
Meanwhile, he has just started his second year in the marketing technology program at UEH.
Balancing two academic schedules has been challenging for Hieu.
After a few weeks of adjusting, he has developed a routine that allows him to attend classes at RMIT in the mornings and UEH in the afternoons.
However, managing assignments often requires him to study late into the night, sometimes until 2:00 am.
“One of my strategies is to utilize break times at both schools,” Hieu explained. “Each university has different vacation periods throughout the year, which allows me to focus on important content or exams.”
A model of independence
Nguyen Thuy Dung, a lecturer at UEH’s law faculty, recalled working with Hieu during his first year.
She was impressed by his independence and determination to minimize reliance on others for support.
Hieu uses a text-to-speech device to read documents and actively seeks out additional resources for learning.
Dung noted that Hieu often contributes valuable ideas during group activities and possesses a strong commitment to his studies.
When asked about his motivation, Hieu attributed it to his desire to seize opportunities that many visually impaired individuals do not have.
“I consider it my responsibility to do it for them,” he shared. “Studying not only adds value to myself but can also help others in the future.”
In addition to his academic pursuits, Hieu is dedicated to community service.
Since tenth grade, he has volunteered as a content leader for a media group focused on promoting good study and living habits among students at Suong Nguyet Anh Middle and High School.
He worked with classmates from Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the Visually Impaired on the Microsoft-funded 'Neverland' project in eleventh grade.
This initiative aims to create digital resources to help visually impaired students enhance their knowledge and soft skills, addressing the shortage of practical guidance in Vietnam for scholarships and job applications.
Despite financial challenges that once led his family to consider having him drop out of school, Hieu sought online writing jobs to support himself.
Fortunately, scholarships from various organizations eased his financial burden as he began university studies.
Now that he is settled at UEH, he returns to these organizations as a mentor for younger students, offering guidance on study strategies and career planning.
Empowering visually impaired individuals
Hieu's passion lies in marketing, particularly technology marketing.
He recognized that advancements in technology present new opportunities for visually impaired individuals.
Currently utilizing various tech applications, especially AI, Hieu encourages others with visual impairments to embrace new tools and step out of their comfort zone.
“To achieve this,” he asserted, “we need effective marketing and communication strategies so that innovative products reach visually impaired users.”
This goal is something Hieu resolves to pursue in the future.
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2. Good Things Guy - White Cane Day March Empowers Visually Impaired Youth; Youngster Gains Sight21 Oct 2024
Kwadwesi, South Africa (20 October 2024) — The streets of Kwadwesi teemed with enthusiasm and energy earlier this month as 263 learners, educators and community members banded together for the annual White Cane Day Youth March!
Hosted by the Bona uBuntu Programme, which teamed up with Khanynisa School for the Visually Impaired and Ilima Lombi—Kamva, the event brought together community members in the Eastern Cape to raise awareness about the challenges visually impaired individuals face and to promote a culture of accessibility and inclusion.
The Bona uBuntu Programme is an NGO that supports empowerment and education for visually impaired children in the Eastern Cape, while White Cane Day is observed globally and celebrates the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired. A big part of this independence comes from accessibility tools, hence its name—the white cane!
“This event is more than just a march; it’s a movement towards a future where visually impaired youth can thrive without limitations,” commented Robyn Fick, the Programme Coordinator at Bona uBuntu.
“We [walked] for their independence, for their right to access education, and for a community that embraces inclusivity.”
The day also featured musical performances from the Khanyisa School Choir, representatives from special schools, and mainstream schools in Kwadwesi, which were a true melting pot of solidarity.
In other uplifting news from the Bona uBuntu Programme, four-year-old ‘Ollie’ (not the child’s real name) has received cataract surgery that was needed to restore his sight after years of disappointment for his family due to a lack of resources.
Bona uBuntu helped the little one get an appointment with the ophthalmology department at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London within a week, and soon thereafter, he underwent the surgery that gave him his sight back!
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3. Wired - Protesters Say Uber and Lyft Are Still Failing Their Blind Passengers20 Oct 2024
Last summer, when Krystal White was visiting Houston for a National Federation of the Blind convention, she claims she had to hide her guide dog named Gage in order to get an Uber from the airport.
This is a frequent problem, she explains.“I've had them drive right past me, and I've had neighbors go, ‘I think that was your Uber driver,’” White says. “And I'm like, ‘oh great.’ So I've missed appointments, I've missed my daughter's play at school.
“It makes you feel isolated—like it's all your fault, you're blind. And you can't get anywhere when you're trying so hard to do so.”
White, from Boise in Idaho, was among the protesters who gathered on October 15 outside the San Francisco headquarters of Uber and Lyft to demand that the companies take major steps to stop discrimination against people with disabilities on their platforms—particularly against visually impaired people who use guide dogs or white canes.
Many had personal experiences in which they say Uber or Lyft drivers rejected them as soon as they pulled up. Juanita Herrera, from Southern California, was at the protest with her 4-year-old daughter. She says when she was pregnant years ago, she got off work late and didn’t want to take public transportation, so she called an Uber.
“The driver showed up, saw my dog, and started getting aggressive. He was like, ‘no dogs.’ And I'm like, ‘but it's a service animal.’ He just kept saying ‘no dogs,’” she says. “I'm visibly pregnant at the time, right? He just kind of left me stranded. He then drove off. He wouldn’t cancel the trip until 15 minutes later.”
On another occasion in 2021, a Lyft driver refused to stop while Herrera’s young daughter was in a car seat, because of her guide dog, Jaden. The driver said she didn’t take pets. Herrera says the driver claimed no knowledge of Lyft’s policy on guide dogs and that when she still refused to take them, Herrera told the driver she would report the incident. The driver got very angry, accused Herrera of trying to get her fired, and then drove off, she says. Herrera says she filed a report and nothing came of it.
At the protest, people said that the companies need to institute a “zero-tolerance policy” for discriminatory drivers who turn away passengers with visual impairments. They also said that ride-hailing companies need to better educate their drivers on how to accommodate people with visual impairments. The protest was organized by the National Federation of the Blind and took place on White Cane Awareness Day, meant to spotlight the needs of people with visual impairments.
Uber did not respond to a request for comment. A Lyft spokesperson told WIRED that “discrimination has no place in the Lyft community.”
“We strive to provide an inclusive and accessible platform for riders, including those who rely on service animals,” the Lyft spokesperson says. “We continually update our practices to improve accessibility for riders and are proud to be working directly with advocacy organizations in the community.”
Frank Maestas, who was at the same protest, says he had a similar experience in Houston. His would-be Uber driver refused to give him a ride upon seeing his white cane. “An Uber driver told me that he cannot take me because he was afraid I'd get hurt going into his vehicle or coming out,” Maestas says. “So he refused me a ride.”
Uber and Lyft have been challenged in court and by activists for years on their alleged failure to fully cooperate with the Americans With Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in public and commercial transportation—which could mean lack of accessible vehicles, a higher price for services, or an outright refusal of services.
Uber and Lyft are plagued by two main issues: They often have too few wheelchair-accessible vehicles, to the point where wait times for passengers are egregiously long. And in some cases, disabled passengers claim a car isn’t available at all. Uber’s wheelchair-accessible service is listed as available in some cities in the US and the UK. Neither Uber nor Lyft make the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles public.
When WIRED journalists tried to book one with Uber in central London, they were listed as “unavailable.” (Lyft does not operate in London.) In San Francisco, there was more luck—two vehicles were available on Uber as wheelchair accessible—while Lyft does not list wheelchair-accessible vehicles available nearby, simply a message that it will be a much longer wait period.
Protesters have long claimed that drivers will decide to not pick up passengers with a visible disability, which includes people who require a wheelchair or guide dog, and do not face repercussions. Passengers say that when they report incidents like this to Uber or Lyft, they often go ignored.
A Lyft spokesman told WIRED that, “while there is a notable shortage of the types of vehicles needed on the road today, we will continue to push for solutions that make rideshare as accessible as possible for everyone.” (Lyft did not elaborate on how it plans to bridge the lack of available vehicles.)
Michelle Barlak, public relations manager for The Seeing Eye, which provides guide dogs for people with visual impairments, tells WIRED that the organization has received “frequent and increasing reports of rideshare access denials from Seeing Eye dog handlers.” A survey by the nonprofit Guide Dogs for the Blind found 83 percent of members said they had been denied rides.
Both Uber and Lyft offer in-app options for people to specify that they’re traveling with a pet, which usually involves paying slightly more. But since guide dogs aren’t pets, people with visual impairments cannot be required to use this option.
A Lyft spokesperson tells WIRED that by 2025, the company will be launching a “service animal opt-in feature,” which it says will let passengers “disclose that they travel with a service animal when requesting a ride.”
Uber, which did not respond to a request for comment, allows passengers to specify via in-app settings if they are traveling with a service animal.
“According to the ADA, rideshare drivers cannot refuse access based on the size, weight, or breed of a dog, allergies, fear of dogs, or cultural/religious objections,” Barlak tells WIRED.
At the protest, White argues that guide dogs are not at all comparable to pets, which drivers may fear are unruly or poorly behaved. However, some drivers don’t see them any differently.
“Guide dogs are $75,000 dogs—they're not gonna go to the bathroom in your car or get sick in your car,” White says.
Barlak says that Uber and Lyft need to make it easier for visually impaired passengers to report difficulties using their services and for the companies to better educate their drivers on the needs of blind passengers.
Michael Forzano, a protester who lives in New York and uses a guide dog, claims that on three occasions, drivers have slammed the door on him, driven away when his hands were still on the car, and almost ran over his guide dog’s paws. After reporting these incidents, he says, nothing has happened.
On one other occasion, an Uber driver in Orlando refused Forzano and his girlfriend service when they entered the car with his guide dog. He says the driver turned on loud music and verbally assaulted them until they ended the trip. “I waited over an hour for the police to arrive,” Forzano says. “The police sided with the driver, and I'm still working through the process of that.”
People who use wheelchairs also face challenges using Uber and Lyft. Joe Rappaport—communications and strategy director at Taxis for All, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on helping wheelchair users get access to accessible taxis and rideshare cars, and executive director at Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled—has been central to the effort to make sure Uber and Lyft have enough wheelchair accessible cars in New York City.
Rappaport says that there are many people with mobility issues who rely on Uber and Lyft, especially since they remove the burden of flagging down a car in a place like Manhattan.
Rappaport says the companies have largely had the same accessibility issues of New York City’s yellow cab industry, which has also been scrutinized for having too few wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
“You've got these companies who claim to be at the edge, introducing new technology and new ways of doing things, but in the end they're the same old bad service without a thought about accessibility,” Rappaport says.
In 2018, Uber and Lyft settled a lawsuit filed in New York in which for-hire vehicle companies were required to have a quarter of their rides be in wheelchair-accessible cars by mid-2023. Uber and Lyft claimed that the accessibility mandate was “seriously flawed” and “arbitrary.” The settlement carved out a compromise: At least 80 percent of its requests for wheelchair-accessible cars would arrive in under 10 minutes by mid-2021.
Rappaport says that this lawsuit has definitely had a positive effect on ride accessibility in New York City—but anecdotally, he says it’s still next to impossible to get accessible vehicles in places like Staten Island or the Bronx, even if it’s easier in places like Park Slope or Manhattan.
Legal efforts across the country aiming to hold the companies to account have also had mixed results. In 2020, Lyft had to settle a separate lawsuit with the Department of Justice, which charged the company with not accommodating riders with wheelchairs or walkers. Lyft made payments to affected individuals in the suit but didn’t admit to any wrongdoing. Similarly, Uber had to pay millions to settle a 2022 Department of Justice case that accused it of violating the ADA by overcharging people with disabilities.
“What's most frustrating about it is that when these platforms work, they are a real game changer for blind people,” says Chris Danielsen, director of public relations at the National Federation of the Blind. “The reason we know this is an issue is because we use these platforms all the time. They really are a game changer for us.”
Since the October 15 rally, Herrera says that she has been denied service again. “It happens all the time,” she says. “Uber and Lyft have to take a more drastic approach. How are you letting people get away with breaking the law? That’s what I don’t understand.”
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4. Red Deer Advocate Canada - Red Deer Sight Night promotes sport for visually impaired people20 Oct 2024
As the sun was setting, about 70 people embarked on a run through Red Deer in support of the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind.
The fifth annual Red Deer Sight Night fun run was held at Bower Ponds on Saturday, Oct. 21. The event featured 3K, 5K and 8K courses — each participant received a headlamp so they were able to see the path in front of them while running in the dark.
This was the third of four Sight Night events held across the province this year. The Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind has already hosted events in Lethbridge and Edmonton — there will be a Calgary Sight Night next month.
"The Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind gives opportunities for visually impaired people to learn and participate in adapted sport," said Tera Johnson, co-chair of Red Deer Sight Night.
"I'm a parent of a visually impaired teenager. He started going to public school and was hearing about kids playing mainstream sports. He wanted to try sports too. They offer all kinds of things, from skateboarding lessons to rock climbing and skiing. My son now plays in a Paralympic sport called goalball."
Sight Night is described as an immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between the sighted and the visually impaired, and serves as a celebration of unity, camaraderie and the power of inclusivity, where everyone, regardless of their visual abilities, can participate on an equal footing. It serves as a fundraiser for the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind, which Johnson called an important organization.
"Being part of a team sport and travelling with a team, you're able to develop a camaraderie that you wouldn't get when you're at home not playing that sport," said Johnson.
"If you're an athletic person and you want to being playing sport, it's fun because they get the chance to play. At the same time, they're learning about competition, they're starting to make friends and they're getting excited about the whole thing. They can learn how to handle adversity in a loss, as well as how to improve their own game."
For more information on the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind, visit www.asrab.ab.ca.
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5. Xinhua China - Visual impaired runners shine at Tianjin MarathonTIANJIN, China, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- In a time of two hours and sevens minutes, Li Zezhou, a 17-year-old visually impaired runner with a second-level disability, crossed the finish line of Sunday's 2024 Tianjin Marathon, to complete his first half-marathon.
"Although I cannot see, the cheers from the crowd filled me with joy. Thanks to the support of my accompanying runners, the race went smoothly," said Li, a student from Tianjin School for Visual Impairment, who participated in the event alongside five other visually impaired runners.
Yan Zhuang, head of the Tianjin Red Cross Foundation's public welfare running project, hosted a celebration for them at the finish line. "Regardless of the results, they have conquered themselves," Yan said.
For visually impaired people, overcoming their fears is the most important step. Thus, the Tianjin Red Cross Foundation recruited several experienced accompanying runners and regularly organized special training sessions at the school before the event.
Yan added that a visually impaired runner is usually accompanied by at least three other runners, the most critical of which is the main guide runner holding the guide rope, who needs to give the visually impaired runner cues for acceleration, deceleration, and turning through verbal and physical signals. The other two runners are responsible for protection and supplies in the front and back.
"In an unfamiliar environment, we are their eyes. They entrust their hearts to us. We believe in each other," said Wang Lan, an accompanying runner with four years of experience.
This was her first time being an accompanying runner for visually impaired individuals, and the experience gave her a deeper understanding of the visually impaired community. "Before this, I never thought that blind people, who face many difficulties in daily life, could also run marathons."
Cai Cheng, a visually impaired man born in the 1990s and head of a domestic service company, completed his first half-marathon in three hours and five minutes. "I only had two months of structured marathon training, and I owe my performance to Wang and the other accompanying runners," Cai shared, admitting that he rarely has the chance to exercise.
For marathon participants, a certain level of excitement can boost performance, but for first-time runners like Cai, too much excitement can hinder progress. Before the race, Cai experienced discomfort in his feet, but he was determined to push through. "If I quit halfway, it would be unfair to the accompanying runners who have supported me the whole way. I had to finish the race for them," Cai said.
To help Cai pace himself, Wang and the other runners kept talking to him, encouraging him and helping him focus. "Holding the guide rope, my initial fear and tension disappeared, and by the final kilometers, I had forgotten about the discomfort in my body," Cai added. After crossing the finish line, Cai and his accompanying runners embraced warmly.
"I used to focus on my result, but this time, I dedicated all my energy to supporting others. It felt completely different. It was a challenge to manage my own pace while encouraging someone else," Wang said.
"Many people came to cheer for the visually impaired during this race, showing that more and more people are paying attention to these individuals who strive to live their lives. We should also consider what more we can do for them. Perhaps we can start by ensuring that blind lanes are kept clear of obstacles," she added.
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6. MSN - Mom will help guide son who's legally blind during Charlotte airport 5K20 Oct 2024
One of the city’s most popular races is this weekend and will include two runners with a very special story.
A fifth grader who is legally blind will CLT Runway 5K at Charlotte Douglas International Airport with the help of his mom who won the race back in 2019.
Ten-year-old Luke Fechtel inherited his love of running from his mom Anne. He started running in first grade.
“Everyone else was playing sports, so I was trying to think of something that I could do and running came to me, and it turns out, I really like running,” Luke told WCNC Charlotte's Michelle Boudin.
He and his older sister and younger brother were all born with a rare genetic disease that has severely limited their vision.
“I can see colors, but I get them confused sometimes," Luke explained. "I can see shapes and everything. I guess you would say my vision is blurry, but I don’t know because I don’t know what you’re vision is like. It’s called visually impaired, so that means my vison is low. I’m legally blind, but I’m not totally blind.”
Anne Fechtel has been running since she was in high school and is loving how she can experience it with her kids.
“It’s actually amazing,” Anne Fechtel said. “It’s something you don’t expect to have, wasn’t part of the plan when I was having children that they would all be blind, but life has different turns. My kids teach me so many things. They experience life differently, and I get to be a part of it.”
Luke practices running during recess on his school's track.
“That’s probably where I feel the most comfortable because I'm not going to hit anything, and I can see the track," Luke shared.
He said the high contract lines on the track help guide him. However, at the 5K this weekend, his mom will act as a guide for him.
"How it works is, I run beside my mom, and I have a tether, so it’s a rope with two loops," Luke explained. "I hold one end, my mom holds the other, and she uses that to guide me.”
Anne Fechtel admitted she's a mix of proud and nervous.
“I do worry," Anne Fechtel said. "As any parent, there is a fear with parenting, but having children with disabilities an extra layer of fear, but you have to keep going, and every little milestone I was nervous about, my kids always showed me what was possible.”
All that fear will subside when she gets back on the runway with her favorite running buddy.
“I really am just there to let him know if there’s a change in surface or a turn coming up," Anne Fechtel said. "He is so determined and puts a lot of heart into it, so it’s a lot of fun to see.”
Luke can’t wait to hit the pavement, too.
“I think it's going to be really cool and a good test of how fast I am, because it's going to be flat, and I hope I can beat my record," Luke said.
Both said they plan to run more races together in the future.
Contact Michelle Boudin at mbo...@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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7. Leadership Nigeria - Blind, Visually Impaired Person Are Also Human21 Oct 2024
Chairman of the National Association of the Blind, Abia State branch, Okwudiri William, has said that the blind and the visually impaired are human and should be accorded their dignity.
During the 2024 White Cane Safety and Awareness Day in Umuahia, the state capital, William remarked that they should be provided with an unhindered, conducive environment to excel.
His words: “This is why we have been asking for operating space in the society as others to excel. When given the space, we will grab the opportunity to roll at our own pace.”
The chairman further noted that it was unfortunate that many people in the society were yet to understand the symbol of the white cane, hence their failure to attach any importance to it.
He described the occasion’s theme, “Promoting inclusion, celebrating abilities, and advocating access for all”, as critical to enlightening society about the needs of the blind.
He argues that most of them are talented and should be given access to education and skills, so he lauded the present administration in the state for creating a commission for People with Disability.
He stressed that society should support them by providing them equal employment opportunities and ensuring that private and public buildings meet their needs.
Also, the chairman of the occasion’s organising committee, John Egbuta, noted with concern the negative attitude of some people towards the blind and called for a reversal of the narrative.
“Some families either lock their blind members behind doors or subject them to other forms of inhuman treatment instead of sending them to school or rehabilitation centres,” he lamented.
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8. News Trail India - Chess is light at the end of the tunnel for this visually impaired duo21 Oct 2024
NT Bengaluru: A life with a single mother, and another life where Retinoblastoma impairs vision. It presents a picture of difficulty and persistence. However, for women like Megha Chakraborty and Karnataka’s Vruthi Jain, chess has proved to be the light at the end of the dark tunnel. Speaking to News Trail at the recently concluded IBCA World Junior and Women Chess Championship here in the city, both Chakraborty and Jain explained their trysts with chess. “During my schooling days, I was active in non-curriculars.
A teacher of mine put me to chess, persuading that Chess is a game for all and does not consider who’s visually impaired or who’s not,” she said. Teachers and physical educators have had an immense impact on the duo's love for chess. For Jain, it was her Physical education teacher at school who made her sit in front of the board. “I was able to feel the numbers and gratings on the board, and my mind lit up,” she recalled. They also explained the difficulties that inspired them to what they are today and what they aspire to be: World Champions. For Chakraborty, it was her single mother who had taken her on repeated trips to the doctor, after finding out that she was blind from birth. For Vruthi, currently 18 however, an unfortunate diagnosis of Retinoblastoma aged five meant she lost her vision. “In a time where Academics was important in our village in Shivamogga, I used Chess to prove my self worth,” she added.
Although life has given them enough to learn about, it is chess where Jain feels she has learnt much more from Chess. “It has helped in making the right move or knowing when I feel trapped,” she added. For 20 - year old Megha, it's “overwhelming” happiness. “Everybody recognises me as ‘that’ chess player. It gives me satisfaction and a very good feeling,” Their stories provide a source of inspiration, and for the game of chess, particularly in India which has brilliant minds like R Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh D, blind chess playrs also deserve their flowers.
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9. Travel And Tour World - New Hilton Initiative Elevates Hotel Experience for Blind and Low Vision Travelers with Be My Eyes21 Oct 2024
Hilton has unveiled an innovative collaboration with Be My Eyes to offer AI-powered assistance, ensuring that guests who are blind or have low vision can enjoy a seamless and accessible stay across the U.S. and Canada.
For many, checking into a hotel signals the beginning of a new adventure, a relaxing retreat, or a significant moment in life. However, guests with visual impairments often face unique challenges when navigating unfamiliar spaces, from adjusting in-room settings to locating hotel amenities. Recognizing these obstacles, Hilton has taken an industry-leading step to enhance accessibility by partnering with Be My Eyes.
This free mobile app connects individuals with visual impairments to sighted volunteers and companies through live video and AI. Now, through this partnership, Hilton guests can directly connect with a specially trained team of Hilton Reservations and Customer Care agents, receiving real-time assistance tailored to their needs. This dedicated support ensures guests can comfortably navigate their hotel experience, from adjusting the thermostat and identifying window coverings to finding their way to hotel restaurants, gyms, and other amenities.
By accessing the Be My Eyes app’s “Service Directory” in the U.S. and Canada, guests can select the “Hotels” category and connect with participating Hilton brands. This AI-powered support is available across a variety of Hilton properties, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton, among others.
This personalized assistance sets a new benchmark for inclusivity within the hospitality industry. Hilton’s initiative ensures that all travelers, whether for leisure or business, can enjoy a smoother, more welcoming experience. By prioritizing accessibility, Hilton is committed to creating a more inclusive environment that caters to the diverse needs of every guest.
The partnership with Be My Eyes reflects Hilton’s ongoing mission to make every stay as seamless and enjoyable as possible for guests of all abilities, reaffirming its dedication to providing exceptional hospitality for all.
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10. Assistive Technology UK - Building inclusion for visually impaired people with technology in the workplace21 Oct 2024
The modern workplace is in a constant state of flux, with new systems and processes emerging regularly. This evolution can be momentarily disruptive for many employees. However, it’s crucial to consider the perspective of visually impaired workers. For these individuals, adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of contemporary work environments poses persistent and distinctive hurdles that extend far beyond temporary inconvenience.
A study from late 2022 found that only 25 percent of people with a visual impairment are in paid employment. It is clear that something needs to be done to boost this statistic and make the workplace more inclusive. Fortunately, advancements in technology offer a promising opportunity to address this challenge.
As October marks World Sight Day, it’s an opportune time to explore how cutting-edge technology can be leveraged to create more accessible and accommodating work environments for those with visual impairments.
Tackling the issue with technology
Building upon this technological progress, organisations can harness innovative solutions to foster more inclusive workplaces. By prioritising digital accessibility, companies lay a vital foundation for empowering visually impaired individuals. This approach not only cultivates a more diverse and equitable work environment but also enables businesses to access a wider talent pool.
One key example is the use of Job Access With Speech (JAWS) screen reading software, which is transformative for individuals with visual impairments. JAWS reads aloud everything on the screen, from text to menus, and even describes images when accessible. It enables users to control their computers entirely through the keyboard by providing auditory feedback as they navigate, type, and interact with applications. This comprehensive support allows users with visual impairments to write documents, browse the web, manage emails, and perform complex tasks just as efficiently as their sighted peers. By eliminating the need for visual interactions or mouse-based navigation, JAWS significantly enhances productivity while fostering independence and confidence among visually impaired employees.
Beyond assistive technology software, other accessibility-focused technologies are equally vital. For instance, the implementation of alt text on websites can make a significant difference. Alt text refers to the textual descriptions that are added to images, enabling screen readers to convey the visual information to users with sight loss. This simple yet impactful feature ensures that individuals who are visually impaired can fully engage with digital content, rather than being excluded.
Creating more employment opportunities
However, despite these advances in technology, the employment landscape for individuals who are visually impaired remains challenging. Firstly, legacy software systems are often still not fit for purpose, lacking the necessary accessibility features that allow individuals who are visually impaired to perform their jobs effectively. These outdated systems frequently struggle with screen reader compatibility, creating barriers in day-to-day tasks.
Secondly, there’s a clear correlation between this technological gap and the underemployment of individuals who are visually impaired. Many employers, aware that they lack the proper tools to support individuals who are visually impaired, may hesitate to hire from this community. This creates a cycle where limited job opportunities persist due to inadequate technological infrastructure.
Genesys and Lighthouse Works recently announced a partnership to directly addresses these challenges. By developing EquiVista, an application available on Genesys Cloud, we’ve created a solution that’s specifically designed with accessibility in mind. EquiVista offers a simplified, customisable user interface that adapts to individual visual abilities and integrates seamlessly with screen reading software like JAWS.
This innovation not only makes existing systems more accessible but also provides employers with the tools they need to confidently hire and support individuals who are visually impaired. By tackling both the technological and employment barriers simultaneously, the Genesys and Lighthouse Works partnership paves the way for increased job opportunities in the customer experience sector and beyond. It demonstrates that with the right tools, individuals who are visually impaired can excel in roles previously considered challenging, encouraging more businesses to create inclusive workplaces and tap into this underutilised talent pool.
Enhancing training and support
Crucially, businesses must also provide comprehensive training and support to help individuals who are visually impaired integrate technologies into their workflows. Offering one-on-one guidance and ongoing technical assistance can help ensure a smooth transition and foster a sense of confidence and empowerment.
It’s essential that organisations take a proactive, personalised approach to training. Rather than assuming a “one-size-fits-all” solution, HR and IT teams should work closely with individuals who are visually impaired to understand their unique needs and preferences. This could involve demonstrating how to effectively use screen readers, magnification software, or voice command tools, and providing tailored troubleshooting support.
Importantly, this emphasis on training and support should extend beyond just the individual employee. It’s equally vital that businesses educate the broader workforce on accessibility best practices and foster a culture of empathy and inclusion. By helping sighted colleagues understand the assistive technologies in use and how to collaborate effectively, organisations can break down any lingering stigmas or misconceptions.
What’s next for the workplace?
Making sure the workplace is an accessible place needs to be an utmost priority for businesses. Enabling an inclusive workplace for the visually impaired will allow so many more individuals to enhance their career and become employed within this group.
The use of advanced technology can be used to revolutionise the workspace and make it more reachable for those with limited vision. Although World Sight Day is only one day, making the workplace inclusive for the visually impaired needs to be implemented all year round, going forward.
About the author
Eric Thomas leads the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practice at Genesys. He is charged with developing global programmes that deliver progressive diversity and foster an inclusive culture throughout the company. Prior to his current role, Eric served as Vice President, Global Delivery, in Genesys Professional Services, leading a team of more than 450 employees responsible for worldwide implementation services. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in business administration from Eastern New Mexico University, as well as an executive management certificate from the London School of Business.
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