Key Takeaways:
- EMPOWER 2022 was a conference to showcase and learn about state-of-the-art access technology
- The audience at EMPOWER 2022 seemed to be excited about the document accessibility and alt-text solutions from Continual Engine
- Explore access technology and how it can be leveraged across various industries
- Access technology is here and ready to make an impact
- A new way of looking at Unicorns in the context of access technology
EMPOWER 2022 and Access Technology
What is the current state of access technology? Participants of the 5th EMPOWER 2022 conference at IITM Research Park, Chennai, India, discovered answers to this question. The conference was held between October 13th to 15th, 2022. Over 500 registrations and 80 exhibitor booths were part of this event. Every year, this conference is held to bring together all stakeholders involved in the assistive technology industry, including researchers, user organizations, businesses, and policymakers.
Continual Engine and Its Varied Benefits
Continual Engine participated in the EMPOWER 2022 event as an exhibitor. We had the opportunity to give an 8-minute presentation to the participants of the exhibitor track. The primary purpose was to showcase Continual Engine’s AI-powered solutions PREP (PDF and Document Remediation Platform) and Invicta™ (the only artificial intelligence solution that instantly generates high-quality descriptions (alt-text) for diverse images while saving time and costs). We had an interactive session with the participants on technology, the market, products, the customer team, and Continual Engine’s customers. The participants were thrilled to learn more about our solutions. The participants actively engaged with the Continual Engine team and connected post-event as well.
Access Technology and Its Impact
At the conference, many exhibitors showcased solutions for people with visual, hearing, orthopedic, intellectual, and learning disabilities and for the elderly as well. It is clear that accessible technology is ready to make a difference.
A Melting Pot of Ideas
The conference had various tracks apart from the booths, such as speeches, workshops, panel discussions, and even student design challenges. The conference welcomed delegates from India, North America, Europe, and Africa. The representatives from these countries were from multilateral organizations, government bodies, businesses, the social sector, students, faculty, and the differently-abled. There was a positive buzz about access technology during the event, and the organizers ensured that it was disability-friendly with an adequate number of volunteers to assist the differently-abled. There were even sign language interpreters for the hearing challenged.
The New Definition of a Unicorn
The central theme discussed at the event was, ‘What is a unicorn in the context of access technology?’. Many participants felt it need not be a $1 billion company; instead, it could be a company that leads to a billion smiles or a million beneficiaries. The other important theme discussed was the need for access technology to scale quickly to have maximum impact.
Conclusion
The EMPOWER 2022 conference was a memorable event that lasted for three days. Ideas, networking methods, and learnings were discussed in detail. Continual Engine has participated in the previous three EMPOWER conferences and looks forward to participating in the 2023 edition.
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