Darryl Adams on the Future of Inclusive Tech and Why It Matters

After 28 years at Intel, Darryl Adams recently retired, but his mission to make technology more accessible is far from over. In a recent Access Chat interview, Darryl reflected on his journey and his excitement about the future of accessible technology. If there’s someone who knows about the power of technology to transform lives, especially for people with disabilities and aging populations, it’s Darryl.

A Personal Journey Turned into a Mission

Darryl’s story in accessibility started from a deeply personal place. Throughout his career, he had to adapt to losing his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa and to dealing with single-sided deafness. To continue working, he had to embrace assistive technologies. That’s how his interest in accessibility became a passion—ensuring that technology works for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Not only did Darryl learn to adapt, but he also began helping Intel and the industry build more inclusive solutions. “I didn’t start in accessibility, but my personal experience made it impossible to ignore,” he shared.

Trust and Inclusion in the Workplace

One of Darryl’s key messages is the importance of trust in the workplace. He admits that it took him a while to self-identify as someone with a disability, and that made it harder to get the support he needed. But once he opened up, he found a tremendous network of support at Intel, from his colleagues to the company’s culture itself.

“Trust is everything,” Darryl emphasized. He believes that companies need to create environments where employees feel safe sharing their needs and asking for accommodations. And this goes beyond individual relationships: inclusion must be systemic, with employee resource groups, committed leadership, and a culture that values diversity.

The Potential of AI for Accessibility

Darryl also shared his thoughts on the future of technology, especially the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. He sees enormous potential for these technologies to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, particularly in personalizing digital experiences. Imagine AI that understands your specific needs, such as hearing or vision impairments, and adapts digital interactions in real-time—something Darryl believes will be a reality soon.

However, he also cautioned about the ethical challenges of AI. It’s crucial that companies ensure the data used to train AI models is inclusive, to avoid perpetuating biases. “We need to make sure AI systems reflect the diversity of society and don’t leave anyone behind,” he said.

Technology for Aging Populations

Although Darryl has retired from Intel, he’s already taken on a new challenge: leading a working group at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), focused on age tech and accessibility. He points out that accessibility isn’t just about disability; it’s also about the aging population. As the global population ages, technology that addresses the needs of older adults will become increasingly essential.

In 2024, for the first time, the number of people over 65 will surpass those under 15. This demographic shift highlights the urgency of developing technology solutions that allow older adults to continue engaging with the digital world in meaningful ways.

Technology for All

Darryl’s message is clear: technology should be a tool of inclusion, one that bridges different abilities and serves society as a whole. While proud of what’s been accomplished during his time at Intel, Darryl remains focused on the future. He believes we are only beginning to unlock technology’s potential to improve the lives of millions of people.

As Darryl embarks on the next chapter of his life, his commitment to making the digital world more accessible and inclusive remains his driving mission. As AI and other technologies rapidly reshape how we interact with the world, voices like Darryl’s will be key to ensuring no one is left behind.

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If you are interested in accessibility and technology, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Let’s continue this conversation in the comments.