Exploring the Evolution of Assistive Technology in the AI Era

In our recent episode of the State of Accessibility Podcast, hosts Mark Miller and David Sloan were joined by Ryan Jones from Freedom Scientific, the creators of JAWS, the leading screen reader.

They discussed the evolution of assistive technology, recent AI advancements, and their impact on accessibility standards and best practices in accessible design, development, and testing.

Key Highlights from the episode:?

• Evolution of Assistive Technology: The discussion traced the development of assistive tools over the years, highlighting how innovations have enhanced user experiences for individuals with disabilities.

• AI Advancements: The conversation explored how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing assistive technologies, making them more intuitive and responsive to user needs.

• Impact on Accessibility Standards: The episode examined how these technological advancements are influencing current accessibility standards and shaping best practices in design and development.

This insightful conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and accessibility.

Don’t miss our next episode: Join us next week when we’ll be coming to you live from Anaheim and the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference! We'll kick things off at 1:30 PM EST on March 13, 2025! *Note the time change?

More TPGi Resources?

• JAWS Inspect and FSCompanion – An AI-powered assistant providing real-time guidance for JAWS users and accessibility testers. Learn more in the December 2024 JAWS Inspect update.

• PictureSmart AI – A JAWS feature that generates detailed image descriptions for blind and low-vision users. Read more in this Freedom Scientific blog post or watch a demo in FSCast 242.

• What AI Can Do For (and to) Existing Web Accessibility Tools – TPGi’s Ricky Onsman explores AI’s role in accessibility and the risks of overlays. Read the full article.

• Putting AI to the (Accessibility) Test – TPGi’s Tj Squires examines how generative AI supports accessibility testing for blind professionals. Explore the article.

Can’t wait for the next episode? Stay ahead of the curve by visiting the TPGi Business Blog and subscribing to our newsletter for updates on all things accessibility.