ICEVI Conference 2024: A Transformative Platform for Accessibility with Benetech Bookshare

From November 14th to 16th, Ahmedabad played host to the prestigious ICEVI International Council for Education of people with Visual Impairment – Africa (ICEVI Africa) , a landmark event uniting experts, advocates, and innovators committed to empowering persons with disabilities. This global gathering highlighted the future of #digitalinclusion, #assistivetechnology, and #educationalequity.

For Benetech , this was more than a conference—it was a platform to share its vision, forge meaningful partnerships, and expand the reach of its Bookshare Library. The conference was a true melting pot of ideas, showcasing how organizations and technologies can transform the lives of those with disabilities, especially in the education sector.

A Global Gathering for Accessibility

The conference brought together educators, technology developers, policymakers, and disability advocates from across the globe. Conversations centered on bridging gaps in accessibility, leveraging assistive technologies, and creating inclusive educational opportunities for all.

Benetech used this opportunity to spotlight its flagship initiative, the Bookshare Library, a repository of accessible digital content serving print-disabled individuals. By connecting with organizations from diverse regions, Benetech explored new avenues to expand its impact and reach underserved communities.

An exciting development from the event was a promising partnership with TorchIt , a leader in accessible product design. This collaboration aims to integrate their #affordable assistive tools into Benetech’s offerings, strengthening the ecosystem of support for persons with disabilities.

Team Benetech in Action

Benetech’s participation was spearheaded by Roel De Haas and Lisa, Wadors Verne, PhD , who traveled to Ahmedabad to experience the conference firsthand and identify strategic opportunities for collaboration.

The local operations were skillfully managed by Dr. Homiyar Mobedji , Cherag Mobedji , and Zainab Chinikamwala , who represented Benetech India with enthusiasm and expertise. Through impactful speeches, presentations, and interactive discussions, the team shared the transformative power of Bookshare’s accessible solutions, inspiring attendees to explore their potential for change.

A significant highlight was a meeting between the Benetech leadership and EnAble India , a pioneering organization dedicated to creating sustainable livelihoods for persons with disabilities. The conversation focused on merging Enable India’s employment and training initiatives with Benetech’s accessible resources, opening new doors for impactful collaborations in the years ahead.

A Showstopper Stall

The Benetech stall at the conference was a crowd-puller, demonstrating the power of accessible technology to foster independence and inclusion. Visitors were captivated by a range of affordable solutions, from Android phones equipped with assistive tools to low-cost laptops optimized for accessibility.

These demonstrations illustrated that cutting-edge technology need not be out of reach for those who need it most. Attendees left inspired by the possibilities, many expressing a desire to integrate these tools into their own programs.

The collaboration with TorchIt added an extra layer of excitement, as visitors explored how their accessible products could complement Benetech’s mission to promote digital literacy and inclusion.

Insights and Looking Ahead

The ICEVI Conference was a milestone event for Benetech, offering a vibrant platform to connect, collaborate, and inspire. The partnerships initiated promise to extend the impact of Bookshare and accessible technologies to new heights.

The presence of Benetech’s global and India teams underscored the organization’s commitment to its mission of empowering persons with disabilities. By participating in this event, Benetech not only showcased its solutions but also reinforced its dedication to creating a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has access to education and opportunity.

The success of the conference would not have been possible without the Blind People's Association, India (BPA), whose exceptional planning ensured a smooth and impactful experience for all. Their commitment to fostering accessibility and inclusion set the tone for a truly transformative event.

As the ideas and connections from the ICEVI Conference begin to take shape, Benetech looks forward to building on this momentum—creating inclusive opportunities, empowering individuals, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward digital equity.

“Together, we can make the world more accessible—one innovation, one collaboration at a time.”