Accessible technology as an enabler of disruption

“The sorting hat only put me in Gryffindor,” said Harry in a defeated voice, “because I asked not to go in Slytherin…”

“Exactly,” said Dumbledore, beaming once more. “Which makes you very different from Tom Riddle”.

I often find myself marvelling at the kind of world we live in today. For once, it does feel like one global family, thanks to the power of connectivity driven by technology. In fact, the world that we live in today is very different from one five years back, because evolution at the speed of thought has become an industry norm. One could argue that our survival without tech is almost impossible. Even Darwin would be mind boggled. Add this dependence to the list of Darwin’s paradoxes!

Think about it. There are so many things intelligent tech intervention brings to the table. Better connectivity, improved communication and easy accessibility are all just the beginning, and they all point to one trend that has emerged: convenience. But what does accessibility mean really, to different people? We often forget that accessibility means convenience FOR ALL. For you and me, understanding how computers and the generic uses of technology may be very simple. But is this enough? No. The real challenge lies in making that tech so simple to use, that even the differently abled are able to make optimum use of it. That’s what I’d call accessible.

It’s important for us all, and especially us industry leaders and disruptors to focus on the concept of digital inclusion today. And that does not just mean large philanthropic organisations taking this ahead. Digital inclusion for the differently abled has gained global prominence especially over the last decade, as more and more enterprises realise how imperative it is to innovate for all, not just a select few. More than 20 million people across the world are digitally excluded today, and that’s a little bit of a problem, because you see, digital divides give way to social divides as well. As tech experts, it is our collective responsibility to blur these divides as we work towards holistic development initiatives!

We spend a lot of time thinking about innovations, ideas and disruptions, but very little on how accessible they are. Which is why these questions need to become a little more pertinent. Can we teach machines to behave according to human ethical norms? Where does tech fit in with our own set of values and cultures? Smart solutioning for customers is great, but can we think beyond, and focus on the greater good? Of course we can. There are excellent examples all around us. Whether it is ATM kiosks with braille provisions or government portals that change fonts automatically to ensure legibility for the visually impaired, many simple innovations stand out. In fact, the USA has made it a mandate by law for all federal government website to be tested for accessibility. Multiple banks in the public and private sector have made their websites accessibility compliant, ensuring seamless customer experiences for everyone.

In all honesty, these solutions may not add to our bottom line, but they are the ones worth creating, they are the causes worth fighting for. We, at Josh, truly believe in the power of technology and its disruption, and what better than disrupting society for the greater good! Over the last year, one of our greatest successes has been creating an innovation that has eradicated the need for scribes in Maharashtra.

Our team has worked closely with Niwant Foundation, an NGO that works for the betterment of the visually impaired to create Swalekhan. This is an Android app that empowers the visually impaired to become independent. Swalekhan, which means “beautiful writing” in Hindi, teaches the visually impaired touch typing on a keyboard that is attached to the Android phone via the OTG cable. Right from learning the keys on the keyboard using an innovative braille paper overlay to listening to more than 78 innovative and interactive lessons, Swalekhan makes the visually impaired self reliant. More than 20 schools that have embraced the app have already eliminated the need for scribes. Imagine how awesome it must be to take notes on your own and even write your own exams, without being dependent on someone else!

Building that app not only challenged us to improve, but brought us immense gratification. We need to develop solutions that support easy accessibility of the power of tech, thus making it more valuable. If we can do this keeping the future, and not the present, in mind, that’s the cherry on the cake. Tech itself is neither good nor bad, it’s execution makes it so. That’s what we need to keep in mind. Great responsibility, of course, always comes to those who can shoulder it!

It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.