Sight Tech Global 2020: Pioneering AI & Accessibility Innovations

Sight Tech Global, a groundbreaking virtual event on December 2-3, 2020, will unite leading experts in AI and assistive technology to redefine accessibility for the blind and visually impaired community. Here’s an exclusive preview of the agenda, featuring cutting-edge discussions and visionary speakers.

Why This Event Matters

With rapid advancements in AI, computer vision, and voice recognition, the potential to transform accessibility has never been greater. Sight Tech Global serves as a critical platform for researchers, technologists, and designers to collaborate on solutions that address both opportunities and challenges in this space.

Key Sessions & Speakers

1. The Evolution of Microsoft’s Seeing AI

• Speaker: Saqib Shaikh, Co-founder of Seeing AI, Microsoft
• Moderator: Devin Coldewey, TechCrunch
• Focus: How cloud-powered AI can enhance Microsoft’s Seeing AI app for real-world usability.

2. OrCam’s Vision for AI-Powered Assistive Devices

• Speaker: Amnon Shashua, Co-founder of OrCam and Mobileye
• Moderator: Matthew Panzarino, TechCrunch
• Focus: Merging AI, computer vision, and natural language processing into seamless assistive experiences.

3. Waymo’s Self-Driving Taxis: A New Era of Accessibility

• Speakers:
  • Clem Wright, Accessibility Product Manager, Waymo
  • Marc Ashton, CEO, Foundation for Blind Children
  • Bryan Bashin, CEO, Lighthouse for the Blind
• Moderator: Kirsten Korosec, TechCrunch
• Focus: How autonomous vehicles can revolutionize mobility for the visually impaired.

4. AI’s Role in Everyday Life

• Speaker: Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman & CEO, Sinovation Ventures
• Moderator: Ned Desmond, Sight Tech Global
• Focus: The pervasive impact of AI on accessibility and beyond.

5. The Future of Assistive Technology (AT) Devices

• Speakers:
  • Gilles Pepin, CEO, Humanware
  • Greg Stilson, Head of Global Innovation, APH
  • Charles Lim, CTO, eSight
• Moderator: Betsy Beaumon, CEO, Benetech
• Focus: Balancing dedicated AT devices with mainstream platforms like smartphones and voice assistants.

6. Screen Readers: Breaking Barriers with Innovation

• Speakers:
  • Glen Gordon, Architect of JAWS
  • James Teh, Co-founder of NVDA
  • Léonie Watson, Director, TetraLogical
• Moderator: Matt King, Facebook
• Focus: Overcoming keyboard dependency and improving web accessibility.

7. Alexa’s Next Chapter in Accessibility

• Speakers:
  • Anne Toth, Director, Alexa Trust
  • Josh Miele, Principal Accessibility Researcher, Amazon
• Moderator: Devin Coldewey, TechCrunch
• Focus: How voice assistants are evolving to better serve users with visual impairments.

8. Augmented Reality & Perception

• Speakers:
  • Amos Miller, Microsoft AI and Research
  • Ashley Tuan, Mojo Vision
  • [Sile O’Modhrain](https://sighttechglobal.com/speakers/#o’modhrain), University of Michigan
• Moderator: Nick Giudice, University of Maine
• Focus: Optimizing haptics, AR, and sound for intuitive communication.

9. Wayfinding: Navigating the World with Precision

• Speakers:
  • Tim Murdoch, CEO, Waymap
  • Nick Giudice, University of Maine
• Moderator: Mike May, GoodMaps
• Focus: Innovations in indoor and outdoor navigation for the visually impaired.

10. AI & Computer Vision: Bridging the Gaps

• Speakers:
  • Danna Gurari, University of Texas
  • Cecily Morrison, Microsoft
  • Patrick Clary, Google
• Moderator: Roberto Manduchi, UC Santa Cruz
• Focus: Improving AI’s ability to interpret and convey visual information accurately.

What’s Next?

Additional sessions on AI bias, civil rights, and more will be announced soon. Register now to secure your free pass and stay updated.

Supporting Accessibility Innovation

Sight Tech Global proudly supports the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a nonprofit serving Silicon Valley for 75 years. Thanks to sponsors like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Waymo for making this event possible.

Advisory Team: Special gratitude to Jim Fruchterman (Tech Matters), Roberto Manduchi (UC Santa Cruz), Larry Goldberg (Verizon Media), Matt King (Facebook), and Will Butler (Be My Eyes) for their invaluable guidance.

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