IBM India provides accessibility for differently-abled people

DQW News Bureau

New Delhi: IBM India announced the launch of the first ever Human Ability and
Accessibility Center in the country that aims to make technology and information
easily accessible to people with visual, cognitive, hearing, and motor
disabilities in India. Located at India Research Lab in New Delhi, IBM India
Human Ability and Accessibility Center would cater to the diverse requirement of
accessibility stakeholders in India including, government bodies, corporate,
academic institutions, researchers and NGOs:

The centre would provide technology for empowering differently-abled people
including people facing educational and economic challenges and collaborate with
key government bodies on accessibility related policy and standards in India.

Speaking about the centre, Shanker Annaswamy, MD, IBM India and South Asia
said, "India faces a growing need for inclusive development that addresses
social, economic and physical disadvantages and creates opportunities for every
individual to realize the potential of their abilities. Globally and in India,
IBM brings technologies and innovations that empower the differently-abled and
socially disadvantaged through initiatives such as the Human Ability and
Accessibility Center."

Through the use of solutions developed by IBM research like Easy Web Browsing
(for the visually impaired), WebAdopt2Me (for people with cognitive impairments
or low vision), IBM aDesigner (disability simulator), Hindi Speech recognition,
English assessment tool called Sensei, this advanced virtual center hopes to
help employees maximize their potential, regardless of ability or disability.

According to Frances West, Director-BM Human Ability and Accessibility
Center, IBM Corporation, " Just as we do for business customers, we're
committed to bringing the best technologies forward to address critical societal
issues. IBM has supported technology and information needs to accelerate
accessibility for over 90 years through our research and development, offerings
and social outreach programs. We would continue that endeavor in the future as
well."