{"id":70915,"date":"2024-05-16T09:00:06","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T13:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/?p=70915"},"modified":"2024-05-15T16:30:36","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T20:30:36","slug":"samsung-solve-for-tomorrows-inclusive-design-panel-celebrates-accessible-innovations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/samsung-solve-for-tomorrow-inclusive-design-panel-celebrates-accessible-innovations\/","title":{"rendered":"Samsung Solve for Tomorrow\u2019s Inclusive Design Panel Celebrates Accessible Innovations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Global Accessibility Awareness Day is an annual event aimed at fostering understanding and driving conversation about digital access and inclusion<\/a> for the approximately 1.3 billion people<\/a> worldwide experiencing significant disabilities.<\/p>\n

Given Samsung\u2019s deep commitment for meaningful technological innovation for all, it was fitting that during the final day of the 14th<\/sup> annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow<\/strong><\/a> competition, which challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to address pressing local issues, the Samsung Solve team hosted a panel discussion exploring The Intersection of Accessibility, Technology, & Inclusive Design<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Samsung Electronics America CMO Allison Stransky led the discussion with guests Anna Johannes, a U.S. Paralympic Bronze Medalist and Inclusive Design Strategist at Interbrand, and Rachel Sanford Nemeth, Consumer Technology Association (CTA<\/a>) Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs.<\/p>\n

The panelists shed light on the intersection of inclusivity, technology, and advocacy, providing insights for both Gen Z makers and educators \u2014 with Allison setting the stage by discussing the role of inclusivity in the workplace. Among the key insights they provided were:<\/p>\n

Embracing Inclusivity as a Core Identity<\/h5>\n

Allison led off by asking, \u201cHow do you think about inclusivity in the work you do?\u201d Anna emphasized, \u201cWhen you\u2019re born different, your inclusivity is who you are, and you take it everywhere you go<\/strong>,\u201d crediting that for inspiring her life and work as an advocate for accessibility.<\/p>\n

Putting Inclusivity at the Heart of Technology<\/h5>\n

In sharing her journey at the CTA, Rachel discussed how she became familiar with the extensive body of government regulations regarding accessibility<\/a> and the significance of placing inclusivity at the forefront of technological advancements. She has continued to find inspiration in helping tech companies \u201cput inclusivity at the heart\u201d of what they do and make<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Illustrating How Accessible Innovations Shape Daily Life<\/h5>\n

Anna, born without a right hand, described how she uses technology in her daily life, saying the popular One Hand Mode feature<\/a> on Galaxy smartphones, a capability that most consumers see as convenient way \u201cto hold a phone in one hand and their coffee in the other,\u201d in her case \u201cthat\u2019s life for me. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s the simplest innovations \u2013 like One Hand Mode or Voice to Text \u2013 often created by people with disabilities, that go on to become universal technologies<\/strong>,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

\"Anna

Anna Johannes and Allison Stransky<\/p><\/div>\n

The panelists discussed the myriad innovations the consumer tech industry displays at CES<\/strong><\/a>, the annual trade show owned and produced by the CTA, with Rachel noting how technology that starts out as something intended to be assistive to specific communities often becomes broadly adopted across the consumer market. She cited Closed Captioning as something that has evolved from being assistive tech for hearing-impaired TV watchers to technology embraced by social media users to get the essential messages of an Instagram post they are watching with the audio muted. Rachel called that a case where \u201cinnovation pushes the boundaries of what we think people need,\u201d and where accessible technology \u201cis not just for work, but for recreation and entertainment, too.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Highlighting Legislative & Workplace Triumphs<\/h5>\n

Asked by Allison to name their biggest successes in the accessibility space \u2013 Rachel cited legislation opening the door for over-the-counter sale of hearing aids<\/strong>, while Anna drew appreciative laughter with her comment that \u201cgetting hired\u201d to promote inclusive design<\/strong> was hers \u2013 because it has enabled her \u201cto be in rooms like this one advocating for inclusivity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Rachel

Rachel Sanford Nemeth and Anna Johannes<\/p><\/div>\n

In showcasing the transformative power of inclusive design, the panelists also took time to praise two STEM solutions focused on accessibility that received high marks in this year\u2019s competition<\/a>:<\/p>\n