Assistive technology: separating fact from fiction
There has been a proliferation of assistive technology (AT) for persons with disabilities in recent years. While these technologies have a potentially great enabling impact on the lives of persons with disabilities, not all AT devices which users may come…
Brazilian start-up creates app for real-time translation of speech and text to sign language
Brazilian start-up Hand Talk has launched an app which can instantly translate Brazilian and English speech and text into Brazilian Sign Language (LSB, or ‘Libras’) and American Sign Language (ASL). The app’s avatar, Hugo, acts as a 3D interpreter who…
France launches ‘digital pass’ programme to boost digital literacy
Approximately 1 in 5 French persons has difficulty using computers or accessing the internet due to a lack of digital skills, according to the State Secretariat for Digital Affairs. It is estimated that out of these 13 million people, 50%…
Mexico City and Guadalajara partner with G3ict to track digital inclusion efforts
The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict) has announced that two Mexican cities have committed to track their progress and measure their commitment to digital inclusion through the Smart Cities for All project. A team of experts from G3ict and…
Smart Nation Ambassadors volunteer to help Singaporean citizens become more digitally savvy
Singapore’s Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) has announced that 600 volunteers have enlisted as Smart Nation Ambassadors since the initiative was launched in February 2019. Individuals can sign up at Volunteer.SG to volunteer at Smart Nation events to…
IDB Lab announces winners of its “Bootcamps for Tech Fans” challenge
IDB Lab, the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) innovation laboratory, has announced the two winners of its “Bootcamps for Tech Fans” challenge. The open call for proposals was launched in January 2019 to identify the most innovative Ready-to-Work Bootcamp models for…
Smart Cities for All initiative launches playbook for accessibility
Smart Cities for All, a global initiative of G3ict and World Enabled, has launched the Inclusive Innovation Playbook to help cities mainstream accessibility and inclusion in urban innovation ecosystems and thereby make sure that smart city solutions work for everyone….
Digital academy initiative launched in India
Capgemini has announced it will set up two Digital Academies in India to equip marginalized and under-represented populations with digital skills, including disadvantaged youth who are NEET (not in education, employment or training), as well as people who are struggling…
Tech companies team up to boost digital literacy in Myanmar
Ooredoo, GSMA and Facebook have announced a partnership to boost digital literacy in Myanmar through a campaign to raise awareness and increase mobile internet usage in the country’s rural areas. The ‘Internet 101’ campaign will educate first-time internet users through…
UN launches new tech report calling for a safer and more inclusive digital future
The UN High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation launched a new report, “The Age of Digital Interdependence”, which highlights the urgency of improved global cooperation in the digital age. The report explores a number of related issues, including how to…
