with Dipl.-Ing. Michael Macher, Junior Professor at USTP University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, Austria and Dipl.-Ing. Peter Hackl-Lehner, Technical Head Audio at USTP University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, Austria
Our talk explores how AI can increase inclusivity for people living with disabilities—often through tools already in your pocket. Aimed at health-tech enthusiasts and anyone curious about practical assistive technology, we combine real-world examples with guidance you can use immediately.
We’ll present two to three short case studies showing how AI supports everyday independence. One example is vision assistance through apps like Be My Eyes, connecting blind and low-vision users with real-time help. A second example highlights a voice-cloning project we developed with a person who lost his tongue, enabling communication in a familiar, personal voice. We’ll also touch on smart captioning, speech-to-text, and sound recognition that improve access in lectures, workplaces, and daily life.
Finally, we’ll discuss what makes these solutions succeed (or fail): usability, privacy, bias, accessibility-by-design, and involving disabled users throughout development. Participants will leave with a curated toolkit, practical tips, and a glimpse of emerging inclusive AI research.
Timezones
09:00 - 10:00 (CET) | 08:00 - 09:00 (WET) | 10:00 - 11:00 (EET)