Technology can be life changing for people with disabilities. It can provide opportunities for them to participate more fully in the workforce, to access education, and to lead more independent lives.

A report from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) said people with disabilities are an overlooked source of innovative talent as in the Asia and the Pacific alone, there are 472 million people with disabilities of working age, who are two to six times less likely to be employed than their peers without a disability.

This webinar, “Empowering People with Disabilities through Technology,” marks this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day, which is themed “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.”

Panelists will discuss the breakthroughs in technology that foster inclusivity and participation. They will highlight the role of artificial intelligence and assistive technologies in dismantling barriers to accessibility, amplify what a person with disability can do, and examine how digital platforms can be pivotal in promoting inclusive education and employment. The dialogue will extend to strategies for embedding technology in various sectors to ensure that persons with disabilities are integral to achieving the SDGs.

Attendees will gain insights on actionable practices that can drive a universally inclusive future, leveraging technology not just as a tool for development, but as a bridge to equality and empowerment.

Speakers

• Darren Chua, International Speaker and Empowerment Coach, Mindset Transformation Clinic
• Ryan Rahardjo, Head of Public Affairs Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google