#1. Joining the Big Leagues:
Dot's First Appearance at the Disability In Expo 2024
This year, Dot debuted at the Disability Annual Conference & Expo 2024, and we couldn’t be more excited!
The event is organized by Disability In, a well-known nonprofit organization in the United States, which also serves as a prominent evaluator of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) standards. The DEI Index assesses the representation, fairness, and inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within organizations. Many Fortune 500 companies use this index to engage in disability equality efforts.
A picture on the Disability In website shows people of different races and ages gathered together.
This year, Disability In was held in Las Vegas! The event featured a variety of programs and networking opportunities to promote jobs for people with disabilities and build an inclusive business culture. Over four days, there were many sessions where companies shared easy-to-understand tips and examples on how to improve disability employment and inclusivity, and how to make real changes in their organizations. Our team, as booth exhibitors, had the chance to meet with many HR representatives, discuss creating disability-friendly workplaces, and introduce Dot Pad.
Dot Team memebrs are chatting with visitors at the booth.
What impressed me the most was how Dot Pad, using the NVDA screen reader, allows easy access to Word and Excel. It made me imagine how this technology could help in everyday life.
For example:
- Checking graphs during a presentation
- Exchanging information with a bank employee
- Understanding information accurately at public places like ATMs or elevators
- Looking at the design of shoes inside a box at a Nike store
- Understanding charts in a PDF research document
- Imagining the appearance of a favorite character
It made me realize how Dot Pad can bring small but meaningful changes to the daily lives of visually impaired employees and customers. When I thought about it, there are so many ways it could be useful!
A Dot team member demonstrating the Dot Pad and Dot Canvas to a visitor while having a conversation.
A representative from The Pokémon Company and a visually impaired visitor exploring the Bulbasaur character DTM created on the Dot Canvas
Since this event had many content companies involved, we used the Dot Pad to bring various animations to life in a way that could be experienced through touch. We even had a meeting with the Pikachu team, where we created tactile Pokémon cards together. We also shared ideas about how Pokémon games could be enjoyed using the Dot Pad.
How far can Dot Pad’s possibilities go? Just like Pikachu, our imaginations are sparking with new ideas!
#2. “Can You Print This Photo on the Dot Pad for Me, BVA?"
On July 7th, the 79th BVA (Blinded Veterans Association) International Convention and ACB (American Council of the Blind) Exhibition were held together in Jacksonville, Florida. The Dot team was there again, sharing the Dot Pad with veterans from all over the U.S. and strengthening our partnership with ACB.
This time, we also met with a Bible content provider and the autonomous vehicle company, Waymo. We’re really excited about the potential collaborations and the chance to offer even more services in the future.
As usual, the Dot booth was one of the busiest at the event, and we’re so grateful for all the interest and support! Dot will keep working hard to improve the lives of the visually impaired, and we appreciate your continued support and encouragement! 👏
Demonstrating and explaining the Dot Pad and related content to visitors at the Dot booth.
As an official sponsor of BVA, we had the opportunity to give a speech about the importance of the Dot Pad during the exhibition. I jokingly said, "If you want to see Trump and Biden, come to the Dot booth!" After the speech, even more people came to check it out. A lot of visitors mentioned that the wrinkles made it hard to tell them apart, but who knows, maybe we contributed a bit to this year’s U.S. election turnout?!
Images of President Donald John Trump and President Joe Biden created on the Dot Canvas.
#3. "Dot Pad Showcased in Paraguay, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay"
Official Logo of the Latin American Parliament
Dot was officially invited to the Latin American Parliament (Parlamento Latinoamericano, PARLATINO), where we had the opportunity to introduce Dot and the Dot Pad to members of parliament from 22 South American countries. We also gave a presentation at the Human Rights conference organized by the Ministry of Education.
During this extended business trip, our two Dot representatives met with members of parliament from countries like Chile, Uruguay, and Peru. It was clear that each country was eager to spread the word about the Dot Pad. As a result, we successfully supplied Dot Pads to Alpha Group, and positive news continues, such as increased sales in Paraná.
Meeting with representatives of the Latin American Parliament
While we were busy making strides in South and North America, there was also an event happening in Singapore. Shall we take a quick look?
#4. The Hope that Dot Pad Brings: A Revolution in Education for the Visually Impaired in Singapore.
This trip to Singapore was a little extra special. Singapore, a beautiful island nation located at the southern tip of Malaysia, is home to about 30,000 visually impaired individuals. With its rich blend of cultures and languages, Singapore officially uses English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.
As soon as we arrived, we visited the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) and SGEnable, Singapore’s rehabilitation association for people with disabilities. SAVH, established in 1951, is known for its long history and excellent infrastructure. We met with various experts from departments like braille book publishing and assistive technology, and presented how the Dot Pad can enhance tactile graphic accessibility.
Group Photo with Dot Team Members During the Meeting with Singapore Officials
We also visited Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School, where we learned how students with visual impairments and their teachers are working to bridge the gaps in an inclusive education environment. We visited the Deaf Association and the guide dog school as well, discussing the usability and potential of tactile graphics for people with both visual and hearing impairments. It seems like the Dot Pad will become even more well-known in Singapore!