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Tag: Accessibility in education

  • Benetech Named Among World’s Top 100 Accessibility Leaders by Forbes

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    Leading nonprofit recognized for advancing systemic change and technology innovation in accessible education


    PALO ALTO, Calif., June 17, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Benetech, the global nonprofit pioneering AI-driven accessible education, has been named to Forbes’ Accessibility 100 list, unveiled today at the Cannes Lions Festival. The prestigious list recognizes, for the first time, 100 organizations worldwide that are developing breakthrough impactful tools to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities.

    At the heart of this recognition are Benetech’s innovations, such as Bookshare+, its AI-powered platform that instantly transforms classroom materials-handouts, assignments, and articles-into accessible formats. Developed with educators and students with disabilities, the platform offers personalization that provides accessibility and meaningful, tailored learning experiences to their needs.

    “Students deserve tools that work the way they learn,” said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. “We’re harnessing advances in generative AI to support learners with differences and disabilities-creating new opportunities that level the playing field and elevate outcomes for all. We’re honored that Forbes recognizes our innovation and impact in accessible education.”

    Benetech is building on the success of Benetech’s flagship platform, Bookshare, the world’s largest digital library of accessible eBooks. Bookshare has opened doors for over two million people with disabilities in more than 50 countries with print disabilities and learning differences, helping them access and engage with books in the best formats for them, enabling them to learn, graduate, work, and thrive.

    The Forbes list was curated through interviews with more than 400 accessibility leaders across 15+ countries. Organizations were selected based on impact, innovation, and potential to drive systemic change across industries.

    “Accessibility is a fascinating space that has never been captured like this before,” says Alan Schwarz, Forbes Assistant Managing Editor who spearheaded the project. “There are lone innovators, juggernaut tech companies, and startups. They are revolutionizing how people get around, learn, communicate, work, play sports, travel, and so much more. Their impact on people’s lives is monumental – and will only be getting more so soon.”

    Benetech’s recognition by Forbes highlights its leadership in shaping an accessibility ecosystem that meets a broad range of student needs. The nonprofit has built infrastructure to help educators, publishers, and platform developers design materials and learning experiences for all learners. Beyond Bookshare and Bookshare+, Benetech’s comprehensive approach includes:

    • Benetech Accessibility Services for Education (BASE): Planning, training, and customized support to help schools and universities build sustainable accessibility strategies.

    • Global Certified Accessible: Partnering with publishers and content creators to ensure materials are accessible from day one or “born accessible”-no retrofitting required.

    • Saksharta Program: Model school digital transformation program pioneered in India to empower blind and visually impaired students with inclusive tools and training.

    This recognition coincides with Benetech’s 25th anniversary and the launch of ‘All In: Empowering Change for Education and Accessibility’-a bold national campaign dedicated to advancing accessible education and dismantling systemic barriers for learners everywhere.

    To view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.forbes.com/lists/accessibility-100/

    Learn more at www.benetech.org.

    Contact Information

    George Mastoras
    Director of Communications
    georgem@benetech.org
    (914) 489-5282

    Source: Benetech

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  • Benetech Launches Groundbreaking AI Initiative to Revolutionize STEM Education for Neurodivergent and Visually Impaired Students

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    PALO ALTO, Calif., January 15, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    In the United States, one in five students are dyslexic or have a learning difference. Another 2.5 million have visual impairments or physical disabilities that make interacting with STEM educational content challenging. To address this disparity, Benetech, a global nonprofit advancing equitable opportunities for all learners, is announcing the launch of an initiative to transform STEM education.

    With philanthropic partners General Motors, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Cisco, the Esther and Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation, and the Peninsula Endowment, Benetech is developing a breakthrough AI-powered platform that transforms teaching materials, especially STEM, into interactive, accessible content. Students with dyslexia or visual impairments will be able to read, listen, and ask questions about challenging concepts like equations and images, empowering them to learn independently through Benetech’s accessibility-first learning tools.

    “Over 30% of neurodivergent or visually impaired students aspire to STEM careers, yet fewer than 10% achieve employment in STEM fields-a stark reminder of the persistent inaccessibility of STEM education,” said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. “By harnessing the power of AI, we are transforming complex STEM materials into accessible formats, breaking down barriers, ensuring STEM education and careers are within reach for all.”

    Development of this groundbreaking system includes phases of integration, testing, and pilot programs for neurodivergent students. This strategic approach ensures that the final product will be effective and user-friendly, setting a new standard in accessible education technology.

    “In an age where AI is shaping the future of learning, equity must be our guiding principle,” said Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. “Every student deserves access to educational materials that meet their needs, yet for too long, learners with disabilities have been left out-not because of technical challenges but because of a lack of inclusivity-oriented design. Benetech’s innovative approach changes that by using AI to refine STEM materials into accessible formats, leveling the playing field for all students. This work reminds us that creating values-based educational interventions can be a powerful catalyst for a more knowledgeable and informed society.”

    General Motors is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. www.gm.com/commitments/corporate-giving

    The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. PJMF works in partnership with public, private, and social institutions to drive progress on our most pressing challenges, including digital health, climate change, broad digital access, and data maturity in the social sector. www.mcgovern.org

    Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. We aim to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. www.cisco.com

    Esther and Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation provides grants to non-profit, non-governmental organizations that work with children with disabilities and/or illness to improve their lives. www.rosenblattfoundation.org

    Peninsula Endowment enhances the lives of individuals with visual disabilities in Northern California by funding innovative, partially needs-based project grants. These grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Northern California that provide life-enhancing educational programs and services, focusing on enabling access to written materials for individuals with visual disabilities. www.peninsulaendowment.org

    Contact Information

    George Mastoras
    Director of Communications
    georgem@benetech.org
    (914) 489-5282

    Source: Benetech

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  • Benetech at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting, Showcasing Groundbreaking Project for the Blind in India

    Benetech at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting, Showcasing Groundbreaking Project for the Blind in India

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    PALO ALTO, Calif., September 24, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Benetech, a leading nonprofit, will announce its commitment to expanding opportunities for blind and visually impaired students in India at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting. The Saksharta project aims to improve access to digital education, literacy tools, and training programs for visually impaired individuals in India, reaching over 5,000 students across the country. Supported by the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, the project provides over 800,000 titles in nine languages and tailored digital literacy training to enhance education and job prospects for people with visual impairments. 

    “We are thrilled that the Clinton Global Initiative is recognizing our commitment to advancing equity and inclusion for blind and visually impaired learners in India,” said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. “Through innovative technology and strategic partnerships, we drive systemic change and build long-term educational sustainability.” 

    India is home to a third of the world’s blind population. Over the last 15 years, Benetech has provided digital literacy programs and accessible educational content. Benetech’s collaboration with the Lavelle Fund for the Blind has been instrumental in scaling these efforts. “The Lavelle Fund for the Blind is very proud to be a small part of this game-changing program bringing innovative technology solutions to blind and visually impaired students in India, helping to bridge the education-to-employment gap,” says Susan Olivo, Executive Director & CEO of the Lavelle Fund. “We strongly believe in and support programs that improve access to education and help level the playing field for blind and visually impaired people.”   

    The project now serves 28 schools for the blind across 13 states. In the next three years, Benetech aims to serve over 5,000 students by building partnerships with key Indian states and scaling the Saksharta project. With a commitment of $650,000 from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind and additional support from corporate partners, Benetech is laying the foundation for a sustainable, scalable program that will impact future generations of students with disabilities.

    Benetech is a nonprofit dedicated to driving social change through technological innovation. Its programs focus on providing accessible solutions for blind, visually impaired and neurodiverse individuals. Visit www.benetech.org. 

    The Lavelle Fund for the Blind is a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting programs that assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Fund focuses on initiatives that promote education, employment, and independence for people with visual impairments. 

    Clinton Global Initiative, founded by President Bill Clinton in 2005, is a community of doers representing a broad cross-section of society and dedicated to the idea that we can accomplish more together than we can apart. Through CGI’s unique model, more than 10,000 organizations have launched more than 4,000 Commitments to Action — new, specific, and measurable projects and programs — that are making a difference in the lives of more than 500 million people in 180 countries. 

    Source: Benetech

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