Accessibility Pioneers on the Promise of AI – a Life Changing Technology

Over the past several years at Sight Tech Global, our keynote speakers have examined AI’s transformative impact on digital accessibility—how it has the potential to close long-standing gaps while, at times, introducing new ones. This year, we continue this vital conversation with two of the most influential leaders in accessibility innovation: Mike Shebanek and Saqib Shaikh. Reuniting on the STG stage, Mike and Saqib will explore the profound ways AI is reshaping daily life for blind and low-vision people. As they both affirm, “AI is changing how our community interacts with the physical world—and with every new breakthrough, independence continues to grow.” Saqib will share personal stories of empowerment using AI-driven “agents” and “assistants” to accomplish everyday tasks, offering a compelling look at how these tools already support real-world autonomy. Together, Mike and Saqib will illuminate a rapidly evolving landscape where the technical capabilities of AI are only just beginning to emerge. Looking ahead, the promise is that AI systems will adapt to each user—delivering information in the formats that are most intuitive, actionable, and aligned with individual abilities, contexts, and needs. As these pioneers remind us, universal design is not just a principle—it is a proven pathway to technology that changes lives. Speakers: Saqib Shaikh - Project Lead for Seeing AI Moderator: Mike Shebanek - Consultant #AIAccessibility #DigitalAccessibility #AssistiveTechnology #SeeingAI #BlindTech #LowVision #UniversalDesign #InclusiveTechnology #AIForGood #AccessibilityInnovation #MikeShebanek #SaqibShaikh #Microsoft