2023 International Design Awards – Silver
Industrial & Life Science Design / Design for Social Impact category
2024 Webby’s Anthem Award – Silver
Responsible Technology – Innovation
The following year, Joseph and our other friends returned to catch my solo show. As we chatted post-performance, Joseph’s remark grabbed my attention: “I couldn’t tell if the slides were different this time around because, well, I can’t see them.” Now, while my show isn’t slide-centric, visuals undoubtedly add comedic depth. This prompted us to ponder: how can we enhance Joseph’s experience? Is it even possible?
Once again, Anthony and I collaborated, brainstorming a solution. Soon, the brainchild known as “Slide Teller” (originally dubbed “Live Slides”) was born. Recognizing that audio took center stage in this project, we enlisted the talents of the brilliant sound engineer, Navid Lancaster, to bolster our team. And as we delved deeper into development, we were fortunate to have the insights of the Blind Master, L.A. Williams III, who served as both an advisor and a tester.
What lies ahead? Our community continues to flourish, drawing strength from unity. With the necessary funding secured, we eagerly anticipate advancing to the next phase of our mission.
Your companionship throughout this journey has been invaluable to us. Your readership is more than just a gesture; it’s a testament to the impact of our collective efforts. Thank you for being part of this adventure.
Ms. Miyo, I would also like to add that we submitted Slide Teller to the US patent office under the following title: “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING AND AUGMENTING PRESENTATION ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH REAL-TIME AUDIO AND TEXT NARRATION.”
Here is the abstract: A system and method for enhancing and augmenting the accessibility of multimedia presentations, particularly aimed at creating an inclusive environment for visually impaired individuals. By offering real-time audio and text narration synchronized with the presentation, the system allows users to receive a comprehensive understanding of the visual content. The method employs a script-based approach for third-party applications that do not offer plug-in support, ensuring wider compatibility. Communication is facilitated through a server API, enabling instantaneous delivery of audio and text descriptions to users’ mobile devices. This includes specific triggers for slide transitions and other interactive elements. Additionally, the system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms and various user-centric personalization options, such as language preferences, speed, and volume adjustments. These features significantly enrich the accessibility and interactive quality of multimedia presentations.