Innovations that Drive Accessibility

Correcting color blindness with Enchroma Glasses

By Jennifer Allen

Each year, the InnovateABLE Showcase features leaders in a world where innovation is paving the way for progress. The event brought together a carefully curated selection of innovations, technologies, and services, each presenting a unique solution to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world. Check out the highlights chosen for this year’s showcase.

Enchroma – Revealing the World’s True Colors

Kent Streeb presented Enchroma, a revolutionary solution for individuals with color blindness. Enchroma glasses unlock a world of vibrant colors, enabling those with color vision deficiencies to experience the full spectrum of hues. The glasses are tailored to specific needs of the most common types of color blindness, enabling the user to see colors never experienced before. For the first time, vibrant landscapes and artworks are accessible to all.

TranslateLive – Opening Pathways of Communication

TranslateLive, founded by Peter Hayes, is the first language communication solution that allows people to easily and instantly have a real-time, natural back-and-forth conversation, no matter the language, disability, device or location. Using the All-In-One ILA Pro Device, users can speak, spell out loud, or type, and the entire conversation is immediately communicated to the other party in their chosen language. TranslateLive ensures that everyone can participate actively in conversations and access information seamlessly. By harnessing the power of technology, TranslateLive unveiled a new realm of communication where diversity of languages was no longer an obstacle.

Picture Live – Experiences for All Senses 

Alain Cloet, the visionary behind Picture Live, showcased an innovation that transforms sightseeing for individuals with visual or hearing impairments. Through tactile plates, audio descriptions, and sign language, Picture Live crafts immersive experiences. The historic center of Ghent serves as an example of the incredible difference the technology can make for the disability community. This innovation makes the world accessible in a new way, proving that accessibility could be a gateway to richer, more meaningful connections with the world.

Senior Travel Companion Service – Empowering Seniors to Explore

Carol Giuliani’s Senior Travel Companion Service took the stage, offering tailored trip planning and travel escort services to seniors and couples. With a wealth of caregiving and fiduciary experience, this service empowers seniors to embark on journeys that are both enriching and accessible through the planning and company of a personal escort. Carol not only meets the needs of her clients with a range of needs, including dementia, but she trains others to do the same – extending her reach and helping a more diverse population around the country. By recognizing the unique needs of older travelers, this innovation redefines the concept of age and wanderlust, encouraging seniors to explore the world with confidence.

Grit Freedom Chair – Defying Boundaries of Mobility

Derek Sanchez introduced the Grit Freedom Chair, an engineering marvel that merges the functionality of a manual wheelchair with the versatility of a mountain bike. This innovation provides individuals with diverse abilities the freedom to explore terrains that were once considered inaccessible. The chair is rugged enough for mountain trails, and can be folded up to fit in a DMO closet or personal car trunk – bringing accessibility anywhere. From mountain trails to sandy beaches, the Grit Freedom Chair celebrates the spirit of adventure, proving that mobility challenges can be overcome with creativity and determination.

My Stream – Harnessing Connectivity for All

Richard Zelson’s MyStream, improves wireless connections and unlocks new accessibility services on existing smart devices, both online and offline. MyStream can enable live HD audio to be streamed right to attendees’ own devices and hearing-aids in theaters and cinemas; seamlessly deliver video and other accessibility content in museums and visitor-centers even if visitors’ devices are offline, and more.  The innovation’s adaptability showcased the evolving landscape of accessibility, where technology seamlessly catered to diverse needs, making experiences richer and more inclusive.

The InnovateABLE Showcase illuminated a path toward a more inclusive future, celebrating innovations that transcend barriers and redefine possibilities. From bridging language gaps to enabling immersive experiences and empowering seniors, each innovation highlighted the transformative power of human ingenuity. The event reinforced the idea that accessibility, is more than a nice concept – it can be made tangible through the dedication of individuals who believe in a world where every person can participate and thrive. As these innovations continue to make waves, they remind us that progress is possible when innovation is guided by the vision of a barrier-free world for all.

The Problem: Connecting the disabled with the world around them

The Solution: Innovative tech that connects the user with their environment.

Enchroma – Revealing the World’s True Colors

Glasses designed to help individuals with color blindness experience the full spectrum of colors. 

Price: $250-$450. Contact support@enchroma.com.

TranslateLive – Opening Pathways of Communication

TranslateLive offers real-time language communication using the ILA Pro Device, enabling natural conversations regardless of language, disability, device, or location.

Price: Varies by device and subscription – starting around $1,000. Contact info@translatelive.com.

Picture Live – Experiences for All Senses 

Transforms sightseeing for individuals with visual or hearing impairments through tactile plates, audio descriptions, and sign language, providing immersive experiences.

Price: Specific to the project. Enquire at info@picturelive.org.

Senior Travel Companion Service – Empowering Seniors to Explore

Service offering tailored trip planning and travel escort services for seniors and couples, including those with unique needs like dementia.

Cost: Varies by trip. Contact carolsgiuliani@gmail.com.

Grit Freedom Chair – Defying Boundaries of Mobility

Combines manual wheelchair functionality with mountain bike versatility, enabling individuals with diverse abilities to explore challenging terrains.

Price: Starting around $3,000. info@gogrit.us.

My Stream – Harnessing Connectivity for All

Enhances wireless connections and delivers accessibility services on smart devices, even offline. It caters to various needs, such as live audio streaming and accessibility content in museums.

Price: info@MyStreamTechnologies.com