Benetech’s Benji Andrews, Ron Ellis, Pruthvi Patel, Amreen Poonawala, and Matthew Yip deep dive into Benetech’s inaugural Kaggle competition that explores the intersection of AI and education through innovative graph transcription solutions. The Opportunity When it comes to converting image-based learning materials into an accessible format, charts and graphs present a unique challenge. While undoubtedly […]
Disability rights activist Judy Heumann and author Stephen Kuusisto share their perspectives on the accomplishments of the ADA and the critical work still left to do.
Last December, Benetech – through its SocialCoding4Good program – was invited to participate in SanDisk’s Day of Service. The event brought together technical employees with two accessibility projects from the DIAGRAM Center, one of Benetech’s Global Literacy initiatives. Approximately thirty SanDisk participants learned about the software tools that Benetech uses to translate images in STEM textbooks […]
This is a thrilling time to be in the technology-for-good business. The speed at which consumer and mobile technologies are evolving opens up so many opportunities to make greater social impact that touches more people faster. Our team has been thinking hard about Benetech’s next phase of growth and how we can best seize the tremendous opportunities available to us today to build a better tomorrow for all. My special passion recently has been thinking about using data for greater impact: watch for thought pieces from me on this topic in the coming months. I am delighted to share some of our latest news and exciting developments in our core programs.
Last month, Benetech CEO, Jim Fruchterman, President Betsy Beaumon, and the Benetech Global Literacy team visited Washington, D.C., for briefings with senior leaders of the U.S. Department of Education. This included an “image slam”—a hands-on session in which they used our image description tool, Poet, to make digital images in a classic children’s book accessible. Since 2012, volunteers at image slams and other events have described nearly 45,000 digital images using Poet. This April, National Volunteer Month, we celebrate the wonderful volunteers who make a difference every day and help advance Benetech’s mission.
