Technology in the service of accessibility for people with disabilities

Ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is important to recognize Israeli innovation that leads the field of accessibility. Three apps developed in Israel – Nagish, RightHear, and TA`AL – demonstrate how technology can play an integral role in improving quality of life, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering integration into the community and workforce.

The TA`AL app offers a solution that facilitates the integration of autistic individuals into workplaces, along with their employers. The app customizes work tasks for people on the spectrum using data analysis powered by artificial intelligence, while also improving communication and on-the-job support. The system matches tasks to the employees' abilities, allows autistic workers to self-monitor their tasks, assists in communication and managing expectations with employers, and provides close support that reduces managers' workloads.

The application promotes autonomy and a sense of capability among users while also encouraging employers to hire workers with disabilities by enabling simpler communication for employee management. According to Ronit Shusel, Head of the Knowledge Development, Research, and Training Division at ALUT, "This is an innovative approach aimed at making employment integration a natural and simpler process for all parties involved. ALUT already uses the app within specialized training programs for autistic individuals with varying support needs – in day centers for autistic adults and in professional chef training courses. This is a living example of technology's power to improve lives for both employees and employers."

The Nagish app offers an innovative solution for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population, who struggle with phone communication. Using artificial intelligence, the app enables real-time transcription of phone calls, customizing the display to meet users' personal needs. Additionally, it provides an intuitive solution that eliminates the need for human intermediaries.

Nagish, founded by Tomer Aharony and Alon Azar, has proven to be a life-changing tool, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the ability to communicate became critical. The company already collaborates with giants like Amazon and Comcast, offering solutions that improve accessibility for deaf employees in large companies’ logistics centers. Nagish’s goal is not just to facilitate calls but to build real bridges that grant independence to people with hearing and speech impairments.

RightHear focuses on accessibility for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Its solution integrates artificial intelligence and image processing, enabling users to identify their location and navigate spaces through direct audio descriptions on their smartphones. This advanced solution has already been implemented in properties owned by the Reality real estate group in Israel, allowing users independent navigation in spaces such as malls, community centers, and workplaces.

Idan Meir, CEO of RightHear, explains: "Our technology provides tools that strengthen the independence of blind individuals every single day. The goal is to expand the use of the technology not only in Israel but worldwide, leading to real change."