Accessibility

Search documents
Could we detect breast cancer with your fingerprint? | Simona Francese | TEDxManchester
TEDx Talks· 2025-06-16 17:01
Breast Cancer Statistics and Screening Challenges - Globally, breast cancer caused 670,000 deaths in 2022, with 11,500 deaths in the UK, equating to 32 deaths per day, and cases are predicted to rise to 70,000 by 2040 [1] - While death rates are falling by 44% due to interventions, better screening, and treatments, low screening uptake remains a concern, especially among underserved populations [1] - NHS backlogs, exacerbated by decades of underfunding and COVID-19, contribute to reduced resources and disproportion between screenings needed and available radiologists and mammographic equipment [1] - Accessibility problems are significantly worse for underserved populations, with cultural unacceptability, invasiveness, fear of radiation, and pain deterring women from undergoing mammography [1] - A survey revealed that 21% of 2,000 women cited embarrassment and fear of pain as reasons for avoiding screening [1] Fingerprint-Based Breast Cancer Screening Innovation - A novel fingerprint-based test is proposed as a non-invasive, radiation-free, and painless alternative to mammography, bypassing NHS backlogs and resource constraints [1] - The technology utilizes mass spectrometry (MALDI) to analyze molecular patterns in fingerprints, identifying proteins indicative of an individual's state, including potential biomarkers for breast cancer [1] - Research demonstrated the ability to differentiate between male and female fingerprints with 86% accuracy by analyzing protein profiles [2] - A study involving 135 samples from 15 women showed that a machine learning algorithm could distinguish between early breast cancer, benign conditions, and metastatic cancer with 97.8% accuracy [2] - The fingerprint test aims to reduce NHS costs, increase accessibility (potentially at GP practices or at home), improve compliance, and ultimately save lives [2]
Tobii Dynavox shows how AI empowers people with disabilities at Microsoft Ability Summit
Prnewswire· 2025-03-18 13:24
Core Insights - Tobii Dynavox is showcasing its assistive communication solutions at Microsoft's Ability Summit, highlighting the integration of Microsoft's AI-powered Neural Voice to enhance communication for individuals with disabilities [1][3] - The collaboration between Tobii Dynavox and Microsoft aims to provide innovative solutions that empower users with disabilities, offering them more choices in communication [3] Company and Industry Developments - Tobii Dynavox will demonstrate a real-world application of Microsoft's Neural Voice, controlled by eye movement, on the TD I-Series communication aid, which operates on Windows OS and supports multiple languages [2] - The partnership has resulted in Neural Voices being available in over 50 languages across Tobii Dynavox applications, including TD Talk and TD Phone, enhancing accessibility for users globally [2][3] - Recent advancements include the use of AI in phrase prediction within TD Talk to improve communication speed and intuitiveness, and the introduction of See-Through Mode for more natural face-to-face interactions [5] - Tobii Dynavox's library features over 80,000 PCS symbols, which are utilized in Microsoft's Immersive Reader to support symbol-based communication [5] - The custom-built Windows Accessible IoT operating system offers enhanced personalization and extended support for users, furthering the goal of accessibility [5]
Digital Braille Displays Market Analysis Report 2024-2030: Increased Focus on Smart Solutions for Real-Time Text Translation, Integration of AI and Voice Assistance Enhances Usability
Globenewswire· 2025-03-13 15:38
Core Insights - The global market for Digital Braille Displays was valued at US$42.9 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$53.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2030 [1][12]. Market Overview - Digital Braille displays adoption is particularly strong in developed countries due to stringent accessibility standards and government investments in assistive technologies [3]. - The market is driven by increasing awareness of accessibility, advancements in technology, and supportive regulatory frameworks [4]. Market Trends & Drivers - Consumer behavior is shifting towards a demand for compact, portable, and multifunctional devices, influencing product innovation [5]. - Technological advancements such as improved tactile feedback, multi-line capabilities, and features like Bluetooth connectivity are enhancing user experience [6][7]. - The global push for inclusivity, supported by policies like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act, is driving demand for digital Braille displays [8][9]. Regional Analysis - The U.S. market is valued at $11.7 Billion in 2024, while China is forecasted to grow at a 6.9% CAGR to reach $10.8 Billion by 2030 [17]. - The Portable Braille Displays segment is expected to reach US$25.9 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.8%, while the Desktop Braille Displays segment is projected to grow at a 2.6% CAGR [17]. Competitive Landscape - Key players in the market include Bristol Braille Technology, Dot Incorporation, Eurobraille, and Freedom Scientific Inc. [11][18]. - The report features comprehensive market data, including annual sales and forecasts, and in-depth regional analysis [11][12].