2024 M-Enabling Summit Highlights

The 2024 M-Enabling Summit, celebrating its 12th edition, took place from October 15-17 in Washington, DC. With a focus on "Transformations, Disruptions, and Opportunities for Digital Accessibility," the event attracted over 660 participants from 23 countries. Organized by G3ict, a United Nations-chartered nonprofit dedicated to advancing digital rights for persons with disabilities, the Summit featured both in-person and livestreamed sessions, providing a global platform for inclusive digital accessibility discussions.

The conference showcased a variety of engaging events including plenary keynotes, lightning talks, roundtable and panel discussions, 36 parallel sessions, six technical workshops, and 17 Accessibility Chats (A11y Chats) -- brief interviews with subject matter experts. Noteworthy keynote speakers included Judy Brewer from the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, Seth Dobbs, CEO of W3C, and Victor Calise, a Director in Walmart Belonging for Walmart's Accessibility Center of Excellence.

The general sessions delved into various aspects of AI, including AI on devices, AI ethics, the future of AI in digital inclusion, AI and assistive technology, and AI for wearables. Additionally, they featured discussions on closing the digital accessibility gap, designing inclusive consumer products, digital health, kiosks and self-service payments, technology for aging, accessibility in the metaverse, inclusive entertainment, accessible travel and tourism, digital workplaces, procurement processes, standards and policy updates addressing the U.S. and EU legal and regulatory landscapes.

Day 1. 10/15/2024. Round Table | AI On-Device: New Frontiers for Digital Inclusion: Gregg Vanderheiden, Andres Castrillon, Tomer Aharoni, Everette Bacon, and Alex Dunn

On the inaugural night, G3ict officials endorsed the Global Digital Compact (GDC), the latest UN global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance adopted by the General Assembly in September, aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The endorsement and discussion highlighted the expansion of G3ict's digital accessibility advocacy and activities, aligning with the goals of the GDC.

On the third day of the summit, the IAAP Forum marked a decade of achievements by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). As the educational and training arm of G3ict, IAAP has certified over 7,000 members across 104 countries. The Forum included panel discussions on hiring trends, job seeking, AI's impact on the profession, automation and overlays as well as six in-depth workshops on emergency preparedness, organizational maturity, digital accessibility for web and mobile, and accessible gaming. A special session addressed the European Accessibility Act (EAA), set to impact EU businesses from June 2025. This vibrant environment fostered learning and the exchange of insights, enhancing understanding of accessibility practices.

On the exhibitor floor, 40 companies showcased products, services, and innovations focused on enhancing digital accessibility. The event was supported by 32 sponsors and partnered with 20 organizations. This provided attendees with a prime opportunity to explore the latest advancements and network with industry leaders.

Overall, the Summit aimed to engage participants in global discussions on digital accessibility, highlighting the importance of inclusive design and technology. It offered a unique chance for attendees to engage, share best practices, and learn from leaders in the field. The next edition of the M-Enabling Summit will be held in October 2025 in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit m-enabling.com.