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Embracing Possibilities: My Journey Utilizing Spatial Computing Systems

As a social entrepreneur, I have always believed in the power of technology to break barriers and create new opportunities. One area that has particularly fascinated me is the potential of spatial computing systems to enhance accessibility for the blind and visually impaired (BVI). Spatial computing systems are a fusion of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies that enable the seamless integration of digital information and virtual objects into the physical world, creating immersive and interactive experiences. In this blog, I want to share my personal journey of learning about its capabilities and shed light on how developers can leverage spatial computing systems to empower individuals like myself. Together, we can open doors to a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial landscape.

Navigating with Confidence
Spatial computing systems have revolutionized the way I navigate and interact with the world around me, through the use of haptic feedback and audio cues. These systems provide real-time information about my surroundings, giving me the confidence to explore new environments independently. That is truly all I want back from my former sighted life, my complete hands-free autonomy. I love my husband and would hold his hand forever but I know many others and I would appreciate having a choice rather than a forced necessity. Think about maneuvering an airport, crowded restaurant, or restroom at an arena. As a developer, you can contribute by creating immersive applications that offer precise navigation instructions, helping blind individuals like me confidently move through unfamiliar spaces.

Transforming Education
Education is the foundation of growth and empowerment. Spatial computing systems have the potential to transform the way blind and visually impaired individuals access knowledge. As a student, I’ve realized that inclusive educational experiences are crucial for success. By leveraging 3D modeling, interactive simulations, and tactile feedback, developers can create accessible learning tools that cater to diverse learning styles. Block Coding is one of the few learning tools that are currently out on the market that includes these alternative methods. Recently, I signed up for a UX design course but was unable to complete it once I got to the low Fidelity prototyping segment. I automatically thought of SCS as a way for BVI learners to participate. What if we could draw accurately & precisely with our eyes closed?

Building Inclusive Social Platforms
Entrepreneurship thrives on collaboration and networking. However, as a blind entrepreneur, I have faced challenges in engaging with others in social and professional settings. Imagine trying to network in an unfamiliar room with hundreds of professionals. Who or where do you engage first? How do you know to initiate a conversation without noticing body language queues? Spatial computing systems offer an exciting opportunity to bridge this gap. Developers can create virtual reality platforms that foster inclusive social interactions, enabling blind and visually impaired individuals to participate in virtual meetings, conferences, and networking events. By embracing this technology, we can level the playing field and promote diversity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. I’m looking at you META, no pun intended.

Embracing Accessible Information
Accessing information is vital for any entrepreneur, regardless of visual abilities. Spatial computing systems can empower BVI’s by providing real-time access to information from physical objects, images, and text. How many times have you yelled out, “Hey! What’s this?” Or had to pull out an app. By utilizing computer vision and natural language processing, developers can create applications within wearable tech or virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa that conduct object identification, text recognition, and audio descriptions. This inclusive approach ensures that blind entrepreneurs have equal access to information, breaking down barriers to success.

All in all, as an entrepreneur, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of spatial computing systems in creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. By harnessing these technologies, developers can empower blind and visually impaired individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence. Let’s collaborate to build immersive applications for navigation, inclusive education, social interactions, and information access. Together, we can break down barriers, create opportunities, and embrace a future where blind entrepreneurs thrive. Join me on this journey to cultivate inclusivity and diversity. Please share your thoughts & ideas on leveraging the power of spatial computing systems for persons with disabilities in the comments below.

The importance of making pivots and being adaptive

At JancynCo we understand the importance of making pivots and being adaptive to accommodate progression. There is no denying the value of education. As avid life learners, we are always looking to bolster our knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve. Through this research, we at JancynCo have established a key set of values and principles that make any project we come in contact with modernized. Let’s take a look at what these values and principles are, why they matter, and how they help us deliver successful projects for our clients.

Our Values: Human-Centered Design, Universal Design, & Agile Leadership
When it comes to our values, three stand out as especially important here at JancynCo. Human-centered design is at the heart of everything we do because it allows us to create user experiences that are tailored toward real people. Universal design ensures that everyone can use and benefit from our work regardless of their background or abilities. Lastly, agile leadership is necessary for any successful project because it helps us move quickly while still staying focused on quality work.

Our Principles: Speed, Precision, & Quality
In addition to our core values, there are three main principles that guide every project we take on—speed, precision, and quality. Speed is incredibly important because technology advances quickly and being able to keep up with this pace is necessary for success. Precision is key because data drives decisions that can help us hit our targets more easily. Finally, quality matters above all else—we pride ourselves on the deep connection each team member has with their work so that every product or service delivered meets the highest standards possible.

At JancynCo, we believe strongly in the value of education and research; without them, we would be unable to provide top-notch products or services to our clients. By following a set of core values such as human-centered design, universal design, and agile leadership as well as principles like speed, precision, and quality—we can deliver successful projects each time! Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out in your career field—the importance of these values & principles cannot be overstated!

Exploring the World with Accessibility

Accessibility is an essential aspect of travel for individuals with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability, and they should have the same opportunities to travel as anyone else. In this context, technology plays a crucial role in providing accessible and user-friendly experiences.

One of the most recommended brands for persons with disabilities is Apple. This is supported by vocational counselors, as well as personal experiences, as they provide a range of features that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive.

During my recent trip to San Francisco, I was able to fully experience the power of Apple products and accessibility features. The FlyDelta app, along with my iPhone and Apple Watch, made navigating my trip a breeze. The iCal, Mail, and Maps apps worked seamlessly together to provide an accessible and user-friendly experience. According to a study by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, user-centered design is essential for accessibility, and Apple products excel in this aspect.

One of the most important things for me as a person who walks with a cane is to have my hands free to protect and guide myself through a bustling airport. This is where my Apple Watch with voice over came in handy. According to the American Association of People with Disabilities, assistive technology such as voice recognition can greatly enhance the travel experience for individuals with disabilities. I was able to walk freely, with my backpack in tow and my cane in hand, while receiving timely and beneficial notifications from the FlyDelta app. This included information about gate locations, flight changes, and even details about my luggage and audio description options for movies. All of these features worked together to create an ergonomically sound experience.

In conclusion, accessibility is a key aspect of travel for individuals with disabilities and technology plays a significant role in providing accessible and user-friendly experiences. As per the studies and personal experiences, Apple products are highly recommended for persons with disabilities. They allow us to navigate the world with ease and independence, and I am grateful for the peace of mind and confidence they have given me on my travels. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for accessible and user-friendly technology.

Unlocking the Power of Accessibility: Accessibility Saved My Life

Are you wondering how unlocking the power of accessibility can save your life? You may have seen ads or heard stories about accessible technology transforming the lives of people with disabilities; however, these technology tools are not just for those with visible disabilities. In fact, there’s a whole world of hidden benefits from embracing and utilizing digital accessibility—and I want to tell you my story. When I lost my vision and got on dialysis seven years ago my life completely changed. I lost my autonomy which led to me redefining my identity. It was only after discovering how accessible technologies such as screen readers and text-to-speech could help me gain greater independence that my attitude toward life changed drastically for the better. I want to provide some essential advice on leveraging assistive tech solutions so you too can start benefiting from their incredible potential!

Accessibility and the digital world go hand-in-hand. Accessibility is about ensuring that everyone can access digital content, regardless of ability or disability. This means that the design of websites, applications, and other digital products must take into account the needs of all users, including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, have mobility issues, or have any other disabilities. It also extends to people who may not have disabilities but may still encounter difficulties in accessing online content due to a lack of knowledge or resources.

The power of accessible technology cannot be overstated. It has revolutionized the lives of many individuals with disabilities by providing them with alternatives to traditional communication methods such as phone calls or meetings face-to-face. For example, voice recognition software allows those with mobility issues to control their computer with just their voice. Similarly, speech recognition software enables people with hearing impairments to communicate more easily online by converting spoken words into text on a screen.

Accessible technology has even extended beyond helping those who are disabled – it has become an invaluable tool for businesses across industries. By making sure that webpages are designed with accessibility in mind and leveraging assistive technologies such as screen readers and alternative input methods, businesses can reach a wider audience and ensure that all customers can access their products and services without facing any barriers. Additionally, they may even benefit from reduced development time since these features often require fewer coding resources to implement when compared to features specifically tailored for one particular user group or accessibility need.

In my condition, I wondered how I fit into a world not created for people with disabilities. With accessibility, I was able to navigate day-to-day operations in my home, enter back into the workforce, and access the world by traveling again. Because of accessibility, I run two digital businesses, I’m able to write my second book, and now I am an advocate and board member for several organizations for the advancement of people with disabilities. We need accessibility so that our workforce is enriched by the true diversity of society. By giving and amplifying the voice of people with disabilities in various industries we are creating a more accessible world that truly defines mankind through its interactions with one another.

Finally, embracing accessible technology can be an important part of understanding true diversity in our world today. By providing equal access to everyone regardless of their abilities or disabilities we create a more inclusive society where everyone is able to participate in digital life and share their voices without fear of being judged or excluded simply because they are different from others around them.

In conclusion, we should all be striving towards creating more accessible digital experiences no matter what industry we work in – it is essential if we want our society to become fully inclusive for all members regardless of ability or disability; only then will we truly achieve true diversity through accessibility!

Jancynco Partners with the City of DeSoto

For National Disability Employee Awareness Month, Mayor Rachel Proctor of DeSoto, Texas hosted the 1st “Able to Work” virtual forum. Jancynco along with organizations, Best Buddies International, North Texas Disability Chamber and Soaring Eagles championed the discussion on creating opportunities for disabled citizens, policy reform and available resources for the community. This city-wide initiative was the first of its kind for DeSoto, Dallas’ Great Southwest and regionally for Best Buddies.

Watch the forum below for more on this great discussion:

Small Business Ownership by People with Disabilities

CEO, Tiffani Martin along with other entrepreneurs with disabilities share their experiences with growing a business while navigating support gaps. Research led by the National Disability Institute and JP Morgan Chase identified findings and recommendations that can provide an improved ecosystem for over 2 million disability-owned businesses.

For information on the report and the full initiative, click here: https://www.disabilitysmallbusiness.org/event/small-business-ownership-by-people-with-disabilities-challenges-and-opportunities/

Tiffani Martin on Kidney Health for the American Diabetes Association

Jancynco CEO, Tiffani Martin, discusses with leaders in the field of endocrinology about the importance of kidney health and living a life with type one diabetes. African Americans have a higher risk of hypertension and type two diabetes. Martin hopes her story can shed light to the stigmas Black culture historically has as well as provides insight on how the healthcare system can better serve the community.

6 ADA Web Accessibility Trends Revealed in our Mid-Year 2022 Report

Written by Jason Taylor | Jun 30, 2022 2:00:00 PM

We just published our mid-year ADA web and App report created by the UsableNet research team reviewing all lawsuits filed in federal courts under the ADA and California state court under Unruh. We review the cases to identify where a digital property, including websites, mobile apps, and video, is the subject of the claim. Our bi-annual reports let UsableNet inform our clients and provide them with the most up-to-date advice for planning their digital accessibility initiatives.

Here is my main take on some key numbers based on what we have seen in 2022 and what’s driving those numbers. The full report can be downloaded for free here.

1. Web accessibility lawsuit numbers are high and set to only get higher.

Click Here to Read More

The Blind Executive

A few years ago I co-authored a book about how to do “success different”. The focus was not on how to get more but how to deal with excess. I felt I did the “right” very applicable thing by mentioning how to be a great steward. In theory it was accurate and during that time in my life, very relevant but not realistic. With my generation the “poorest” than others years past, debts in astronomical amounts and the idea of the American Dream an utter nightmare nothing was really relatable about what I said to my peers. My best lesson was learned when I lacked. For those who have followed my journey or have stumbled upon this blog, the last several years were being lived in a state of lack due to becoming blind as a result of my bout with Type 1 Diabetes. To me, I got hit with this challenge at the precipice of my beginning. It was when I realized my potential not the time when you get to flex possibilities. The last year has been spent on a comeback at a societal perception of a deficit. Here’s truth, I am at way more of an advantage to my peers than most would realize and here’s why…

You become a creator, not an enhancer…

You dismiss the boundaries set by your perceived limit in conception when you allow your vision room to breathe. It has become very easy for me to learn an array of ideas, methods, philosophies and so much more because the lack of seen references alters the beauty of learning something for the first time. Experts say the most formidable and imperative stages of a human are in their early years between the ages of 2 to 5, why? That age is full of experience and testing limits freely because that child is not restricted by their past or fears. The same goes for my sight. I am free to think big because when it pertains to new projects, there is nothing recent to make me feel as though it cannot be done. Everything you see today started with a thought which means the physical realization of that thing is the furthest extent of the originators creativity. The Wright Brothers wanted to fly and now everything that came after their original conception will be a variation of that original model. No one can ever take their idea and make a new one, they will only be able to replicate variations of it when it pertains to any airborn vehicle. When you can produce something out of nothing you have the right to call yourself a creator.

When you allow your vision to exceed your sight…

I was recently asked to produce a concept for an airline within their digital, experiential strategy. I jumped at the opportunity because by losing one key faculty I utilize other senses to navigate when experiencing different things. Experiential marketing has become a popular trend because if you want something to resonate with an individual you have to provide a full sensory encounter felt by the entire body. This goes beyond relying on one sense to understand or adapt. It requires more focus and dedication from our bodies to adopt something new or foreign than something attainable which you are more inclined to retain because of the output of effort. Look at it this way. Have you ever read a book, listened to a lyrically inclined song or recalled a passage of text and closed your eyes to do so? We all do because it is our bodies natural reflex to shut down any unnecessary distractions to focus on the pertinent information within our active conscious. Now imagine the ability to consume information audibly without the dependence of sight.

In tune with energy…

Many people overlook basic instinctual tools within business. That gut feeling is energy. The ability to predict a trend based off of data, accurately, is energy from the sustained knowledge needed for mental activity. The sense that a co-worker, boss or client might have doubt about that proposal you showed them… energy. Most people, with sight, overlook what they don’t see with what they do. Have you ever said something and realized after the fact that it might have been the wrong thing at the wrong time based off someone’s reaction? That’s because it takes someone that is in tune with their senses to notice someone else’s i.e. when we label those “sensitive”. Billionaires, inventors and great leaders are all able to sense something most don’t, we just call it instinct. That’s why they are successful. They either sensed something quicker or better than the rest because they were able to immerse their entire selves and focus all their energy to become an expert as the law of 10,000 expresses. This might seem unconventional and require some practice but the next time you are in the middle of an intense conversation try closing your eyes and focusing on not only what someone is saying, but tone, inflection, pauses, intensity and context. You might garner a broader understanding that’s beneficially intentional for the direction of the conversation.

In no way do I want to glorify being blind. Quite frankly, living in this world is not conducive for the physically challenged community and it is only due to recent advancements in technology that we are warranted the same opportunities as our counterparts but there is still a long ways to go. I want to highlight that what most lack in physical ability they make up substantially in mental and emotional capabilities. Emotional intelligence is so important right now because it does not matter how much effort you put in you are only as effective as your ability to communicate that idea not by force but by relationship. It is one of the things I had to learn when I became blind. If I am unable to accomplish something efficiently I have to enhance my interpersonal skills to be effective and so do brilliant others in my position. This extends far beyond the disabled community… give people opportunities beyond what you SEE on paper. You might miss out on the change agent your VISION needs to take you to the next level.

Tiffani Martin is the Chief Executive Officer at Jancynco, Author and advocate for disabled persons. With over 15 years of digital marketing experience, she hopes to bridge the gap for underserved communities with technology. Connect with Tiffani on Twitter/Instagram @TiffaniJancyn, LinkedIn.com/in/TiffaniJMartin or Tiffani@Jancynco.com

Introducing Jason Caston – Janynco Partner

Jason Caston is an international speaker, author and digital/social/content specialist. Caston has authored over 5 books on digital strategies and developed an innovative approach to helping organizations advance their online presence using a six-part approach of Websites, multimedia, eCommerce, Social Media, Mobile, and Innovation. Caston also helped develop the “immersive online experience” methodology of enhancing customer journeys and modular content using automation and digital touchpoint. Additionally, Caston was the spokesperson for AT&T’s national #InspiredMobility campaign that highlights how we use mobile technology to enhance our personal lives.