Last year at CSUN's Assistive Technology Conference (ATC), we were captivated by Augmental’s MouthPad^, a hands-free touchpad that allows individuals with limited hand or arm mobility to control their computers and smartphones using their tongue. The MouthPad^ set a high bar for game-changers in digital access. This year, however, the innovation on display moved even further.
In March, members of the InnoCaption team gathered at the 41st Annual CSUN ATC in Anaheim to identify the next generation of breakthroughs. Among the many innovations featured, these five technologies stood out for both their practical impact and their sophisticated design.
What It Is
The Glide is an AI-powered mobility tool described as "The World’s First Intelligent Guide." This device consists of a motorized, two-wheeled base that rolls on the ground, connected to a sturdy, adjustable handle. Much like a high-tech version of a guide dog’s harness, the user holds the handle while the base autonomously steers the way forward.
Key Features
CSUN Highlights
Our team watched Glide in action throughout the conference hall. We observed as the device facilitated navigation through dense crowds, successfully steering around exhibit booths and shifting foot traffic. The physical "pull" of the handle provided a clear sense of direction that remained reliable even in the midst of the busy hall.
Why It Matters
Glide offers independence with a remarkably low learning curve. For individuals who find traditional cane travel physically taxing, or for those who cannot commit to the long-term training and care required for a guide dog, Glide provides an intelligent, tech-driven alternative. It delivers the intuitive guidance of a service animal in a compact, maintenance-free package.
What It Is
TAMI® is a collection of smart eyewear frames designed to enhance upper-body safety for blind and low-vision individuals. While a traditional white cane monitors ground-level hazards, these glasses utilize radar to identify obstacles in "blind spots" located above the waist.
Key Features
CSUN Highlights
Our team watched as attendees using TAMI® frames moved through the crowded hallways of the Anaheim Marriott with remarkable fluidity. Even in the densest areas of the exhibit hall, users maintained a steady pace. They relied on discreet vibrations to steer around pillars and pedestrians without noticeable hesitation.
Why It Matters
Integrating high-end fashion with radar technology marks a pivotal shift in inclusive design. By positioning these frames as a premium accessory, Lighthouse Tech helps dismantle the social stigma frequently attached to mobility aids. This approach empowers users to prioritize their safety without compromising their personal identity or sense of style.
What It Is
Convo is a Deaf-owned company that has developed a complete ecosystem of communication tools for American Sign Language (ASL) users. Their platform is designed to facilitate easy and efficient interactions in personal, professional, and public settings.
Key Features
CSUN Highlights
At the Convo booth, our team experienced the practicality of Convo Now firsthand. We used the app to speak directly with a Deaf representative, utilizing a live interpreter to facilitate a smooth, face-to-face conversation. The experience clearly demonstrated how the technology bridges communication gaps during spontaneous, in-person encounters.
Why It Matters
By providing tools that are ready for immediate use in retail locations and workplaces, Convo ensures that the Deaf community can navigate the world with the same autonomy and ease as their hearing peers.
What It Is
Developed by nWise, myMMX db is a videophone application specifically engineered for individuals who are DeafBlind or have low vision. It utilizes the "Total Conversation" standard, allowing users to engage via video, Real-Time Text (RTT), and voice simultaneously within a single interface.
Key Features
CSUN Highlights
We were particularly impressed by the independent answering machine feature. This functionality allows DeafBlind users to access and manage their messages privately instead of with sighted assistance, providing a level of independence that other platforms don't.
Why It Matters
Private communication is a fundamental component of independence. By addressing specific tactile and visual requirements, myMMX db empowers DeafBlind individuals to manage their professional and social lives on their own terms.
What It Is
HumanWare is a global leader in Braille technology. This year, they featured the BrailleNote evolve, a tactile note-taker that integrates their familiar KeySoft interface into a full Windows 11 Pro environment. This allows users to enjoy a specialized Braille experience without sacrificing the power of a modern PC.
Key Features:
CSUN Highlights
The demonstrations our team observed focused on the synergy between these two tools for STEM accessibility. Educators expressed significant interest in how students can now use standard Windows-based tools on the BrailleNote evolve while utilizing the Monarch to "feel" complex graphs and maps in real-time.
Why It Matters
Braille remains a fundamental pillar of education and career advancement. By ensuring their devices are compatible with the same Windows ecosystems used by sighted peers, HumanWare is dismantling the barriers to entry in both the classroom and the workplace. This compatibility ensures that Braille readers possess the same technical capabilities as their colleagues, which is essential for achieving true professional equity.
Several themes emerged across the innovations we explored:
Beyond the hardware, the human element remains the most rewarding part of the conference. We spoke with individuals who shared how these tools provide a newfound sense of autonomy in their daily lives. These stories, along with the chance to reconnect with partners who share our vision, reminded us that our commitment to inclusive design is about more than just technology.
The 41st Annual CSUN conference provided a clear look at where accessibility is headed, and we returned home energized by the community shaping the future of inclusion. We are already looking forward to CSUN 2027, set to take place March 8–12, 2027, in Anaheim. To the developers, advocates, and users who made this week possible: thank you. Your work is building a more inclusive and connected world.
Minah Han is a marketing professional dedicated to advancing accessible communication solutions for the deaf and hard of hearing community. At InnoCaption, she leverages her expertise in digital marketing and storytelling to amplify the voices of individuals who rely on innovative technologies for everyday conversations. Minah is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and accessibility, helping to drive awareness and education around captioned calling solutions.
InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.
