Accessibility in technology is crucial for equal access to information and resources for people with disabilities. Tiffani Martin experienced the stark contrast of full sight to blindness due to severe medical crises. Despite these challenges, she leveraged her experiences to become an advocate for accessible technology.Tiffani’s vision is to raise awareness about the disparities faced by people with disabilities, especially in the Black community. Celebrating Disability Pride Month helps highlight these issues and fosters support for better resources and inclusivity. Tiffani’s own journey, marked by her diagnosis of Type 1 juvenile diabetes, severe health decline, and eventual blindness, underscores the importance of accessible technology in enabling a quality life for everyone.Tiffani co-founded VisioTech, a company focused on accessible technologies, offering consultations on IT, web, and digital accessibility. Her vision for VisioTech was born during her recovery from severe health setbacks, including a kidney and pancreas transplant. VisioTech has since grown, advocating for accessible technology through various projects, consultations, and speaking engagements.After losing her sight, Tiffani had to relearn technology using tools like JAWS, a screen reader. This journey led her to transition from marketing to technology, becoming a certified Scrum Master and product owner. She is also pursuing an MBA in cybersecurity at Baylor University to further her mission of aiding marginalized communities through technology.Accessibility in technology means more than just access; it ensures people with disabilities can use technology effectively. Access is essential services like banking, where inaccessible websites can block access. Tiffani emphasizes the importance of universally accessible websites to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Community awareness and advocacy for accessibility are also imp. Tiffani and her husband, a public service officer, actively work within their Southern Dallas community to raise awareness about disability rights and resources. Together with DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor, they have launched initiatives like the “Able to Work Resource Fair” to provide job opportunities and education on accessible resources.Artificial Intelligence (AI) also plays a significant role in promoting accessibility. Tiffani advocates for inclusive AI development, addressing biases that affect people with disabilities. She said it’s important to incorporate diverse data and involve professionals with disabilities in AI development to ensure these technologies are designed inclusively.She’s sharing more about this in her upcoming e-book, “eyeRobot,” that explores how AI can enhance accessibility. Blending professional insights with personal narratives, the book aims to demystify AI and advocate for inclusive design that serves everyone, particularly marginalized communities.Tiffani’s mission is clear: societal change is needed to remove the barriers that render people disabled. Her advocacy for accessible technology and inclusivity strives to create a world where everyone can thrive. Connect with Tiffani on LinkedIn or through VisioTech to learn more about her work and initiatives.
