Accessibility in the workplace is no longer a novelty, but a necessity. With the increasing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, companies are recognizing the value of making their products and services accessible to everyone. But what does the future of accessibility look like?

Emerging Trends

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML are revolutionizing the accessibility landscape by enabling more personalized and accurate solutions. For example, AI-powered chatbots can assist users with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing, by providing real-time captions and translations.

Another area where AI is making a significant impact is in the field of image recognition. AI-powered image recognition can help users with visual impairments navigate through complex environments, such as airports or shopping malls, by providing them with detailed descriptions of their surroundings.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

VR/AR technology is also changing the accessibility game by providing new ways for people with disabilities to interact with information and environments. For example, VR/AR can be used to create immersive experiences for individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to explore and interact with virtual environments in a way that is not possible with traditional technologies.

Additionally, VR/AR can be used to provide people with physical disabilities with new ways to interact with the world. For example, VR/AR can be used to create virtual prosthetics that allow individuals with amputations to regain a sense of control and independence.

5G and Internet of Things (IoT)

The advent of 5G and IoT is expected to further enhance accessibility by providing faster and more reliable connectivity. This will enable people with disabilities to access information and services more easily and quickly, regardless of their location or device.

For example, 5G and IoT can be used to create smart homes that are more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Smart home devices can be controlled remotely, allowing individuals with mobility impairments to control their environment without having to physically interact with devices.

Technologies to Watch

Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech

Speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling people with disabilities to communicate more easily and effectively. For example, speech-to-text technology can be used to transcribe spoken language into written text, allowing individuals with speech or language impairments to communicate more easily.

Text-to-speech technology can also be used to provide audio descriptions of visual content, such as images and videos, allowing individuals with visual impairments to access information and entertainment more easily.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

BCIs are a type of technology that enables people to control devices with their thoughts. BCIs have the potential to revolutionize accessibility by providing individuals with severe physical or cognitive disabilities with new ways to interact with the world.

For example, BCIs can be used to enable individuals with locked-in syndrome to communicate more easily. BCIs can also be used to provide individuals with paralysis or other motor impairments with new ways to control devices and interact with their environment.

Accessible Gaming

Accessible gaming is a growing trend that is making it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy video games. Accessible gaming technologies can be used to provide gamers with disabilities with new ways to play, such as using eye-tracking technology or voice commands.

Accessible gaming is not only important for gamers with disabilities, but also for the gaming industry as a whole. By making games more accessible, developers can tap into a previously underserved market and create new revenue streams.

Conclusion

The future of accessibility is bright, with emerging trends and technologies that are making it possible for people with disabilities to interact with the world in new and innovative ways. From AI-powered chatbots to BCIs, the possibilities are endless, and the potential for positive change is immense.

As the accessibility landscape continues to evolve, it is important for companies and organizations to stay ahead of the curve and adopt new technologies and trends. By doing so, they can ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

FAQs

Q: What is the most promising emerging trend in accessibility?

A: The most promising emerging trend in accessibility is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). AI-powered technologies have the potential to revolutionize accessibility by enabling more personalized and accurate solutions.

Q: What is the future of accessible gaming?

A: The future of accessible gaming is bright, with emerging technologies such as eye-tracking and voice commands enabling gamers with disabilities to play in new and innovative ways. As the gaming industry continues to adopt accessible technologies, we can expect to see more inclusive and accessible games in the future.

Q: How can companies and organizations ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone?

A: Companies and organizations can ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone by adopting new technologies and trends, such as AI-powered chatbots and BCIs. They can also work with accessibility experts and organizations to ensure that their products and services meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Q: What is the most important thing that companies and organizations can do to support accessibility?

A: The most important thing that companies and organizations can do to support accessibility is to make it a priority. This can be achieved by allocating resources and budget to accessibility initiatives, and by incorporating accessibility into the product development process.

Adaptive Fashion: A Movement Reshaping the Industry

Adaptive fashion is a movement reshaping how the world approaches style and inclusivity. For decades, the one billion individuals living with disabilities have been excluded from mainstream fashion conversations, often left without clothing options that meet both their functional and aesthetic needs. However, the rise of accessibility-focused brands challenges these norms, proving that fashion can be empowering and practical. This shift isn’t just about designing for necessity—it’s about celebrating individuality and fostering a sense of belonging.

Slick Chicks: A Pioneer in Adaptive Fashion

Slick Chicks, the adaptive undergarment brand designed to empower individuals with disabilities, is marking a milestone year. After successfully breaking into Target stores through a strategic “crawl, walk, run” approach last year, the brand is preparing to enter 1,225 new retail locations in quarter two of this year. At its core, Slick Chicks remains steadfast in its mission: creating fashion that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment.

Helya Mohammadian, founder of Slick Chicks, comments, “For far too long, people with disabilities have been overlooked in the fashion industry, but that’s a huge missed opportunity. People with disabilities make up a significant portion of the global population, and the demand for inclusive, accessible fashion is only growing. By creating products that meet their needs, we’re not just helping individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered; we’re tapping into a vast, underserved market with enormous potential for growth and impact.”

Behind The Accessibility Brand

Mohammadian’s breakthrough moment came after her sister faced complications from a C-section. During her post-surgery recovery, simple tasks like bending over became incredibly difficult, leaving her feeling both physically and emotionally drained. In trying to support her sister, she uncovered a much larger issue: many people struggle with the basic act of getting dressed. This realization became the foundation for Slick Chicks.

In 2022, the company launched with QVC and went on air with QVC Live. It was the first time an inclusive model and intimate brand was featured on QVC Live. This experience laid the foundation for her expansion into Target stores.

Scaling a Business Focused on Inclusivity

While Slick Chicks has found success, scaling a business focused on inclusivity comes with its own set of challenges. “The biggest challenge has been trying to keep up with demand while ensuring we don’t compromise on quality or accessibility,” Mohammadian shares. As the company grew, the team leaned heavily on distribution partnerships to manage the pressure and meet customer needs.

Making Fashion More Accessible

Making fashion more accessible is a moral imperative and a business opportunity that brands can no longer ignore. By addressing the unique needs of people living with disabilities, fashion companies can foster inclusivity while tapping into a growing market with immense potential.

• Design functional and adaptive clothing—Brands can incorporate features that address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities, such as magnetic or Velcro fasteners, elastic waistbands, and adjustable hems. Creating clothing that is easy to put on and remove, even for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity, ensures functionality without sacrificing style.
• Include representation in marketing and design—Accessibility isn’t just about the product; it’s also about visibility. Brands can feature models with disabilities in their campaigns and involve people with disabilities in the design process. This creates more authentic products.
• Improve retail accessibility—It is required to ensure that physical and online shopping experiences are accessible. This includes offering detailed product descriptions, sizing guides, and compatibility with assistive technology on websites to make online shopping seamless for all customers.

Conclusion

Regardless of ability, everyone deserves to feel confident, empowered, and sexy in their clothing. Slick Chicks’ journey isn’t just about commercial success—it’s about creating systemic change within the fashion industry.

FAQs

Q: What is adaptive fashion?
A: Adaptive fashion is a movement that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment in the fashion industry, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Q: What is Slick Chicks’ mission?
A: Slick Chicks’ mission is to create fashion that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

Q: How does Slick Chicks address the unique needs of people with disabilities?
A: Slick Chicks addresses the unique needs of people with disabilities by designing functional and adaptive clothing, including features such as magnetic or Velcro fasteners, elastic waistbands, and adjustable hems.

If you want to see the power of perseverance, look no farther than Shelley Zalis.

Change Can Happen If You Want It

Ten years ago, her invite to Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) came with a disclaimer: “You might not feel welcome,” due to the “boys’ club” environment that seemed prevalent at the time.

On that day, she took a stand, and the result of her efforts led to the creation of the Equality Lounge at Davos. The participants and programming of which, would change the face and gender balance around one the most world’s powerful annual events.

The WEF and the Need for Change

The WEF was created in 1971 as a forum to discuss the world’s challenges. When it was originally founded, 83% of the attendees, known as delegates, who were invited to participate were men. The most powerful prime ministers, presidents, central bank leaders, CEOs and executives were all together in one place. But when you looked across the rooms, it was evident that one notable group wasn’t given an equal opportunity to participate in these closed-door meetings, dinners and community: women.

Enter Shelley Zalis

Enter Shelley Zalis, a former tech CEO and renowned entrepreneur from Los Angeles, CA. Ms. Zalis pioneered online research through her company Online Testing Exchange, which she would end up selling for $80 million. From that moment, she committed herself to elevating women and driving change.

The Female Quotient and the Equality Lounge

In 2015, she founded The Female Quotient (The FQ), a company focused on advancing equality in the workplace. The FQ brings visibility to female and diverse leaders through collaborative partnerships, creating metrics for businesses, building out live events and creating an online forum to advance gender parity worldwide.

The Equality Lounge is now The FQ’s signature curated experience, showing up at the biggest industry and cultural events in the world—from CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, to Advertising Week in New York City and The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France. And at the WEF, the lounge has become the place to see and be seen.

What Happens at the Lounge

When speaking to Ms. Zalis, it’s obvious that she has her thumb on the pulse of this moment.

“People say we’ve created both a welcoming and safe space where there’s no competition, no hierarchy—just a shared commitment to action. We create an intimate, judgment-free space where CEOs, policymakers and changemakers connect and share ideas that drive real results. Whether it’s closing the pay gap, fostering inclusive cultures or tackling bias in AI, every panel and discussion is designed to leave leaders with actionable takeaways.”

And its effects are palpable.

It Starts And Ends With Intention

“Equality isn’t a dream—it’s a decision. And today’s leaders face a defining moment: drive workplace equality forward or fall behind.” According to the WEF Gender Gap Report, it will take 134 years to close the gender gap. Ms. Zalis believes that “conscious leadership can flip this timeline to just five years. The global pandemic proved we can transform workplace norms overnight.”

Conclusion

The data is showing some pandemic evolutions waning—for instance, remote work is wearing off, and the growth of video-calling platforms, such as Zoom, has stalled. In light of this, will equality help reshape our professional world?

“We have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate meaningful change,” Ms. Zalis said.

FAQs

Q: What is the Equality Lounge?

A: The Equality Lounge is a curated experience created by The Female Quotient, bringing together CEOs, policymakers, and changemakers to discuss and drive real results in advancing gender parity worldwide.

Q: What is The Female Quotient?

A: The Female Quotient is a company founded by Shelley Zalis, focused on advancing equality in the workplace through collaborative partnerships, creating metrics for businesses, building out live events, and creating an online forum to advance gender parity worldwide.

Q: What is the WEF Gender Gap Report?

A: The WEF Gender Gap Report is an annual report that measures the gap between men and women in four key areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.