Samsung is committed to develop new products and solutions that will help persons with disabilities access the benefits of the latest technologies, said Mr. Jinuk Shin, Vice President and Head of Corporate Citizenship Group, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
Speaking at the international conference on “Role of ICTs (Information and Communications Technologies) for Persons with Disabilities” jointly organized by UNESCO and the Government of India, he elaborated how Samsung is extending its corporate social responsibility to its business and products. Samsung is an industry partner to the conference, which brings together experts in issues of accessibility for persons with disabilities from across the world.
Speaking about Samsung’s focus on innovation, Mr. Shin cited the example of ‘Eye-can’, a Samsung solution which is an eye-controlled mouse that can be used by people affected by motor neuron diseases to control movements or enter text by blinking to an on-screen keyboard. Mr. Shin also discussed other Samsung solutions that improve ease of use for the elderly or the visually impaired, such as applications that read out what is on a smartphone or tablet screen, and hidden edge interfaces, where menus pop up easily by pressing the screen in any corner of a smartphone or tablet.
“Samsung is working to develop products that ensure everyone can access the benefits of advanced information and communications technology,” said Mr. Shin. “We believe that everyone should be able to use technology to access the varied experiences it offers, and for the self-sufficiency that it can provide them. We are continuously innovating to make these technologies affordable for all.”
Samsung also displayed at the conference exhibition some of its products and solutions developed to increase accessibility. The Galaxy Core Advance devices have several sensory enhancing accessories to improve accessibility for hearing or visually impaired people, such as an ultrasonic cover that detects obstacles up to two metres away or an optical scan stand that ‘converts’ printed material into text that users can listen to.
In addition to improving accessibility for persons with disabilities through research and innovation, Samsung also supports their rights to lead a life of equality and dignity, and their ability to inspire. Samsung has been supporting the Paralympics since 2006.
Samsung has, over the years, leveraged its legacy of innovation to open newer possibilities for people. Through its corporate citizenship platform, Samsung places significant focus on improving education, employment and healthcare for people across the world. In India, Samsung focuses on providing underprivileged children a chance at quality education and in helping bridge the digital gap. This is done through Samsung Smart class, set up in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across the length and breadth of the country. The Smart Classes are equipped with an interactive Samsung whiteboard, Samsung laptops for the students, a printer, wi-fi and a power backup to ensure continuous learning. Samsung has also collaborated with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and state Departments of Technical Education to set up technical schools where youth from underprivileged communities can gain vocational skills that will equip them to seek job opportunities in the growing consumer electronics manufacturing and service sector
