The 2023 Remarkable Tech Summit was recently held in San Diego, California (USA) in early October. It is an international forum for disability advocacy that provides a platform for disability rights activists, innovators, and professionals to converge, collaborate, and share groundbreaking insights.  

Julius Mbura, inABLE’s advocacy officer, was one of the attendees and he describes the summit as an “eye-opening experience.” Julius, who is visually impaired, praised the event’s dynamic atmosphere and appreciated the use of technology, like WhatsApp’s Broadcast Channel for communication and surveys. 

“It was an extraordinary event. It offered a unique blend of tech interactivity and heartfelt discussions,” Julius offers, adding that there were numerous topics that resonated with attendees. Notable themes included discussions on youth, employment, and disability issues within the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Julius says that sessions on practical technologies, like the $30 CP device aiding individuals with motor impairments, were particularly impactful. 

“The highlight of the conference was live storytelling, featuring speakers such as Markeith Price, Zuby Onwuta, and Minnie Baragwanath, who shared their inspiring stories and unique perspectives. Zuby’s journey from struggles to becoming an innovator was an extraordinary example of determination and resilience. Minnie’s fresh and unique outlook on inclusivity and accessibility added a refreshing perspective to the event,” the lawyer-turned-advocacy officer offers. 

Speaking of which, his role as inABLE’s advocacy officer intersected with several conference discussions. During the roundtable ideation workshop, he represented inABLE, sharing real-time examples and experiences from Africa. His insights proved valuable during the Fireside Chat about fostering disability inclusion in the workplace, demonstrating the importance of policy changes and innovation. 

Networking and collaboration were pivotal at the conference, and this gave Julius an opportunity to connect with organizations that could potentially support inABLE’s mission in expanding across different regions.  

“These connections could be instrumental in the pursuit of a more inclusive world for people with disabilities,” he expounds, and adds, “Attending the Remarkable Conference was instrumental in highlighting inABLE’s work and the need for global support in promoting accessibility and disability empowerment in Kenya and Africa. Sharing these projects and gaining global visibility is essential in generating the necessary backing for accessibility in Africa.” 

The conference also introduced innovative strategies and best practices that Julius found quite impactful. “The concept of JEDI (Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) and the focus on simple and cost-effective assistive technologies were standout ideas that could have a significant impact on empowering individuals with disabilities in Africa,” he says. 

He adds that the Remarkable Conference’s JEDI concept could potentially lead to a global shift in prioritizing assistive technology, offering more accessible and inclusive solutions. “It’s all about sharing knowledge and working together to achieve a brighter future for individuals with disabilities.” 

While tackling the issue of existing challenges, participants emphasized the need to move beyond mere discussions and focus on implementing practical solutions. Stakeholders and innovators were encouraged to invest in assistive technology and digital accessibility. 

“I was particularly impressed with the remarkable group work sessions, where attendees tackled real-life challenges. The discussions ranged from education and skill development for youth to addressing workplace competency for people with disabilities. The need for youth voices in the advocacy space was emphasized, as well as the potential of mainstream media in showcasing the capabilities of youth with disabilities,” Julius explains. 

Closer to home and in the foreseeable future, inABLE plans to integrate the insights gained from the conference into its upcoming projects. The focus will be on infusing innovative, sustainable solutions into our initiatives. 

In closing, Julius emphasizes the importance of thinking globally when it comes to disability advocacy. “Disability knows no boundaries, and global challenges require long-term, worldwide solutions. Investment in disability is an investment in a more inclusive and accessible world, and every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to make a significant impact.” 

By Lily Ronoh-Waweru 
Multimedia Storyteller