Inclusively Telecom

Inclusively: ETSI standards on accessibility. With Ulrike Haltrich, Sony Europe and ETSI

We were joined by Ulrike Haltrich  a Senior Manager at Sony Europe, but who also has a chair role in the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) as the chair of the ETSI Human Factors Technical Committee. We discussed ETSI's work in developing standards for information and communication technologies, including accessibility, and emphasized the societal impact of these standards.

Inclusively on European accessibility standards. With Gill Whitney, Independent Expert on Technology Standards

A standards and security perspective on inclusion and accessibility. We were joined by Gill Whitney who works independently with organisations like ANIC, the European consumer group. Her focus is on standards and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. Gill has previously also worked in academia and with the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) in the UK so has seen the inclusion topic from different angles. In keeping with Inclusively looking to broaden all of our minds, this was an eye opener for us all.

Making Smart Cities accessible to everybody. With Frazer McKimm at New Way Networks

A city is smart only if its services, both digital and physical, are accessible to everybody. How can we achieve this goal? Chris and I spoke with Frazer McKimm [https://www.linkedin.com/in/frazer-mckimm-9a4a1/], Director at New Way Networks [https://www.nwn-sky.net/], about how inclusivity in smart city infrastructure should not be an add-on feature, but rather be embedded in the design and deployment of services. We discussed the roles of public and private ecosystem entities, regulation, and technology, and service requirements for technology to reduce digital, social, and physical barriers, thereby improving the quality of life for all in the cities of the future, starting today. Inclusively [https://senzafili.com/inclusively_in_telecom/] is hosted by Chris Lewis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewis-3b01593/], Lewis Insights [https://lewisinsight.com/], and Monica Paolini [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicapaolini/], Senza Fili [http://www.senzafili.com/]

Inclusion gamechangers from Olympic Gamemaker. With Chris Holmes, Member of the UK House of Lords

Following his success organising the London 2012 Paralympics, Chris Holmes, Member of the UK House of Lords, now uses his role in the UK House of Lords to focus on the opportunities that all of these so-called new technologies bring to the table, but, always with the golden thread of inclusion running through everything. Some surprising parallels with the broader telecoms industry come out alongside the development of paralympic sport and accessibility and inclusion.

An inquisitive physicist view of audio accessibility and inclusion

Nick Hunn, a physicist with extensive experience in Bluetooth technology, discusses audio accessibility and inclusion. He highlights the shift from traditional telecoil-based hearing aids to advanced technologies that benefit everyone, not just those with hearing impairments. The new Bluetooth Auracast standard is a game-changer, enabling easy access to audio broadcasts and enhancing experiences in venues such as theaters and concerts. Hunn emphasizes the importance of optimizing audio quality for all hearing levels and environments. He notes the trend of integrating hearing aid capabilities into consumer electronics, making them more accessible and reducing stigma. The discussion touches on the potential of audio technology to transform how we consume and interact with sound, including the use of smart devices and AI to enhance experiences. The conversation also explores the challenges of background noise and the need for better audio algorithms. Hunn envisions a future where audio plays a more central role in our digital lives, with technology becoming more affordable and integrated into everyday experiences. The potential of voice and sound to provide information and guidance is highlighted, suggesting a shift towards more immersive and inclusive communication technologies. You can find out more about Inclusively at https://senzafili.com/inclusively_in_telecom/ [https://senzafili.com/inclusively_in_telecom/] You can subscribe to the podcast on the platform of your choice, including Apple and Spotify