In a world designed for the sighted, accessibility advocate and innovator Joshua Miele has spent his life breaking down barriers for individuals with visual impairments. His journey from personal adversity to technological breakthroughs showcases how accessibility is not just about tools—it is about empowerment, independence, and inclusion.
At Hello, It’s Me®, we recognize the power of technology in enhancing community engagement for individuals with disabilities. Miele’s work aligns with our mission of bridging gaps in accessibility and fostering environments where everyone has the tools they need to connect, learn, and grow.
Joshua Miele’s Journey: Turning Challenges Into Innovation
Joshua Miele’s story is one of resilience and vision. After losing his sight as a child due to a traumatic incident, he refused to let his disability define his capabilities. Instead, he pioneered innovations that transformed accessibility for blind and visually impaired individuals.
His Tactile Map Automated Production (TMAP) provides street maps in braille, enabling blind users to navigate cities independently. His work with Amazon’s Lab126 helped develop features like the “Show and Tell” function for Alexa, which identifies household items for blind users.
The Role of Technology in Accessibility
Miele’s work highlights the importance of technology as a bridge—not just for navigation and communication, but also for social connection and learning.
At Hello, It’s Me®, we embrace this same vision. Our app helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) engage in meaningful interactions with their communities.
How does Hello, It’s Me® work?
- Stories Section: Users can engage with interactive, accessible stories tailored to their interests. These stories promote learning, self-expression, and social skills.
- Make a Friend Feature: This section helps users connect with others in a safe, moderated environment, fostering friendships and communication skills.
- Relationship Coaching: Designed to help individuals with IDD navigate social relationships, this feature offers guidance on building connections, understanding emotions, and developing confidence in social settings.
- Accessibility at Its Core: The app is built with adaptive features that ensure ease of use for individuals of all abilities, including visual and cognitive accessibility options.
Just as Miele's work ensures that blind individuals can navigate the world with greater ease, our platform provides a safe space for connection, learning, and self-expression.
Challenging Ableism: More Than Just Technology
Miele is not just a technologist—he is also an advocate against ableism, the discrimination against people with disabilities. He believes that true inclusion goes beyond technology and requires a shift in societal attitudes.
His advocacy aligns with the mission of Hello, It’s Me®, where we actively work to empower individuals with disabilities through our platform. Just as Miele’s work gives blind individuals the tools they need to move through the world independently, we ensure that people with IDD have the tools to build friendships, express themselves, and develop life skills.
Creating a More Inclusive Future
Joshua Miele’s legacy is a reminder that accessibility is a human right, not a privilege. Through open-source innovation, education, and advocacy, he is helping shape a future where everyone has the resources they need to thrive.
At Hello, It’s Me®, we are committed to carrying this mission forward. Whether it’s through creating digital spaces for connection or advocating for greater inclusion, we stand alongside pioneers like Miele in ensuring that no one is left behind.
Accessibility is not about limitations—it’s about possibilities. Together, through innovation and advocacy, we can create a world where everyone has the freedom to connect, explore, and lead independent lives.
