An app that helps deaf people improve their literacy skills and digital inclusion support in Africa are among the digital projects vying for a Tech4Good award later this year.
Now in its tenth year, AbilityNet’s Tech4good awards recognizes technology innovation to support the charity sector.
This year it has announced the finalists for nine categories, highlighting digital tools and products that are helping good causes.
Among finalist for the ‘accessibility award is Sign2Word App, which helps deaf learners to improve their literacy skills. The user can sign a word and the app will translate it into written English.
Others in the running for an accessibility award, which is sponsored by Google, are Estendio, BBC World Service Online and Clarion.
Meanwhile, in the Tech4Good for Africa Award the finalists include iScope, Green Shoots, Medicine Africa and Every1Mobile, which helps improve the lives of people in sub-Saharan Africa using mobile technology. This award is sponsored by Comic Relief.
We are delighted to be shortlisted for the @Tech4GoodAwards Africa Award, sponsored by @comicrelief, celebrating work tackling poverty or social injustice and benefiting people in #subSarahanAfrica! Wish us luck for the next stage! #award #finalist @AbilityNet @BTGroup #ict4d https://t.co/9D8MbsJGxV
— Every1Mobile (@Every1Mobile) July 22, 2020
Other categories include workplace inclusion, education, digital volunteering, digital health, community impact and arts and culture. There is also an award for young pioneer.
“Our tenth year has seen more entries than ever, with hundreds of amazing examples of how tech can help to make the world a better place,” said Ability Net head of marketing and communications and awards organiser, Mark Walker.
“Our judges had the extremely tough job of selecting the shortlists, picking out the finalists who they think could be this year’s winners.
“It’s difficult to describe how difficult this is – so many amazing entries were pipped at the post – so huge congratulations to everyone who made it.”
Digital skills
A report this month found that two thirds of charity leaders lack, or need to improve on, the digital skills needed to ensure their organisations can adapt to changes presented by Covid-19.
The Charity Digital Skills Report found that around a third of charities believe their boards have low digital skills, although this is an improvement on the previous year’s survey.
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