Leading nonprofit recognized for advancing systemic change and technology innovation in accessible education
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 17, 2025 / Benetech, the global nonprofit pioneering AI-driven accessible education, has been named to Forbes' Accessibility 100 list, unveiled today at the Cannes Lions Festival. The prestigious list recognizes, for the first time, 100 organizations worldwide that are developing breakthrough impactful tools to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities.
A student uses a tablet and headphones to access accessible books using Bookshare in a classroom.
At the heart of this recognition are Benetech's innovations, such as Bookshare+, its AI-powered platform that instantly transforms classroom materials-handouts, assignments, and articles-into accessible formats. Developed with educators and students with disabilities, the platform offers personalization that provides accessibility and meaningful, tailored learning experiences to their needs.
"Students deserve tools that work the way they learn," said Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech. "We're harnessing advances in generative AI to support learners with differences and disabilities-creating new opportunities that level the playing field and elevate outcomes for all. We're honored that Forbes recognizes our innovation and impact in accessible education."
Benetech is building on the success of Benetech's flagship platform, Bookshare, the world's largest digital library of accessible eBooks. Bookshare has opened doors for over two million people with disabilities in more than 50 countries with print disabilities and learning differences, helping them access and engage with books in the best formats for them, enabling them to learn, graduate, work, and thrive.
The Forbes list was curated through interviews with more than 400 accessibility leaders across 15+ countries. Organizations were selected based on impact, innovation, and potential to drive systemic change across industries.
"Accessibility is a fascinating space that has never been captured like this before," says Alan Schwarz, Forbes Assistant Managing Editor who spearheaded the project. "There are lone innovators, juggernaut tech companies, and startups. They are revolutionizing how people get around, learn, communicate, work, play sports, travel, and so much more. Their impact on people's lives is monumental - and will only be getting more so soon."
Benetech's recognition by Forbes highlights its leadership in shaping an accessibility ecosystem that meets a broad range of student needs. The nonprofit has built infrastructure to help educators, publishers, and platform developers design materials and learning experiences for all learners. Beyond Bookshare and Bookshare+, Benetech's comprehensive approach includes:
Benetech Accessibility Services for Education (BASE): Planning, training, and customized support to help schools and universities build sustainable accessibility strategies.
Global Certified Accessible: Partnering with publishers and content creators to ensure materials are accessible from day one or "born accessible"-no retrofitting required.
Saksharta Program: Model school digital transformation program pioneered in India to empower blind and visually impaired students with inclusive tools and training.
This recognition coincides with Benetech's 25th anniversary and the launch of 'All In: Empowering Change for Education and Accessibility'-a bold national campaign dedicated to advancing accessible education and dismantling systemic barriers for learners everywhere.
To view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.forbes.com/lists/accessibility-100/
Learn more at www.benetech.org.
Contact Information
George Mastoras
Director of Communications
georgem@benetech.org
(914) 489-5282
SOURCE: Benetech
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
