Biography:
Chieko Asakawa (born 1958) is a blind Japanese computer scientist, renowned for her groundbreaking work in accessibility at IBM Research – Tokyo. Her contributions to the field of technology have significantly improved the lives of individuals with visual impairments, making her a pioneering figure in the realm of accessibility.
Asakawa initially had normal vision until the age of 11 when she suffered an injury to her optic nerve after accidentally hitting her left eye on the side of a swimming pool. Over time, she gradually lost her sight and by the age of 14, she was fully blind. Undeterred by her new circumstances, she pursued her education and obtained a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Otemon Gakuin University in Osaka in 1982.
In her pursuit of professional growth and independence, Asakawa enrolled in a two-year computer programming course tailored for blind individuals. This course made use of an Optacon, a device that translated printed text into tactile sensations. Equipped with new skills and knowledge, Asakawa joined IBM Research in 1984 on a temporary position and quickly ascended to become a permanent staff researcher just a year later.
Throughout her career, Asakawa embarked on various research projects designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. She developed a word processor specifically tailored for Braille documents, providing blind individuals with a platform to create and edit text. Additionally, Asakawa spearheaded the development of a digital library for Braille documents, enabling easier access to a vast array of literature and information.
One of her most significant achievements was the creation of the IBM Home Page Reader, a Netscape browser plug-in that revolutionized web accessibility. This innovative tool converted text to speech and greatly facilitated web navigation for blind individuals. Within a remarkably short time, the IBM Home Page Reader became the most widely used web-to-speech system available, showcasing Asakawa’s profound impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals in the digital age.
Asakawa’s work extended beyond web accessibility. She delved into research on developing technology for accessible control of multimedia content, as well as investigating how technological and social changes could enable elderly individuals to work for more years before retiring. Furthermore, she explored the development of technology that would enhance the physical world’s accessibility for blind individuals, making significant contributions to the field of assistive technology.
Presently, Asakawa has focused on the creation of a lightweight suitcase robot designed to assist blind individuals in navigating challenging terrains. This project demonstrates her unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to empower those with visual impairments and enhance their independence.
Awards and honors have recognized Asakawa’s groundbreaking contributions to the field of accessibility. In 2003, she was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame, a testament to her pioneering spirit and invaluable contributions. In 2009, Asakawa was named an IBM Fellow, the highest honor bestowed upon IBM employees. She became the fifth Japanese person and the first Japanese woman to receive this prestigious honor.
The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology recognized Asakawa’s exceptional achievements by presenting her with the Women of Vision Award in 2011. Her remarkable work in improving web accessibility for blind individuals and challenging the status quo solidified her position as a true role model for women in technology.
The Japanese government honored Asakawa’s contributions by awarding her the Medal of Honor with the Purple Ribbon in 2013. This distinguished recognition further highlights her significant impact on the field of accessibility and her invaluable role in advancing technology for the blind community.
In 2017, Asakawa’s influential career was acknowledged by the ACM SIGACCESS Impact Award, which she received for a pioneering paper she co-authored in 1998 with Takashi Itoh on web user interfaces for blind individuals.
Chieko Asakawa has dedicated her life to advancing accessibility and empowering blind individuals through innovative technology. Her remarkable achievements, pioneering spirit, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire future generations and solidify her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of accessibility.