GAAD 2026 banner image composed of eight photos. Top row, from left: a QR code, a man and woman talking while using a TV remote, and a man wearing sunglasses holding a camera. Bottom row, from left: an Xperia camera screen, a camera display showing an accessibility shortcut menu, a woman wearing LinkBuds in profile, and a camera display showing an accessibility menu.

The third Thursday of May each year is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
This is a day to talk, think and learn about accessibility and the people who need it.
Towards delivering innovation for an accessible future,
Sony leverages creativity and technology to enhance the accessibility of our products, services, and experiences.

Product Accessibility

Easy to see, hear and use.
Introducing Sony's accessibility features that make it easier for all of us.

Global Activities

Each of Sony's offices conducts
activities to deepen understanding of accessibility.

North America

Group photo of Sony employees at the Sony booth at the CSUN conference.

Since 2018, the Accessibility Promotion Office at Sony North America has continuously participated in the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference (CSUN), an event focused on accessibility and innovation.
During the conference, visitors had the opportunity to experience Sony's latest accessibility features, and the team received valuable feedback from a wide range of attendees.

A group of people gathered around a BRAVIA box in front of a sign for the San Diego Center for the Blind.

At Sony North America, the Accessibility Promotion Office works closely with a range of advocacy organizations to support accessibility initiatives, including an ongoing partnership with the San Diego Center for the Blind (SDCB).Through continued dialogue and user‑centered feedback, these collaborations help inform product design and address real‑world accessibility needs.

Europe

Left:Black and white self-portrait of Gary Williamson. He is facing the camera in front of a black background and wearing a back turtleneck shirt, while holding a Sony Alpha 7C II camera and his white cane.Right:A black and white photograph shot by Gary Williamson using Sony α7C II + FE 16-25mm F2.8 G lens. The photograph, captured at a low angle, showing a silhouette of a person in a coat and fedora climbing stairs with their back to the camera. There is dark contrast on the stairs, which are next to a bright, white building, and the sky is cloudy.

Sony Europe collaborated with renowned photographer Gary Williamson, who is blind, to launch a new photography collection titled Through Their Lens. The collection explores how technology makes photography accessible to people who are blind or partially sighted, and how advanced technologies that are intuitive and easy to use enable creatives with disabilities to pursue their passion for photography.
Gary captured ten images using the accessibility features of Sony's Alpha 7C II. This collection offers insight into the remarkable and deeply personal creative process behind his visual storytelling.

Left : A TechSharePro sign displayed at the venue. Right : Group photo of four employees in front of the Sony booth at the venue.

For the seventh year in succession, Sony Europe sponsored and participated in TechShare Pro. Hosted by AbilityNet, TechShare Pro is Europe's largest gathering of digital accessibility and disability inclusion professionals.
The Sony Europe team demonstrated several accessibility features across our television, camera and audio products. These included BRAVIA TVs and audio products such as the Wireless Handy TV Speaker, the BRAVIA Theatre U neckband speaker, and the WH‑1000XM6 headphones.
Additionally, the team showcased our accessible customer support in partnership with Be My Eyes.

Japan

An advisor and a store staff member talking while trying out products in a store.

At Sony Store Ginza, employees with disabilities led a workshop as Accessibility Advisors, focusing on inclusive customer service and store design. By strengthening accessibility, the initiative aims to create a store environment that better responds to the needs of each customer.

An illustration of a customer support representative wearing a headset and assisting at a computer.

Sony Marketing Inc. is committed to creating an environment where everyone can feel confident seeking support, regardless of language or disability. In addition to foreign language and sign language support, the company has introduced Be My Eyes, a service supporting people with visual disability, starting in April 2026.

Singapore

A TV on display in a store, with a visitor with a visual disability and a staff member explaining its features.

The accessibility features and co‑creation initiatives of Sony products were showcased at the "Accessibility for All" exhibition held at the flagship Sony Store in Singapore. Guided tours offered visitors deeper insights into the initiatives while providing opportunities to share feedback through direct engagement.

Two creators with disabilities each giving a presentation at a workshop held in a store.

Sony collaborated with photographers with disabilities to showcase their creativity through a series of workshops. Participants explored photography techniques while gaining insights into how the photographers navigate physical and emotional challenges.
Meaningful dialogue throughout the sessions encouraged deeper reflection on what accessibility means for each individual.

China

A group of visitors listening to an explanation at the Sony booth at CIIE.

The Sony China accessibility project team supports accessibility initiatives across Sony businesses in China.
Sony has participated in major events such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), where accessibility‑conscious product design and locally led practices were introduced to show how usability can be improved for diverse users.
In addition, Sony China's Advanced Technology Center is working with Chinese universities on a concept initiative to explore the development of a senior‑friendly intelligent wheelchair.

Catherine Jin from Sony China speaking during a GAAD 2025 live streaming event.

Since GAAD 2025, Sony China has worked with Sony group companies in China to co‑organize a nationwide accessibility livestream for employees.
The session included shared examples from across the business, followed by an interactive Q&A on accessibility‑related topics, including regulations, professional knowledge, and inclusively designed products.
Building on these efforts, Sony China released localized Accessibility Communication Guidelines in 2026, based on Sony Corporation's global framework, along with an e‑learning course to support inclusive communication in the workplace.

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