This year marks a significant milestone for Dolphin as we celebrate 40 years of helping people who are blind or partially sighted access information, education, employment and independence through technology.
The anniversary is an opportunity to reflect not only on Dolphin's journey, but also on the extraordinary progress that has been made across the assistive technology sector over the last four decades.
When Dolphin was founded in 1986, the digital world looked very different. Access to information was limited, and many of the technologies people rely on today simply did not exist. Since then, advances in accessibility and assistive technology have transformed opportunities for people with sight loss, helping break down barriers and create greater independence in everyday life.
Throughout that period, Dolphin has played its part in supporting that change. From developing magnification and screen reading technology to creating solutions that help people succeed in education, work and daily living, our mission has remained the same: making technology accessible and empowering for everyone.
James Green, CEO of Dolphin, reflected on the company's anniversary celebrations:
"Forty years is a remarkable achievement and a chance to recognise the people who have helped shape our journey, while also looking ahead to what comes next.
Throughout decades of technological change, our focus has remained the same: helping people with visual impairments access information, education, employment and independence through technology."
The celebrations also provided an opportunity to recognise some of the individuals whose contributions have helped shape both Dolphin and the wider accessibility landscape.
Among them was Noel Duffy, one of the assistive technology sector's true pioneers. His commitment to accessibility and equal opportunities helped influence not only Dolphin's development, but also the wider conversation around inclusion and accessible technology. Through his work and advocacy, he championed the belief that accessibility should be at the heart of innovation, helping create opportunities for countless people who are blind or partially sighted. We remember him proudly for leading the way.
While the anniversary provided a moment to celebrate the past, it also highlighted the exciting opportunities ahead.
Advances in artificial intelligence are opening new possibilities for accessibility, helping people interact with information, understand visual content and overcome barriers in ways that were once unimaginable. Across the accessibility sector, these innovations are creating opportunities to make technology more intuitive, more inclusive and more empowering.
For Dolphin, the future is about continuing to build on four decades of experience while embracing the technologies that can make the greatest difference to the people we serve.
That includes empowering blind and partially sighted people to achieve greater independence, as well as supporting neurodiverse learners with tools that help them access education and information in ways that work best for them.
As accessibility continues to evolve, the goal remains unchanged: ensuring that everyone has equal access to the opportunities that technology can provide.
Forty years on, we are proud to be part of a community of innovators, educators, partners and users who continue to drive accessibility forward. Together, we look forward to the next chapter and to creating a future where technology is accessible to all.