The day began with a warm welcome to Google’s iconic offices. Everyone was excited to explore the unique and creative space of Google HQ! After donning name badges, we headed upstairs to the Accessibility Discovery Centre, a hub dedicated to showcasing Google’s accessibility innovations and commitment to inclusive design.

Image of 4 of the LOOK group in the Google HQ reception, the space is large and open and the offices are centred around an atrium.
Image of the Google offices, it shows the atrium of a tall glass fronted, modern office building with over 9 levels of offices.
Image of 3 of the LOOK mentors in the Google HQ reception area, all of the mentors are smiling at the camera

A Commitment to Accessibility

The Google team shared their focus on building accessibility into the core of their product development. They explained the concept of designing with accessibility in mind from the outset—something that deeply resonated with our mentors, as it is something we discuss frequently, especially during mentor training and socials.

The session highlighted how Google is raising awareness of accessibility within their organisation, creating tools and features that empower people with disabilities to live more independently.

Image of Elin LOOK events manger feeling a tactile image on the wall of the Google discovery centre. Next to Elin is her guide dog
Image of the LOOK team and mentor group sitting around a long table listening to one of the Google team talk about the Accessibility Discovery Centre.
Image of LOOK CEO Charlotte and LOOK Mentor sitting at a table feeling a tactile image, both have cups of tea in front of them.

Here the Google accessibility team talk to LOOK and the mentor team about their commitment to accessibility and the team are given the opportunity to feel tactile images and artwork on the walls of the Accessibility Discovery Centre.

Hands-On with Assistive Technology

The mentors had the opportunity to test some of the latest products and system developments designed to make Google products more accessible.

Image of 7 of the LOOK team standing next to each other, the person at the front is holding a Google Pixel phone up to take a selfie of the group.

One memorable moment was testing the Lookout app, which guides users to frame and capture photos through verbal instructions. Together, we experimented with taking a group selfie!

We also talked about Gemini, Google’s AI-powered technology, and its potential for creating impactful accessibility solutions in daily life. Accessible gaming sparked a lively exchange of ideas, with mentors sharing thoughts on how technology could make leisure activities more inclusive.

We ended the day with conversations between the mentors and Google’s accessibility team, who were keen to hear our thoughts and get an insight into the real-life challenges of using assistive tech.

Energised for the Future

As the session came to a close, our mentors left feeling energised and inspired about the future of assistive tech. It was amazing to see Google, a global change maker, prioritising accessibility and it reinforced the powerful impact that inclusive technology can have on changing lives.

Thank you, Google and Sara, for an unforgettable experience.

Image of the LOOK team and mentors gathered around a computer screen, the Google Discovery Centre team leader is talking the group through some of the latest Gemini developments
Image of LOOK CEO Charlotte and LOOK Trustee Sara standing next to each other smiling, they are in the Google Accessibility Discovery Centre
Image of the LOOK team and mentors gathered around a computer screen looking at the LOOK webpage and talking about developments in voice over technology

The LOOK team and mentors gathere around a computer screen as the Google Discovery Centre team leader talks the group through some of the latest Gemini developments.