About hable
Creating a global community for 10 million people with disabilities, dedicated to delivering technological access to foster independence.
Our inspiration
Hable was born from the personal drive of co-founder Ayushman, inspired by his grandfather, Mr. Handa, who lost his sight at 40. In India, Mr. Handa's sight loss meant early retirement and a standstill in life, due to a lack of assistive technology.
Motivated to change his grandfather's situation, Ayushman, alongside Freek, who shared similar experiences, established Hable in 2016. They aimed to unlock smartphone accessibility for Mr. Handa, symbolizing independence and the potential for a fuller life.
The issue that struck Ayushman’s family is not isolated; it echoes in the lives of over 320 million people worldwide and 450,000 visually impaired in the Netherlands. Hable's inception is not just a personal story but a universal challenge, unmet due to its complexity and scale.
The challenge
Limited digital access restricts educational and job opportunities for those with disabilities, as online learning, remote work, and digital job applications become unreachable. This digital divide creates barriers that reduce their digital participation.
Economic disadvantage
Limited digital skills and access contribute to a 70% unemployment rate among US adults with visual impairments (National Federation of the Blind, 2020).
Limited eductaion
More than 80% of students lacking digital devices and internet struggle to access online education and learning tools.
Social exclusion
The digital divide isolates individuals and communities by hindering social, informational, and civic engagement, cutting off access to social media, email, and video communication.
Our strategy
Tackling the digital divide demands varied solutions and collective action. When we help individuals master apps and smart device features, we see the digital gap visibly narrow.
This issue has a dual solution: ensuring access and encouraging adoption.
Access & Affordability
Access to digital devices remains a hurdle; many clients lack the necessary tools for internet access. Essential assistive technologies like screen readers and alternative input devices are pivotal. However, even where available, their high cost often makes them inaccessible.
Adoption
Adoption hinges on digital literacy: comprehending usage, having support systems, and receiving ongoing, needs-specific training. Without this, clients struggle to navigate digital platforms and utilize assistive technologies efficiently.
Our impact
To conquer this challenge, we created Hable One—a smartphone controller that empowers users to operate their phones effectively. We've enabled 3,000 users to connect to the internet, communicate with family, and conduct bank transactions—activities they were previously unable to perform before Hable.
Correo electrónico
30% of our clients had never utilized email before Hable One.
Internet
60% of our users, previously unable to access online information.
Calling
10% of our users are now able to independently call family, government services, and their doctors.
Banking
35% of our users have gained the ability to type passwords into banking apps.
Our values
We keep it simple
Clear process. Clear methods. Clear targets.
We do it together
We develop our products with, not for our community.
We care a lot
We serve the needs of our community.
We like to win
We work hard, because it is important to win.
We are builders
We work swiftly, accurately, and with passion.
Our founders
Hable thrives on bold and optimistic values, fueled by a team of ambitious, positive, and brilliant individuals.
Ayushman Talwar
Freek van Welsenis
Our history
Tracing Our Journey: A Chronological Display of Milestones and Achievements
2018
August
Ayushman & Freek presents the idea at University competition in the Netherlands.
September
Winning ASML makers award.
2019
March
First Pilot & Crowdfunding at Ziezo Exhibition in the Netherlands.
June
Win Philips Health innovation award.
2020
June
Hable One BV registered. Pre-sale campaign in the Netherlands.
August
Rabobank Foundation backs Hable securing their first funding.
November
Product development for mass production starts.
2021
September
Production completed. Hable delivered to first 100 users.
November
First users in the United Kingdom.
2022
January
Helped 250 Digital Navigators use smartphone.
February
Stevie Wonder backs Hable and becomes a customer.
March
First 500 Digital Navigators.
May
Hable is expanding to the United States.
June
Expanding distribution in more continues : Germany, Belgium, France, Spain.
December
2000 Digital Navigators now use Hable.
2023
January
Completed 6th Braille Challenge – Netherlands & Belgium.
February
Launched Hable Academy to accelerate rate of smartphone adoption.
April
Partner with KBTA in Kenya to make inclusive education as a priority.
Partners with Us
In partnership with various organizations, we're fighting the digital divide, educating employees with webinars, tutorials, and trials to bridge the gap.
Interested in becoming our partner?
Send us an email.
Send us an email.
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