Kevin Chao has overcome adversity to advocate for others as an accessibility Evangelist with Apple
At the age of 14, Mr. Chao lost his eyesight due to LHON (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy), which inspired his interest in adaptive and accessible technologies.
OAKLAND, CA, February 12, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Kevin Chao has been included in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
At the age of 14, Mr. Chao lost his eyesight due to LHON (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy). His optic nerves became weak and atrophied, leading to vision loss, primarily from the center outwards. As a result, he had to switch schools and districts. He adapted by learning to use computers, read Braille, and navigate with a cane, which inspired his interest in adaptive and accessible technologies. This journey of resilience and adaptation is a testament to his inspiring spirit. At 15, he began advocating within districts by giving presentations on how to use technology to assist the blind. Additionally, he began teaching other students how to use BrailleNote GPS. Over the years, Mr. Chao honed his industry expertise through computer science and digital accessibility coursework.
During the early stages of his career, Mr. Chao gained valuable expertise in assistant, educational, and training positions with Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., San Francisco State University, and Living Skills Center. Similarly, he served as a district officer intern in the Office of Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. In the following years, he honed his quality assurance and control expertise with Sendero Group, LLC, CourseSmart, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Backed by his considerable expertise, he founded Inclusive Digital Accessibility World in 2012 while working as a digital accessibility subject matter expert for JP Morgan Chase. After further honing his craft with Pro Money Image, Chao Train Foundation Org, and Google, Mr. Chao began his current endeavor with Apple as an accessibility Evangelist. In this capacity, he ensures that websites and applications are built with accessibility in mind by collaborating with product managers, designers, developers, and QA testers to ensure their user interfaces are usable for those with disabilities.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mr. Chao contributes to his community through Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco and the Vista Center for the Blind in San Jose. While his career has been filled with highlights, he takes the most pride in being featured in “From Novelty to Necessity: How AI Could Open Up a World of Accessibility for Everyone.” He is also proud to have worked on an accessibility model with Apple. Personally, Mr. Chao has competed in several paraclimbing competitions, including two national competitions, two World Cups, and the World Championship for athletes with disabilities.
Though hard work and dedication have brought him far in his career, Mr. Chao credits his success to his inherent curiosity, drive, and his parents, who kept him abreast of the latest technologies and allowed him to learn things for himself.
In the next five years, Mr. Chao aims to make a greater impact in the education sector, particularly in the field of accessibility. He and his partner are currently developing a new modern American educational philosophy called “64&Me,” which they hope will transform the education system. Looking further ahead, Mr. Chao aspires to mars education with Hanfei Xiong to promote values of inclusiveness and accessibility, thereby making a significant contribution to the field.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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