Creators, advocates, and veterans explore new tech empowering people with disabilities
Meta is hosting an interactive event today at its new store in WeHo’s Design District on Melrose. The event brings together creators from the disability community, veterans, accessibility advocates, and local stakeholders to explore how artificial intelligence and wearable technology are helping people with disabilities navigate daily life more independently.
The event runs Wednesday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at Candela La Brea (831 S. La Brea Ave.), and will be headlined by Scott Thornhill, Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind, and Fan Zhang, Principal Engineer of Accessibility Innovation at Meta.
Attendees will experience live demonstrations of Meta’s AI-powered accessibility tools, including a hands-on station called the “Meta Mini-Mart,” where guests can test how Meta’s smart glasses read menus aloud, translate languages, and flag potential allergy concerns in real time.
The program also features panel discussions about how AI can enhance inclusion in the workplace and community.
The event comes just days after the Disability & Accessibility Awards (DAB Awards) celebrated advocates and innovators across Los Angeles, including several West Hollywood–based creators who have championed greater visibility and inclusion in media and tech. Meta’s showcase builds on that momentum, reflecting the region’s growing leadership in accessibility innovation.
For Meta, the gathering is a way to demonstrate how technology can bridge physical and digital divides — and for attendees, it’s another step toward building a more connected, accessible world.
