Earlier this month, Meta’s European Union Innovation Day 2025 brought together policymakers, technology leaders, and businesses for a series of panel discussions and product demonstrations in Brussels, Belgium. Representing BVA and the disability community on several levels internationally was BVA National Executive Director Donald D. Overton, Jr.

Don was part of a panel discussion entitled “Right to Access: Shaping Policies to Unlock Assistive Technology in Europe,” where he addressed the potential of Artificial Intelligence for people with disabilities and the importance of access to assistive devices and specific technologies originating from the principles of basic human rights.

The panel also discussed the ethical and legal challenges faced by assistive technology developers when introducing products to the markets, including affordability, data availability, and the privacy of both users and the public.

Innovation Day 2025 highlighted European small and midsize enterprises, startups, and creators building with open source AI. It also provided a platform for tech leaders and policymakers to exchange views on shaping Europe’s digital future in 2025 and beyond. Meta, formerly the Facebook company, builds the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible.

Watch a series of sound bites from interviews with Meta’s guest participants, including an interview with Don. See also the panel brief that details the full-day conference and highlights the critical role AI is beginning to play in supporting people with disabilities.