Hernandez Joins VIA Board to Champion Accessibility and Inclusion

At the intersection of technology, education, and accessibility stands Humberto Hernandez, a dedicated educational technologist, online education enabler, and Universal Design advocate. With over a decade of experience pioneering inclusive digital learning environments, Humberto has now been appointed to the Board of Directors of VIA (Visually Impaired Advancement)—a recognition of his lifelong commitment to ensuring individuals of all abilities have access to quality education.

For Humberto, this appointment is more than a title; it’s a mission-driven opportunity. “We are facing a crisis of opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired—76% of this workforce remains unemployed, not because of a lack of skills, but due to a lack of awareness, accessibility, and digital inclusion. That is what I hope to help with through multiple initiatives, one of them being education” he shared in a recent statement.

From Advocacy to Action: A Career Dedicated to Inclusion

As a Colombo-American accessibility activist, Universal Design strategist, and AI-driven education pioneer, Humberto has spent his career designing, developing, and implementing educational solutions that remove barriers for all individuals, including those with different abilities. His work spans the corporate, private, and higher education sectors, where he has helped institutions create universally accessible digital learning environments.

His extensive background includes certifications as a Front-End Web Developer, Section 508 Accessibility Specialist, and Universal Design Advocate, ensuring that online education is not just an alternative but a transformative opportunity for those historically excluded from traditional learning models.

“Online education has the power to bring opportunities to those who may have never had them before,” Humberto explains. “For example, for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, flexible online learning isn’t just convenient—it’s life-changing. It creates pathways to independence, employment, and a future where accessibility is a given, not an afterthought.”

A Market with Untapped Potential

In the United States, the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community has a staggering $200 billion in discretionary spending power—a clear indicator that this population is active and highly engaged in society. Yet, despite this economic influence, many remain excluded from educational and employment opportunities due to systemic barriers in digital accessibility, technology, and workforce inclusion.

“This isn’t just about education—it’s about economic empowerment, career development, and ensuring that people who are blind or visually impaired can fully participate in society,” Humberto states. “There is a massive talent pool that is being overlooked simply because accessibility isn’t prioritized. We need to change that by aligning efforts that ensure this population has the same opportunities to learn, work, and thrive.”

A Vision for the Future of Accessibility in Education

In his role as Director of Online Learning and Instructional Design, Humberto has already championed AI and assistive technologies to revolutionize the student learning experience. His research in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), culturally sustaining pedagogies, and AI-driven education has reached international audiences, providing actionable strategies for institutions worldwide to improve digital accessibility.

Through his appointment to VIA’s Board of Directors, Humberto aims to expand these efforts beyond education and into workforce development. He envisions a future where blind and visually impaired individuals are not just included but empowered through accessible education that leads directly to employment opportunities.

“We must do better as a society, and what better way to start than by providing these populations with a truly accessible, flexible, and high-quality online education that prepares them for careers that embrace their talents?” Humberto reflects. “It’s about creating not just learners, but leaders.”

A Community-Driven Mission

Humberto’s impact goes beyond his professional accolades. As a speaker, researcher, and podcast host of "AI in Higher Education", he continuously engages in conversations that push the boundaries of accessibility and innovation. His book, AI Tutors in Action: Chatbots Transforming Modern Education, highlights how technology can serve as a bridge to inclusivity, not a barrier.

His appointment to VIA signifies a powerful step forward in advancing digital equity for the visually impaired community. Through his expertise, advocacy, and unwavering passion, Humberto is set to redefine how we approach education, accessibility, and workforce inclusion—one innovation at a time.