Ramez Alcaidi

Syrian blind programmer creating accessibility solutions for disabled refugees

Ramez Alcaidi is a Syrian software developer and accessibility advocate who developed AbilityApp - an award-winning mobile application designed for visually impaired refugees. After losing his sight at age 14 during Syria's civil war, Alcaidi taught himself programming and became the first blind Arabic speaker to earn a computer science degree from Damascus University in 2015.

His groundbreaking app uses AI-powered object recognition and spatial mapping to help visually impaired users navigate unfamiliar environments. The app's WHO-endorsed features include real-time audio descriptions, emergency alerts, and integration with refugee camp infrastructure maps. Over 150,000 users in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey now rely on the app, with 85% reporting improved independence in daily activities.

Alcaidi co-founded the TechAble Foundation to train disabled Syrian refugees in tech skills, creating 300+ jobs since 2018. His work was featured in NPR's Tech Tuesday and earned him the UNHCR Innovation Award in 2019. He currently advises the EU's Digital4All initiative on inclusive tech policies.