Let's Talk Tech: Accessibility in a Changing Environment

Posted on 9/21/2011 at 3:45 PM
by Paul Schroeder

In the September 2011 issue of AccessWorld, I wrote a commentary about the future of accessibility in light of the ever-shifting flow of technological advancement.

I discuss how mobile information technology, rapidly developing apps, cloud computing, social networking and other developments will supplant the centrality of the PC, upend "traditional" entertainment equipment like TVs and stereos (remember walkmen?), and likely finalize the shift away from printed mediums like books and magazines. What remains in question, then, is how these changes will affect accessibility, and whether that will be for better or for worse.

Given the magnitude of this discussion, I wanted to invite you to a session I'll be hosting at the upcoming AER Information & Technology Division Conference in Cleveland at the end of October. Details on the conference, including how to register, can be found here: http://www.aerbvi.org

Here's a brief description of my session:

"Disruptive trends are shaping information and communication technology with the dramatic rise of mobile information technology, 'apps,' cloud computing, gaming technologies in education and social network-driven communication. How do we find practical solutions to the increasing needs among consumers with vision loss for accessible technology, including built-in accessibility?"

The AER Conference registration deadline is October 11, 2011. Please make sure to register for the meeting before then to take advantage of the less expensive rate! Again, you can register online at http://www.aerbvi.org. If you can't make it, I invite you to read and comment on the AccessWorld article at: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw120904

I hope to see you there.

Topic:: Technology

There are currently 6 comments

Re: Let's Talk Tech: Accessibility in a Changing Environment

Posted by 510081 on 9/21/2011 at 4:22 PM

Tech accessibility always strikes me as being the equivalent of trying to shoot a fly with a slingshot. Things change so fast and in unpredictable ways.

I don't know if we are any further ahead now, than we ever were. As soon as things improve, the framework changes, or underlying technology changes, or whole paradigms shift and things need to start over.

Re: Let's Talk Tech: Accessibility in a Changing Environment

Posted by linda378523 on 9/21/2011 at 4:56 PM

For those of us who cannot attend the conference in person, will your presentation be available in audio or transcript format (or both) on the AFB site?

Re: Let's Talk Tech: Accessibility in a Changing Environment

Posted by Paul Schroeder on 9/28/2011 at 12:11 PM

Regarding the query about posting of the audio or transcript from the session I'm doing at AER, I know that AER often makes audio files available from its conferences. I'm not sure yet whether they will make this one available. You can certainly check the AER web site, using the above link from the blog. Also, I expect that we will be developing these ideas further in AccessWorld and perhaps in future blogs.

Re: Let's Talk Tech: Accessibility in a Changing Environment

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Re: Let's Talk Tech: Accessibility in a Changing Environment

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Re: Let's Talk Tech: Accessibility in a Changing Environment

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