Bridging Barriers through Technology

Envisioned in an accessible nation is a time when technology will become highly developed and adjust to the needs of an individual rather than needing people to adjust to the functionality of today’s technology. Such technological flexibility and sophistication will assist in bringing social equity into realization. As Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft Corporation aptly states, “Over the next 10 to 15 years, technology has the capacity to virtually eliminate barriers [faced by people with disabilities] in the workplace.” Parity in the workplace would promote an unstoppable, productive force of imaginative, dedicated, motivated, talented and highly skilled people.

The Vision of Leadership and Importance of Knowledge

Combining strength of leadership with the steady advancement in technology and knowledge is crucial to create an accessible nation. The integration of imagination with UD and AT will make this vision possible. In order to create solutions for people with disabilities, a cadre of experienced and talented people are conducting and advancing their new research, however, much remains to be done. Champions from industry, government, academia and non-governmental agencies must form partnerships, in addition to their own work, in order to orchestrate this vision and assist people in understanding its importance. Existing and newly designed academic, social, political and economic mechanisms can embrace, further promote and foster the creative ideas and technologies presented herein, and aid in creating new markets for transferring products, systems and support services into mainstream society.

Creating National and International Collaborations and Markets

Our recommendations are intended to produce new research and improve upon existing knowledge. To this end, furthering and creating new collaborations between government, non-government agencies, universities and industry is essential and should be encouraged to cross boundaries nationally and internationally. Disability is a growing issue in America, especially given the increasing aging population. The isolation experienced from not being able to fully engage in life due to a variety of barriers can only improve with emerging technologies and markets that see the benefit in an improved, accessible society that promotes a robust economy. We have not yet begun to realize the advantages that a true market economy can provide for the vision of an accessible nation. The Task Force has repeatedly demonstrated in this report that assistive technologies, which are originally created for a portion of the population with disabilities, become equally valuable when applied in different situations for all citizens — a win-win vision. Such a vision encourages and supports all people to function to their fullest potential in the accessible nation envisioned by the Task Force.