On the difference between assistive technology and accessibility
“In the age of information technology, assistive technology is the umbrella term describing all the devices and products – coming in the form of both hardware and software – that makes a particular function more easily completed by disabled individuals. Accessibility refers to the ability of a user with a disability to obtain the same information and perform the same tasks as other users.” 

On hardware examples
“These technologies come in many forms and they’re quite remarkable. A Braille translator helps the blind read commands and enter inputs on a computer. A touch screen allows commands to be processed and develops responses by touching the monitor. A portable eye-tracking keyboard offers hands-free communication offers hands-free communication using only eye movements.” 

On software examples
“In terms of software, a program called Watchfire WebXACT allows you to test single pages of Web content for accessibility for free. Accessibility Wizard helps you configure Windows for your vision, hearing, and mobility needs. There are voice and speech recognition software programs. And it goes on: screen magnifiers, voice and speech recognition, and more.” 

On the dark ages and the Renaissance
“We didn’t always see such cutting-edge technology though. In 1998, President Clinton signed an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that required all federal agencies to ensure all Web pages, electronic documents, and information technology were accessible to those with disabilities. That was a watershed moment in bringing assistive technology to the forefront that we see continuing today.” 

On the private sector following suit
“Though there still is no law requiring them to follow suit, I think more and more companies are doing so. For one, it’s the right thing to do for their employees – research shows one in five people will suffer from some disability during their lifetime – but it also makes smart business sense since people with disabilities are also their customers.”  

On the empowering role of assistive technology
“I believe it’s very important for both public and private entities on an ethical level too. It can mean the world to people with disabilities. Take, for example, disabled students. They can maximize their learning potential, garner a sense of equality, and become more independent – all from assistive technology.” 

On the global benefit
“It’s not just the disabled who benefit from such technological advances. Using the example of education once again, offering such services enhances an institution’s diversity, which benefits all students, and increases enrollment, which benefits the institution itself. For private companies, it can boost a company’s reputation by offering better tools and technology for more customers, placing the company in higher regard within the general public, and everything trickles down from there.” 

On integrating accessibility into the curriculum
“My colleague, Dorothy Fisher, and I are currently working on implementing such topics into the CIS curriculum at CSUDH. Our preliminary research found that four- and two-year colleges have so far failed to incorporate accessibility into their curricula. The tide is turning though. Textbooks are beginning to address the subject. Some just mention it as a section, but a few new books have entire chapters devoted to accessibility and assistive technology.”

On the future
“Like our curriculum and like the entire CIS field, we’re on the right path to integrating accessibility and making sure assistive technology is available for those who need it. Statistics show that the number of people worldwide with disabilities has increased and with computers becoming more and more vital for people’s daily lives, I’m hopeful that we’re nearing the day when everyone who needs such technology will have it at their disposal.”