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Accessible Technology and our Changing Workforce

ADA Trainer Network

Module 7a

Trainer’s Name

Trainer’s TitlePhone Number

Email/Website Here

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DisclaimerInformation, materials, and/or technical assistance are intended solely as informal guidance, and are neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA, nor binding on any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA. The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is authorized by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide information, materials, and technical assistance to individuals and entities that are covered by the ADA. The contents of this document were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A110020. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

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Aging and Disability

• Our population is aging, baby boomers make up about 35% of the population.

• The work force over 55 is estimated to grow by 4% per year

• Many people develop disabilities as they age…whether or not they call it a disability.

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Prevalence of Selected Impairments by Age Groups

LaPlante,1988

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Our Aging Population

In 2010, the majority of the US population will be 45 years and older

Brian Basset, Cartoonist and creator of syndicated cartoon Adam@Home

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A Changing Workforce

• Current 40+ yr. olds – Depend on technology use in the workplace– Will expect accommodations to allow them to

continue using technology as they age• Small percentage of professions do not require

use of technology / computers

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Why make technology accessible?

Technology offers unprecedented opportunities and independence for people with disabilities and offers increased market share for online business and services.

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Technology in the Workplace

• Accessible Technology can play a critical role in providing reasonable accommodations

• Accessible Computing Technology includes:– Assistive Technology– Accessible Electronic and Information Technology– Universally Designed Technology Environments

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Universal Design

– Ron Mace, Center for Universal Design, 2008

• Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

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What is Accessible Electronic & Information Technology

• Accessible electronic and information technology can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. It incorporates the principles of universal design. Each user is able to interact with the technology in ways that work best for him or her. Accessible technology is either directly accessible…or it is compatible with standard assistive technology.

University of Washington, 2008

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What is Assistive Technology?

• Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

• Assistive technology services are any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

Assistive Technology Act of 1998

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Technology as a Reasonable Accommodation

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AT = Independence

• Technology is available along acontinuum from low tech to high tech

• Americans with disabilities rely on assistive technology, and 35% say they would lose their independence without this technology

– 2004 N.O.D./Harris Survey

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Computer-related Assistive Technology

• Adaptive keyboard• Screen-reader software• Screen magnification software• Pointing device

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Mid-Atlantic ADA CenterTransCen, Inc.

401 North Washington Street, Suite 450Rockville, MD 20850

Toll-Free: 800.949.4232 (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV)

Telephone 301-217-0124Fax 301-251-3762TTY 301-217-0124Email ADAinfo@transcen.orgWeb www.ADAinfo.org

The contents of this presentation were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A110020. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.