New Directions in Accessible Computing (AccessComputing News - Jan 2010)

This fall, I spoke about accessible technology in my "New Directions in Accessible Computing" lecture at North Carolina State University (NCSU). My talk was part of the Triangle Computer Science Distinguished Lecturer Series. It was telecast to Duke University and the University of North Carolina.

In my talk, I described ways that people with disabilities can use technology to create or configure their own accessibility solutions. This non-paternalistic approach respects the ability of persons with disabilities to determine their own destinies.

For example, if a person who is blind uses an iPhone they can download accessible applications using the phone's VoiceOver feature. New technology is also being developed that allows the user to access phone content through vibrations that represent Braille characters.

Before my lecture, I was able to connect with NCSU students, faculty, and staff. I met Sina Bahram, an NCSU computer science Ph.D. candidate who is blind. I learned about various projects at NCSU, University of North Carolina, and Duke that may have a future impact on people around the world, including those with disabilities.