Fighting disability with technology

[Guest guest]

Fighting disability with technology

http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/29/stories/2008012950500200.htm

NEW DELHI: Described as Europe's biggest technology event to promote

accessible technology for differently-abled persons, the first

edition of the two-day Techshare India-2008 will be held at India

Habitat Centre here beginning February 4.

The Royal National Institute of the Blind (United Kingdom) and

BarrierBreak Technologies have partnered to bring the technology

conference-cum-exhibition for the benefit of physically challenged

persons.

In a first of its kind activity in the country, Techshare India-2008

will highlight the importance of implementing accessibility standards

and complying with different accessibilities law. In addition, the

event will also exhibit and showcase information technology products

and services that will allow visitors to browse through the latest in

assistive technologies available.

A special highlight of the event will be the role of technology in

the lives of people with disabilities, looking not just at web

accessibility but also software accessibility and accessibility on

the move for mobiles and people with different abilities. An

experiential laboratory where everyone can get a first-hand feel of

what it is to have a disability will be another interesting display.

Some of the key speakers at the conference will include eminent

personalities like Shadi Abou-Zahra from the World Wide Web

Consortium; Baquis, Accessibility Specialist, US Access Board;

Omprakash Subarrao, Director Consulting Practices, India;

Kenny Johar, Research, Architecture and Solutions Lead — Vision

Australia; and D. Friendly, Director, BookShare.org.

According to BarrierBreak Technologies (Mumbai) Managing Director

Shilpi Kedia, technology has revolutionised the way we live and

work. " Unfortunately, very little attention is paid towards making it

accessible to all, especially people with disabilities. To allow

differently-abled people to access technology, we are hosting

the `Techshare India 2008' that will offer workshops and

presentations on accessibility and draw upon the wisdom of people who

have tremendous experience in the field, " she added.