Disability%20and%20Technology

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Disability and Technology

• Charles Tubre
• Systems Advocacy Specialist
• Advocacy Center

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History of Disability Movement / Science as
Social Impetus

• Advances in medical science
• Pharmaceuticals
• Surgical innovations
• Rehabilitation protocols
• Assistive technology
• (folding wheelchair)

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Increase in Number of Persons with Disabilities
Political voice Political Action

• Seniors live longer
• Rates of disability
• 38 men over 65
• 39 women over 65
• Expanded political base
• Stronger political voice

Total with Disability
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Societal Impact

• Assertion of individual rights
• Physical access/Civil rights legislation
• Architectural Barriers Act, 1968
• Building codes
• Rehab Act of 1974, 1978 amendments/CIL
• (Independent Living Philosophy)
• Fair House Act, 1988
• Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
• Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 2002

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Independent Living Philosophy

• Equal opportunity education, employment, social
  participation
• Community based supports and services
• Self-directed
• CILs/Advocacy
• Attendant Care/Waivers
• Transportation
• Housing
• Employment

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Why should I Care about Disability Rights History?

• Engineers As Enablers
• Engineers As Wayfinders
• Engineers As Agents of Social Change

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Work Resource

• People with disabilities as human resource
• Investment capital to realize full value
• 30 of people in LA have one or more disabilities
• (16 y.o and older)
• Nationally 24.5 of people have one or more
  disabilities
• (16 y.o and older)
• Nationally 76 of people with disabilities are
  not working
• A brain is a brain is a brain

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The Workplace

• Accessible work environment
• Physical barriers - wheelchair ramps, work
  station, restrooms
• Attitudinal barrier - training for management
  and co-workers
• Assistive Technology
• Voice Command software
• Adaptive keyboard

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Assistive Technology

• Enabling Tools
• Fundamental to work
• Examples Computers, Adaptive Keyboard, etc.
• Availability
• Access/affordability

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An Example

• Power wheelchair
• Modified vehicle
• Computer
• Voice command software
• Adaptive keyboard
• Accessible Public Transit
• Lifeline
• (Others cell phones, speakerphones, internet,
  e-mail)

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Summary

• Technology is a by-product of science
• Science enables
• More people living longer
• More people living longer after trauma/disease
• With Technology
• Work is possible for PWDs
• PWDs are a valuable human resource
• Independent living is made possible
• Quality of life is enhanced

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Engineers as Enablers

• Essential to productivity for PWDs