State of Technology Conference (T2)

The overall purpose of this project is to disseminate research findings, build consensus and develop strategies to ensure that people with disabilities will have access to the wireless technologies and services of tomorrow.  We are currently undergoing major transformations in communication technology and usage.  As software applications and data storage move from the device to the cloud and as Internet Protocol-based modes of communication become favored over traditional telemetry, some legacy technology may survive through migration to higher functionality devices and convergence. Yet, some legacy technologies will not survive in any form.  The research community has great expectations for the potential that new communications technology presents with regard to accessibility, as well as the benefits and byproducts that access affords:  better employment opportunities, greater independence, higher education, and greater social integration.  However, technological migration, if not managed well, could leave hard earned accessibility gains behind.  Therefore, the Sate of Technology conference will present and discuss the key components of wireless technological migration, specifically as it relates to accessibility and usability.

Conference objectives are to:

1. Bring together consumer, industry, academic, and regulatory stakeholders to explore the implications of the current state and emerging trends in wireless technologies and applications that are most likely to impact people with disabilities.
2. Address four broad areas related to trends in mobile wireless technologies: 1) impact of public policy (e.g., Hearing Aid Compatibility Act, Telework Enhancement Act, 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act) on equitable access; 2) applying the lessons learned to enable the regulatory process to keep pace with the migration from legacy, analog technologies to mobile, digital, Internet Protocol (IP) based technologies; 3) role of social media in enhancing independence, quality of life, and community participation for people with disabilities (e.g., emergency communications, healthcare, distance learning, and employment); and 4) strategies for engaging consumers in rehabilitation research, technology development, and advocacy efforts.
3. Reach consensus and promote adoption of research findings, technology development, and policy recommendations for managing the technological migration from legacy technologies to advanced communications services and wireless technologies.
4. Publish proceedings of the conference.

Project Team:

• Helena Mitchell
• Salimah LaForce
• Ed Price
• John Morris
• Ben Lippincott
• Brian Jones

Project Partners and Collaborators:

• CTIA – The Wireless Association
• Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS)
• National Emergency Numbering Association (NENA)
• Research in Motion
• Nokia
• AT&T
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• American Federation for the Blind