How to Create Disability Access to Technology: Best Practices in Electronic and Information Technology Companies

This manual explains how technology companies can access the largely untapped market of 41.3 million people with disabilities. By 2020 the aging Baby Boom will add another 50 million people with disabilities. Technology companies can gain universal appeal and profit with accessible products for people with disabilities. The manual shows how the design of common technology products-—such as cell phones and computers— benefits from the inclusion of people with disabilities in their design, testing and marketing. This guide cites best practices distilled from interviews with technology companies and illustrates them with extensive examples. The manual focuses on how individuals and small groups in technology companies successfully transformed their companies. Included are examples, stories and best practices from individuals both inside and outside the companies who create disability access to technology. There are five easy-to-read “How To” chapters, offering insights and examples from technology industry accessibility experts. A case study of AOL documents the amicable settlement of an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit which transformed their company. Other chapters look to the future of accessibility, with an extensive section on resources for companies and suggestions for disability advocates.