Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

NCD Releases Progress Report on ICT and AT

On October 7, the National Disability Council (NDC) hosted a briefing to discuss their recently released 2016 Report, “National Disability Policy: A Progress Report.”  The panelists were:  Phil Gilbert, IBM Design General Manager; Dean Halstead, Director, Federal Cloud, Collaboration and Accessibility, Microsoft; Finn Gardener, Boston Community Coordinator, Autistic Self Advocacy Network; Paul Schroeder, Vice President of Programs and Policies, American Foundation for the Blind; and, David Capozzi, Executive Director, U.S. Access Board.

In this report, the NDC proposes a Technology Bill of Rights for People with Disabilities, recognizing that society has not evolved to be 100% inclusive of those with disabilities. According to the report, the Bill of Rights would delineate guiding principles to be adhered to by future technology legislation.  It would also clarify that current laws ensure a right to accessible and inclusive technology.  Panelist Kate Seelman, a member of the NDC, introduced the panel and made recommendations to the audience that there be increased federal and private sector investment in ICT and AT.  Seelman also suggests that Congress develop funding streams of partial or full support for:  durable medical equipment, assistive technology, and complex rehabilitative technology.  Panelist David Capozzi stressed the need to consider people with disabilities in the technology design stage, in part because technological difficulties often arise when retrofitting technology to make it more accessible for those with disabilities.  Fellow panelist Dean Halstead agreed, explaining that Microsoft builds in accessibility at the “get-go” and “it is part of the design.”  Paul Schroeder discussed the Rehabilitation Act, and particularly Section 508.  The struggle, he explained, has been with bringing Section 508 rules up-to-date.  “Section 508,” he stated, “is the de facto standard for accessibility.”  Part of the challenge in doing so is getting all the players (including the government and stakeholders) involved and finding consensus.  Capozzi was pleased to announce that a final rule to update Section 508 is now under review at OMB.

Paul Schroeder shared that there needs to be standards that set clear guidance for accessibility.  He also talked about the benefits of research and development incentives in the tax code, and the need to train people with disabilities to become “accessibility experts.”  He likes the NDC’s recommendation for a Technology Bill of Rights because it includes a variety of ways to promote accessibility.  However, to Schroder, the “missing link” pertains to connected health and home.  Lastly, Schroder cited the IDEA bill, relating to classroom accessibility standards, and said it would resurface in Congress next year.  He cited H.R.729, the Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act, and H.R.4533, Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind Act (111th Congress), as legislation to read and know for reference.

Gilbert stated that there needs to be very specific regulations on what is defined as “accessible.”  He said there is still ambiguity around what, exactly, is considered accessible.  He argued that there should be guidelines that everyone – disabled and able persons – could agree on.  Further, he stressed the importance of including disabled persons as part of design teams.  “We are excluding brain power from the market today,” he said.  Finally, he stated that society must find a way to create empathy between the abled and disabled populations.  Lastly, Finn agreed with the panel that it is crucial to bring people with disabilities into the conversation when drafting new legislation as it pertains to accessibility.

For more information and to review the report, visit: http://www.ncd.gov/progressreport/2016/progress-report-october-2016