Overview
IBM used the annual Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference and show January 18-21 in Orlando, Florida, to spotlight its interest in partnering with companies to make computer solutions that are accessible to people with disabilities.
"ATIA's goal is to be sure the best products and services are delivered to people with disabilities, and IBM shares this goal," said Frances West, who is director of the IBM Worldwide Accessibility Center and also is a member of the ATIA Board of Directors. "Both ATIA and IBM work with business, government, education and agencies serving people with disabilities to further this goal. It is the perfect partnership."
The four-day conference drew about 2,000 attendees, representing companies that manufacture or sell assistive technology (AT) devices and services. Also attending were government representatives, teachers, therapists and people with disabilities.
On the show floor, 120 exhibitors showed off their wares. On display at the IBM booth were technologies invented by innovators at the IBM Research Division, including:
- Easy Web Browsing — benefits computer users who have low vision and can use the mouse. Organizations and companies are installing Easy Web Browsing to differentiate their own Web sites and make them more accessible to their members, employees and customers. Seniors and first-time Internet users appreciate its simple user interface.
- WebAdapt2Me — allows people who have low vision, cognitive or mobility limitations to customize the way that Web pages are presented. Users can change the size of the text, increase the line spacing, and convert the text and links to high-contrast colors that are easier to see.
It is these — and other — assistive technologies that IBM plans to license to AT vendors to incorporate into their products. For example, IBM already licenses the technology in its Home Page Reader, a talking Web browser that allows blind people to use the Internet, to Freedom Scientific, for use in its What You Need Now (WYNN) product. WYNN helps people who are dyslexic use Internet sites by highlighting and speaking the text aloud.
IBM is particularly interested in licensing its technology to AT vendors that manufacture devices for people who are blind or have learning disabilities. In another example, IBM invented a computer mouse adapter that screens out hand tremors caused by age and other afflictions. Montrose Secam Ltd. now sells the mouse adapter.
IBM is also offering to share early versions of some of its computer code to AT vendors so they can make sure their AT devices work well with upcoming IBM products. For example, IBM provides early code for its Lotus products to Freedom Scientific, to test with its JAWS screen reader for blind people. And IBM also provides early code to GW Micro, which makes the Window-Eyes screen reader. Both AT vendors have recently joined PartnerWorld, IBM’s program for Business Partners, and are receiving the marketing and sales benefits that membership offers.
Finally, IBM is looking for manufacturers of software applications willing to build in accessibility features. For example, IBM is currently running a pilot project with Hamer Enterprises, headquarted in McAllen, Texas, to help Hamer make its EZ-Tax and EZ-Vote applications, which allow citizens to file their taxes and register to vote online, accessible to more residents.
AT vendors and application providers interested in these opportunities should contact Michelle Talluto, Channels and Partner Programs Manager for the IBM Worldwide Accessibility Center, at: michellt@us.ibm.com or at 1-914-441-8966.