The gathering of organizations like the American Council of the Blind brings to the forefront the great opportunities we each have. New ideas, concepts, technologies, and policies are shown, debated and grown. Looking at those attending this years disability conventions one must think back to the past and ask what the disabled of the 1940s or the 1840s would think. Americans with disabilities have freedoms and abilities they could not have dreamed of. The accessible and adaptive technologies of today and yes tomorrow are expanding our personal freedoms with no limit beyond what we ourselves choose to accept. The litany of names that are expanding freedom and abilities are too numerous to mention but are being led by the AIRAs, OrCam's and Human Wares. Just when you think things can't get better along comes a new concept that changes the game. Whether we look at VOTEC who is expanding access to the election process, Discover Technologies who is making software like Share Point accessible or Inclusion Solutions who keep finding and bringing new and innovative products and services into the market that are game changers. We mention all these as examples and not as endorsements. There are so many new companies and developments that it is impossible to list them all. I bring these forward as examples that I personally have utilized and know their freeing effect. It is not just about learning or work. It is about play time as well. Let's talk about Blindfold games who has broken down the digital gaming barrier so I as a person who is blind can play games that are like Space Invaders, Battleship, and many more. The invention is not only in the realm of blindness. Take a look at the tracked wheelchair that is a true all-terrain chair that even comes with a snow plow attachment and a rifle mount for hunting. All of these things advance accessibility and will like all other inventions lead to new advancements. It is hard to see into the future of accessibility and know what is coming next. Access Ready is working to make sure that new information and communications technology goods and services will be universally accessible. To that end, we see places like Orange County, Florida reaching new levels of understanding and effort where access is concerned. Nothing is perfect and much work is yet to be done, but many are seeing the great opportunities for changing the game.
- Accessible Technology