The Hindu : New Delhi News : Fighting disability with technology

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Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008
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New Delhi

Fighting disability with technology

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Described as Europe’s biggest technology event to promote accessible technology for differently-abled persons, the first edition of the two-day Techshare India-2008 will be held at India Habitat Centre here beginning February 4.

The Royal National Institute of the Blind (United Kingdom) and BarrierBreak Technologies have partnered to bring the technology conference-cum-exhibition for the benefit of physically challenged persons.

In a first of its kind activity in the country, Techshare India-2008 will highlight the importance of implementing accessibility standards and complying with different accessibilities law. In addition, the event will also exhibit and showcase information technology products and services that will allow visitors to browse through the latest in assistive technologies available.

A special highlight of the event will be the role of technology in the lives of people with disabilities, looking not just at web accessibility but also software accessibility and accessibility on the move for mobiles and people with different abilities. An experiential laboratory where everyone can get a first-hand feel of what it is to have a disability will be another interesting display.

Some of the key speakers at the conference will include eminent personalities like Shadi Abou-Zahra from the World Wide Web Consortium; David Baquis, Accessibility Specialist, US Access Board; Omprakash Subarrao, Director Consulting Practices, Yahoo! India; Kenny Johar, Research, Architecture and Solutions Lead — Vision Australia; and Lisa D. Friendly, Director, BookShare.org.

According to BarrierBreak Technologies (Mumbai) Managing Director Shilpi Kedia, technology has revolutionised the way we live and work. “Unfortunately, very little attention is paid towards making it accessible to all, especially people with disabilities. To allow differently-abled people to access technology, we are hosting the ‘Techshare India 2008’ that will offer workshops and presentations on accessibility and draw upon the wisdom of people who have tremendous experience in the field,” she added.

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