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Disability and Technology

Disability and Technology. Charles Tubre Systems Advocacy Specialist Advocacy Center. History of Disability Movement / Science as Social Impetus. Advances in medical science: Pharmaceuticals Surgical innovations Rehabilitation protocols Assistive technology (folding wheelchair).

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Disability and Technology

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  1. Disability and Technology Charles Tubre Systems Advocacy Specialist Advocacy Center

  2. History of Disability Movement / Science as Social Impetus Advances in medical science: • Pharmaceuticals • Surgical innovations • Rehabilitation protocols • Assistive technology (folding wheelchair)

  3. Increase in Number of Persons with Disabilities= Political voice = Political Action Seniors live longer Rates of disability 38% men over 65 39% women over 65 Expanded political base Stronger political voice Total % with Disability

  4. Societal Impact • Assertion of individual rights • Physical access/Civil rights legislation • Architectural Barriers Act, 1968 • Building codes • Rehab Act of 1974, 1978 amendments/CIL (Independent Living Philosophy) • Fair House Act, 1988 • Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 • Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 2002

  5. Independent Living Philosophy • Equal opportunity: education, employment, social participation • Community based supports and services • Self-directed • Community living entitlement /not state option • CILs/Advocacy • Attendant Care/Waivers • Transportation • Housing • Employment

  6. Why should I Care about Disability Rights History? Engineers As Enablers Engineers As Wayfinders Engineers As Agents of Social Change

  7. Work Resource • People with disabilities as human resource • Investment capital to realize full value • 30% of people in LA have one or more disabilities (16 y.o and older) • Nationally 24.5% of people have one or more disabilities (16 y.o and older) • Nationally 76% of people with disabilities are not working • “A brain is a brain is a brain…”

  8. The Workplace • Accessible work environment • Physical barriers - wheelchair ramps, work station, restrooms • Attitudinal barrier - training for management and co-workers • Assistive Technology: Voice Command software Adaptive keyboard

  9. Assistive Technology • Enabling Tools • Fundamental to work • Examples: Computers, Adaptive Keyboard, screen readers (electronic voice) etc. • Availability • Access/affordability

  10. An Example • Power wheelchair • Modified vehicle • Computer • Voice command software • Adaptive keyboard • Accessible Public Transit • Lifeline • (Others: cell phones, speakerphones, internet, e-mail…)

  11. Summary Technology is a by-product of science • Science enables: • More people living longer • More people living longer after trauma/disease • With Technology: • Work is possible for PWDs • PWDs are a valuable human resource • Independent living is made possible • Quality of life is enhanced • Investment return

  12. Engineers as Enablers Essential to productivity for PWDs

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