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)

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

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

14.0%

16.0%

1970 1981 1990s

Total % with Disability

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

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

Why should I Care about Disability Rights History?

Engineers As Enablers

Engineers As Wayfinders

Engineers As Agents of Social Change

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…”

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

Assistive Technology

Enabling Tools• Fundamental to work

• Examples: Computers, Adaptive Keyboard, screen readers (electronic voice) etc.

Availability• Access/affordability

An Example

Power wheelchair Modified vehicle Computer

• Voice command software• Adaptive keyboard

Accessible Public Transit Lifeline (Others: cell phones, speakerphones, internet, e-mail…)

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

Engineers as Enablers

Essential to productivity for PWDs