Accessible Mainstream Products

MaineCITE Webinar

30 June 2009

Jim Tobias, Inclusive Technologies

Outline

A few examples What’s the big idea? More examples, in categories Resources Q&A

Examples

Cell phone alarm

Waterproof, flexible keyboard

Soap dispenser

What’s the big idea?

Accessibility is about features rather than products

Mainstream productsare profusehave diverse featuresoften inexpensiveare “normal” and fun

Categories

“Interaction”

Digital picture frames

Recordable greeting cards

Nabaztag

Drawdio

Timing & Scheduling

GameDr.

Study ball

DaysAgo

Getting around ... and back!

GPS keychain

“Chaperone”

Information & communication

technology (ICT) access

Keyboards

Gesture recognition

Wii TV controller

Mobile devices (1 of 2)

Many accessibility featuresPicture IDBluetooth (input & output)GPSspeech in & out

Software lively, low cost marketunique to each brand, platform, or model

Mobile devices (2 of 2)

“Airplane” or “flight” modeWiFi

Network-based featuressubscription model transcodingconnections to other services and devices

Summing up the technological options

Ups & downs of “AMPs”

Advantagesanywhere & everywhere less expensive “normal”engaging

Disadvantageshunting down “the right one”adapting them funding

Resources

Information

We’re all “shoppers with a special eye” look for “easy to use”, “ergonomic”, “convenient”,

“freedom”

PhoneScoop - Finder Radio Shack etc. Coolest Gadgets Ricability Access on Main Street

Technological assistance

Do you really need help? confidence peer networks

Developers and marketers are very approachable and looking for new applications

Local talent “Maker” and “hacker” cultures

Q&A