Technology & Access
The widespread deployment of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), such as computers, digital media and wireless devices, has resulted in significant changes in our day-to-day living, our work experience and the manner in which we conduct transactions with government, business and other institutions. Implementation of E-accessibility initiatives in private as well as public sector institutions has resulted in increased efficiencies in the delivery of services, new kinds of online transactions, and alternative avenues of communication. Much of the focus of CACP research relates to the adoption of advanced communications, ICT and technologies; in terms of their impact on society and the manner in which, via policy, legislation and regulation, the use of these technologies is managed at all levels of society. CACP also examines barriers to the use of communications technologies by underserved populations, as well as uses which promote the well-being of society in critical contexts such as emergency and public safety communications and the optimal allocation of public spectrum.
- Accessibility in Municipal Wireless Networks
Paul M.A. Baker presented a paper, ³Accessibility in Municipal Wireless Networks: System Implementation, Policy, and Potential Barriers for People with Disabilities,² Paul M.A. Baker, and Avonne Bell, at the ICA Pre-conference Workshop ³Mobile Communication: Bringing Us Together or Tearing Us Apart?,² 57th Annual Conference of the International Communication Association, San Francisco, California, May 24, 2007.
[Word] or [PowerPoint]
- E-Voting Study
This research project undertakes a pilot survey of voters, both with and without disabilities, using manual and electronic voting. The survey was designed to assess and identify potential issues barriers and opportunities that may impede the voting process for people with disabilities. While voting machines have generally delivered on the promises of increased accuracy, more timely generation of results, and flexibility in terms of ability to address the needs of a wide range of capacities, nevertheless the machines operate with in a complex environment moderated by social and behavioral variables. For people with disabilities barriers to voting arise not only from physical factors such as inaccessible facilities, or limitations of voting technology per se, but from less recognized and more insidious cultural, social or awareness related factors.
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Emergency Communications
Emergency communications and public safety is a critical part of our national telecommunications infrastructure. Public safety agencies and emergency management officials are among the largest users of telecom who work together to provide the rapid response systems needed to save lives. CACP is activity involved in participating with industry and government to establish effective communications systems that can reach and improve the exit time of persons with disabilities in emergencies to reach safety. CACP’s Helena Mitchell serves on the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee, Homeland Security Working Group and was the former Chief of the Emergency Broadcasting System and Emergency Alert System at the FCC. CACP collaborates with public entities working in the public safety and emergency communications arena and private entities that represent the interest of persons with disabilities to develop emergency communications strategies and solutions.
- Report of the Subcommitte on New Technology
The Telecommunications Policy Advisory Committee (TelePAC) was established to provide policy advice on the most beneficial applications of newer technologies and investment options that might best serve the interest of both the citizens and government of Atlanta, Georgia. The Subcommittee on New Technologies was formed to examine policy options. Based on an evaluation of all the alternatives, the Report recommended that the City of Atlanta prioritize its new technological investment in two primary areas: (1) investment in government through web-based processing of transactions and services; and (2) investment in a wireless local area network. Other projects worthy of investment include upgrading the City's network infrastructure, creating a fiber network for APS, and creating an accessible electronic record archive.
- The Virtual Workspace: Telework, Disabilities and Public Policy
Although policymakers are beginning to recognize that the use of ICTs can be used to help create reasonable workplace accommodation for people with disabilities, focused, comprehensive programs targeted at advancing these applications of ICT have yet to be developed. This paper provides an overview and a philosophical comparison of both the U.S. and European policies on telework for people with disabilities.
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Getting Out the Vote:
Assessing Technological, Social and Process Barriers to (e)Voting for People with Disabilities
This paper presents some of the preliminary findings of a pilot survey of voter satisfaction with the voting process, using manual and electronic voting and including voters with and without disabilities, to help assess and identify potential issues, barriers and opportunities that may impede the voting process for people with disabilities.