Technology Policy

How to Create Disability Access to Technology: Best Practices in Electronic and Information Technology Companies

The book reveals how technology manufacturers gain not only corporate social responsibility goals, but also bottom-line profits by producing accessible products for people with disabilities. This is the first guide to show exactly how the design of common technology products - such as cell phones and computers - benefits from including people with disabilities in design, testing and marketing. It also explains how companies can avoid costly mistakes.

Broadband: A Vital Communications Link for People with Disabilities

For the more than 6 million people in California with disabilities, advanced telecommunications technologies and services are not just something nice to have. They are a critical communications link and equalizer with the rest of the population. That’s why the World Institute on Disability (WID) was one of the first disability organizations to become involved in the arcane world of telecommunications policy. WID supported deployment of broadband before many people knew or could envision its potential.

Telecommunications Problems and Design Strategies for People with Cognitive Disabilities

This report summarizes a literature review on use of telecommunications by people with cognitive disabilities.

The Internet: An Inclusive Magnet for Teaching All Students

This 21-page handbook promotes access to the Internet in K-12 schools for students with disabilities, students with a variety of learning styles and those who do not speak English as their first language. The handbook provides practical tips, general access guidelines, resource listings and success stories of teachers from across the U.S. who use the Internet in their classrooms.

Electronic Curbcuts (Video)

This award winning video produced by WID in conjunction with Pacific Bell features telecommunications industry leaders, people with disabilities and scripted vignettes of technology used to promote universal design of advanced communications technology for people with disabilities. Open-captioned, open-described, study guide included.

Building the Framework: Telecommunications & Persons with Disabilities: The Second Report of the Blue Ribbon Panel on National Telecommunications Policy

This report lays out the steps that must be taken to incorporate universal design principles into today's and tomorrow's telecommunications equipment and services. It examines the concept of "universal design," the relationship between universal service and universal design, and whether or not new technologies will incorporate universal design principles. Recommendations are set forth in the final chapter. The report also looks at telecommunications policy-making and standards-setting.