Developing Inclusive Digital Environments: Challenges and Opportunities for Computer Science

Abstract

Accessibility for people with disabilities is not a traditional part of the computer science curriculum--yet accessibility has been an important driver of technology innovation for years, and it is now a requirement in many settings. After a brief introduction to functional requirements and interoperability considerations for accessibility, we will look at how accessibility intersects with other qualities of digital environments, including privacy and security, in diverse applications across web and mobile, digital publishing, online finance, telemedicine, virtual reality and automotive design. We'll look at how a few shifts in approaches to research and development can set the stage for more equitable technology access for the one billion people with disabilities around the world. We'll consider the potential impact on people with disabilities of increased integration of artificial intelligence--both the potential for negative impacts on people with disabilities from AI bias, as well as opportunities for leveraging machine learning to facilitate development of accessible digital environments and breakthrough accessibility experiences.

Bio

Judy Brewer directs the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) at the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). W3C's work to improve accessibility of the web for people with disabilities and older users includes ensuring that W3C standards support accessibility; developing accessibility guidelines for Web content and applications, browsers and mobile devices, and authoring tools; developing resources to improve Web accessibility evaluation tools; providing education and outreach on Web accessibility; coordinating with research and development that may impact future accessibility of the Web; and promoting implementation of Web accessibility standards. WAI guidelines include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, which has been adopted by many governments around the world; the Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines and User Agent Accessibility Guidelines; and Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA). Judy is a Principal Research Scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). Prior to joining W3C, Judy worked on several US-based initiatives to increase access to mainstream technology for people with disabilities, and to improve dialog between industry and the disability community. These initiatives included early work on Section 508; Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act; accessibility of the Windows 95 Operating System, and access to durable medical equipment for people with disabilities. Judy has a background in management, technical writing, education, applied linguistics, disability advocacy, and biotechnology.