The Global Public Inclusive DevAcc2012 Jim Tobias September 2012

Raising the Floor  International non-profit organization based in Geneva  Partners in universities, industry, advocacy  GPII is the main project 8 months into a 4-year, $15 million development program US, EU, Canada

What’s the problem?  Information and communication technology (ICT) continues to expand its reach into everyday functions  Mainstream ICT interfaces: inconsistent and complex low usability for people with functional limitations  Many AT solutions: hard to obtain (information, cost) platform-specific operate independently low contextual awareness

What’s the solution?  Create infrastructure where: users can create and refine their interface needs and preferences ICT providers can project their products’ flexible capabilities AT providers can develop and deliver targeted solutions  “Roads not cars”  Open integration across products and services

Examples of Services & Features  Captions  Enhanced audio reduce background noise custom frequency response  Text to speech  Enhanced visuals font, size, colors, contrast, layout  Reminders, contextual clues  Personalized touch input larger targets reduce errors

Benefits  Users: Select your interface once; use it everywhere, automatically User control for privacy & security  ICT: simple path for enhancing & projecting a11y  AT: easy platform porting; global marketing  Enterprises: serve customers, clients, and employees manageably

How Will GPII Work?

GPII Status & Roadmap  Architecture almost complete  Real demos Listeners Personal Needs & Preferences (PNP) server OS features & some AT products are integrated  High international visibility  Moving to implementation in educational materials  Trials in next months

Partners & Examples  Amara – crowdsourced captions  Family Ribbon – aggregated online services, simplified interface  AssistMeLive – assistance on demand with a disability focus

Amara

Family Ribbon

AssistMeLive

Thank You! raisingthefloor.org gpii.net