1. Disability and Technology Charles Tubre Systems Advocacy Specialist Advocacy Center

2. History of Disability Movement / Science as Social Impetus Advances in medical science: Pharmaceuticals Surgical innovations Rehabilitation protocols Assistive technology (folding wheelchair)

3. Increase in Number of Persons with Disabilities = Political voice = Political Action Seniors live longer Rates of disability 38% men over 65 39% women over 65 Expanded political base Stronger political voice Total % with Disability

4. Societal Impact Assertion of individual rights Physical access/Civil rights legislation Architectural Barriers Act, 1968 Building codes Rehab Act of 1974, 1978 amendments/CIL (Independent Living Philosophy) Fair House Act, 1988 Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 2002

5. Independent Living Philosophy Equal opportunity: education, employment, social participation Community based supports and services Self-directed Community living entitlement /not state option CILs/Advocacy Attendant Care/Waivers Transportation Housing Employment

6. Why should I Care about Disability Rights History? Engineers As Enablers Engineers As Wayfinders Engineers As Agents of Social Change

7. Work Resource People with disabilities as human resource Investment capital to realize full value 30% of people in LA have one or more disabilities (16 y.o and older) Nationally 24.5% of people have one or more disabilities (16 y.o and older) Nationally 76% of people with disabilities are not working “A brain is a brain is a brain…”

8. The Workplace Accessible work environment Physical barriers - wheelchair ramps, work station, restrooms Attitudinal barrier - training for management and co- workers Assistive Technology: Voice Command software Adaptive keyboard

9. Assistive Technology Enabling Tools Fundamental to work Examples: Computers, Adaptive Keyboard, screen readers (electronic voice) etc. Availability Access/affordability

10. An Example Power wheelchair Modified vehicle Computer Voice command software Adaptive keyboard Accessible Public Transit Lifeline (Others: cell phones, speakerphones, internet, e-mail…)

11. Summary Technology is a by-product of science Science enables: More people living longer More people living longer after trauma/disease With Technology: Work is possible for PWDs PWDs are a valuable human resource Independent living is made possible Quality of life is enhanced Investment return

12. Engineers as Enablers Essential to productivity for PWDs