Cloud Computing:A New Opportunity for People
with Disabilities
Clayton Lewis, NIDRR ConsultantColeman InstituteMarch 13, 2012
What is cloud computing?
past
future
Advantages
• Very low cost for services we already have• Much easier to develop and deploy new
services
•A new world of useful services, at very low cost, available everywhere to everyone
Why Is Cloud Computing Important for People with Disabilities?
• Cloud technology can be used to make access to information and services much easier for people with disabilities.
• User profiles in the cloud can allow computers to automatically personalize themselves to meet the needs of individual users
GPII
• Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure initiative– GPII.org– Led by Gregg Vanderheiden (U Wisconsin), with
NIDRR support• International effort to improve the user
experience for computer users with disabilities…
• … and promote the development of more and better access technology.
How it Works
User profile in the cloud
Enhanced browser accesses user profile…
…customizes presentation of Web page to meet user’s individual needs
How it Works
User profile in the cloud
Matchmaker program helps user identify content and applications that can be configured to meet their needs
Application Scenarios
• Automatic setup of public computer in library or shared computer at home
• In school, children get the presentations they need… and they can access them at home, too
• Automatic setup of workplace accommodations
• More in vision video at GPII.org
Support for Software Providers
• GPII infrastructure enhancements aim to– Simplify the development of accessible
applications– Support online delivery of tools and services• personalization for access• subscriber authentication
• New and better services will result
GPII Status• Cloud4All– $11M European Commission project to
implement key aspects of GPII– Launched Nov 2, 2011– Additional amounts in international matches
• NIDRR committed to the development of this potential in the USA
NIDRR’s Cloud Initiative
• Pilot implementations in partnership with other agencies– Health care, education, voting
• Development work to complement international efforts
• Cooperation on strategic research
A Word of Caution
• cloud technology will not solve all of our problems
• there is a risk of exaggerated expectations and mistaken resource allocations– parallel: technology in the schools
• success with technology requires investment in people and their skills
• we need to grasp the opportunities of the cloud, but with a sober sense of reality!
The Cloud Opportunity
• Use the capabilities of the cloud…• …to make it easier for people with disabilities
to access the programs and services available in the cloud, and
• …to make it easier for service developers to provide access for users with disabilities
