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Emploi et formation : NTIC et accessibilité
Colloque 2000 : Adaptive product research, development and markets
ISSUES
Universal accessibility of NICTs
Universal accessibility of NICTs means that products must include basic accessibility functionalities, and they must be easily adapted to all types of disabilities, in accordance with the needs of each individual. Given the non-accessible nature of standard products for people with disabilities, the practice of manufacturing separate, adaptive products must be avoided. Thus, not only must we work on developing adapted products, but we must also, above all, work directly with standard product designers and manufacturers so that their products might eventually become more easily adapted and usable for people with disabilities. When creating standard products, a provision must be made from the outset for future product adaptation.
Interface development
It is important to develop adaptive interfaces so that all technology can be of use to people with disabilities.
The high cost to society of not developing adaptive products
In preparing an in-depth cost analysis for the development of an adaptive product, all costs to society of not developing a product must be considered.
The inclusive approach for people with disabilities
The inclusive approach calls for the involvement of adaptive product users, i.e., people with disabilities, in the entire product development process, from design to research and development, so as to truly meet their needs. This approach may lower the cost of specialized equipment, which is still very expensive.
Status of technological research into the real needs of people with disabilities
Technological research is currently lagging in terms of analyzing demand and the true needs and expectations of people with disabilities. The role of scientists is to identify the needs of this sector of the population and determine what technology can best meet them.
The issue of ageing among baby-boomers
The ageing of baby-boomers, a group with minor impairments, is translating into an increase in the number of customers in the market for adaptive products. This increase is being acknowledged by companies with large markets, but it also constitutes a considerable threat to people with more serious impairments. This latter group is a much less profitable clientele in the adaptive products market. The market itself is currently the only NICT regulator, and not the true needs of people with disabilities. Moreover, the adaptive products market for people with disabilities is small, and so companies have little incentive to improve existing products.
POSSIBLE solutions
- Ensure universal accessibility to NICT products, and develop a universal code of ethics for technological development.
- Involve standard equipment manufacturers in the adaptation process from the outset, so that they can make effective contributions and avoid unnecessary hurdles.
- Support efforts to unite people and groups involved in the development of adaptive NICTs.
- Recognize the contributions of people with disabilities to the entire research and development process for adaptive products (expertise, social costs, etc.).
- Increase scientific researchers' awareness of the problems that all people with disabilities face, without giving preference to any one specific impairment in applied research.
- Identify and meet the true needs and expectations of people with disabilities with respect to NICTs.
- Conduct a quantitative and qualitative evaluation that addresses all economic and social factors, so as to validate the necessity and pertinence of certain proposed technological tools.
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Nouvelles technologies et accessibilité
La Commission des partenaires du marché du travail contribue au financement des activités du
Comité d'adaptation de la main-d'oeuvre (CAMO) pour personnes handicapées.
Pour plus de renseignements sur le marché du travail et sur les programmes et services publics d'emploi, consultez le site d'Emploi-Québec.
