Summary
The metaverse, virtual reality, Web 3.0, distributed infrastructure, the Internet of Things, wearable computing, and AI: all these things are going to change the face of accessibility over the next 10 years. In this talk, Samuel Proulx, Fable’s Accessibility Evangelist, will give you an overview of what the current landscape looks like at the frontier of accessibility and assistive technology. Where’s the research taking us? What might be coming down the pike? Sam has watched the accessibility industry adapt and change over the last 30 years. Drawing on the changes he’s experienced, he’ll take a look at the future, through the lens of the past. After this session, you’ll have a deeper understanding of where accessibility has been, and where it might be going.
Key Insights
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Lived experience is crucial to understanding real-world accessibility needs.
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Accessibility was once viewed as a charitable hack; now it's integral to product design.
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The shift to personal computing marked a significant change in assistive technology's reception.
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Apple's introduction of built-in accessibility features revolutionized the market.
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Consolidation of assistive technology companies mirrors earlier computing trends.
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Current challenges include ensuring accessibility across new technologies like VR and AR.
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Accessibility must be integrated into the design process from the start, not as an afterthought.
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Bias in AI and blockchain can be addressed through accessibility-first approaches.
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Inclusive design practices will improve user experience for all, not just those with disabilities.
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The responsibility for accessibility should be shared by developers and tech companies.
Notable Quotes
"I have been a screen reader user all my life, as I am completely blind."
"The best way to learn is to involve actual users and real people."
"Lived experience gives you incredible insight and grounding into the assistive technology industry."
"Accessibility was just a clever trick that some charitable organization would do."
"Assistive technology was slowly becoming a third-party commercial product."
"Voiceover was the first screen reader that provided touch screen accessibility."
"With Apple, I could pick up any phone and triple-click to turn on accessibility features."
"Accessibility is now considered a first-party responsibility."
"Gaming is a place where I can see the cycle of history very clearly repeating itself."
"No company has any dominant advantage yet in the new field of accessibility."
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