ROTARY LUNCH: Accessibility-First Innovation

Much of the technology we depend on today began as assistive solutions for people with disabilities. It can be said, for instance, that email was created to communicate via text instead of speech. Our smart speakers are built on voice recognition software used for years by people with limited mobility. 

With this in mind, let’s explore what is being developed as assistive technology today. What will you see in the mainstream over the next few years? This will include personal sonar, remote sighted agents, dynamic indoor mapping, and personalization. 

Ted Drake is the Global Accessibility Leader at Intuit, a financial software company that created TurboTax and QuickBooks. Prior to Intuit, Ted co-founded Yahoo’s Accessibility Lab and was a developer evangelist. Ted speaks regularly at technology conferences and is a co-chair of the 2020 Web4All Conference for accessibility research.

Each luncheon ticket includes a three-course lunch. Tickets are $40 each; $35 for Club members who register online in advance (online registration closes at 5PM the day before the meeting). Payment by credit card or check is preferred. Tickets available for purchase only at the door.