The document discusses the assistive technology ecosystem and argues that it is critical to transform the ecosystem. Currently, the assistive technology market is fragmented due to different national systems and policies, and assistive technology companies struggle due to an inability to address the entire value chain. However, technological trends such as the integration of assistive technologies into mainstream operating systems and a universal accessibility API could help create a more cohesive ecosystem. The document suggests establishing a thematic network and European pilot portal to help coordinate research projects and increase awareness, as well as fostering international cooperation through workshops and an open alliance.

1. 17 November 2009 The Accessible Technology Ecosystem and Why it is Critical José Ángel Martínez Usero Director of International Projects

2. Transforming the Assistive Technology Ecosystem Assistive Technologies as solutions for everyone, every time and everywhere Every day we can have the same needs as a person with disabilities

3. Transforming the Assistive Technology Ecosystem

5. INREDIS. Interfaces for the Relationship between people with disabilities and the ICT environment.

6. European Assistive Technologies Information Network.

7. Keeping Pace with (ASSISTIVE) Technology (KPT project).

8. The GATEWAY Project (Guidance for Assistive Technologies in Education and the Workplace Advancing Young People with Disabilities)

9. The BRIDGE Project: Assistive Technology against Social Exclusion.

11. 2009. EC. eInclusion. Analysing and federating the European Assistive Technology ICT industry.

12. 2009. AEGIS. Deliverable 5.4.1.a. Market Analysis. Confidential

13. 2009. INREDIS. Deliverable 5.1.1. Present situation of the AT market and future technological trends. Confidential

15. Impossibility of AT companies to tackle all the value chain.

16. Non-structured market caused by different delivery systems, methods of financing, availability of products , the existing assessment methodologies and methods fordefining user needs and expectations (user profile).

17. An enormous amount of information on AT is available but does not reach the end-users.

18. Additional costs are required to develop solutions for attending to the different national markets (different systems, policy and language).

20. Transforming the Assistive Technology Ecosystem Technological trends PresentInstallation of ATs from different vendors (niche) in mainstream technologies (PCs, ATMs, etc.) Present Integration of ATs in OS or browsers (built-in / embedded accessibility) Short-term Usage of the same API for facilitating interaction of ATs with a specific system. Accessibility API independent of platform updates. Medium-term Interoperability of ATs in different systems by a Universal Accessibility API. (Specific examples of accessibility APIs: Microsoft's UIA, Java Accessibility API, GNOME accessibility API, IAccessible2, W3C's WAI-ARIA, , Macintosh Accessibility Framework.) Long-term Ubiquitous access to software ATs as a service. Cloud of ATs

21. Transforming the Assistive Technology Ecosystem Universal Interoperability API

22. Transforming the Assistive Technology Ecosystem The possible future AT ecosystem

24. Mainstream technologies evolve rapidly. General consensus on universal APIs

25. Delivery is a key constraint. Cloud computing an ubiquitous ATs for software ATs as a service.

26. More open market. Combination of Open and Proprietary source solutions to foster the participation of the public. Fastest progress.

29. Development of an accessible web 2.0 portal and a community to enrich contents and raise awareness.

30. Increase the diffusion of products and contributing to reduce distribution costs of manufacturers.

34. Transforming the Assistive Technology Ecosystem An example of mash-up in the field of AT is the combination of two existing ATs with a web translation service.

35. Transforming the Assistive Technology Ecosystem Thank you for your attention<jose angel martinez usero>jamartinez@technosite.es www.technosite.es