1. Cloud Computing: A New Opportunity for People with Disabilities Clayton Lewis, NIDRR Consultant Coleman Institute March 13, 2012

2. What is cloud computing? past future

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. How it Works User profile in the cloud Enhanced browser accesses user profile… …customizes presentation of Web page to meet user’s individual needs

7. How it Works User profile in the cloud Matchmaker program helps user identify content and applications that can be configured to meet their needs

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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!

13. Discussion Questions or comments? Follow up: clayton.lewis@ed.gov,

14. 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