Techshare India 2010 Conference Programme

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Welcome to Techshare India 2010

On behalf of BarrierBreak Technologies, Royal National Institute of the Blind People (RNIB), UK and National Centre for Promotion of

Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and our Techshare Indiasponsors and partners, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to all thedelegates, speakers and exhibitors to Techshare India 2010.

In India, this is the second conference and exhibition dedicated toaccessibility and assistive technology. It has been heart warming tosee the participation from the corporates, NGOs and government.

The 1 st Techshare India had been held in February, 2008. We areback to ensure that we can continue to build this knowledge sharingplatform.

This year's theme has been "bridging the barriers". In 2008, we hadstarted with an endeavour to identify the barriers faced by personswith disabilities in the use of technology. Since Feb 2008, we haveseen numerous changes happen within the Indian perspective.

In February 2009, the Guidelines for Indian Government websiteswas launched which mandated Level A compliance of Web Content

Accessibility Guideline.

Since then, we have seen the National Portal of India(http://india.gov.in and http://bharat.gov.in ) accessible to persons withdisabilities. This was a start in the right direction.

We at BarrierBreak Technologies are now taking on that beyondwebsites, all user interface needs to be accessible, whether it is anATM, a mobile application, a browser, a kiosk based application, etc.

This will be our focus going forward to ensure that persons withdisabilities are moving ahead!

We have people coming to present papers from diverse fields as wellas from different countries. I hope that you would find the knowledge

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sharing informative and would give you a different perspective of looking at things.

I hope that you have a productive and informative conference. Shilpi Kapoor Chair of Techshare India Conference GroupManaging Director, BarrierBreak Technologies

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Message of support from RNIB

I'm very proud to be here at Techshare India 2010.I'm delighted to be able to meet so many colleagues from acrossIndia and the world, and to hear of the great progress you are makingin our struggle for a more accessible and equal world. A moreaccessible world is one of the World Blind Union's strategic priorities.

I just wanted to say a few words about why Techshare India soimportant in that struggle? And why India has lead the world withTechshare India.

After decades of fighting for recognition of our rights, during 2008 & 9Governments across the world signed and ratified the 2006 UNconvention on the rights of people with disabilities. India can be proudto have been an early signatory to the convention, ratifying in 2007.

Article 9 of the convention addresses the accessibility of Informationand Communication Technologies - ICTs - and assistivetechnologies. As a movement we recognised that being able to use

everyday ICT as crucial to inclusion in society. Getting an education,getting a job, watching TV, shopping and talking to friends. Which iswhy it's such an important part of the convention.

But the stark reality is that most designers of ICT have no idea how todesign TV's or mobile phones or computers that blind people canuse. Most blind people have no idea how to use them anyway, andwhat adaptive technology we do have is cumbersome andunaffordable for most people.

So with the UN convention we've done the easy bit. Some bits of paper with fine words signed by our governments. But unfortunatelymost governments are bewildered as to what to do to deliver thesefine words into changed lives. As are our colleagues in industry andcommerce, and frankly so are most people with disabilities.

What can we do about this?

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The key is work together, not throw rocks at each other: Disabledpeople, governments, industry and commerce, now need to worktogether to make the promises of the convention real. To findsolutions to help industry and commerce design better inclusive ICT,to find way of getting better adaptive technology into peoples hands,and help people develop the new skills they need.

That is why the World Blind Union asked its Technology committee tofind ways of bringing people together to work on finding solutions tothe challenge. And that is where the Techshare series of conferencescomes in.

Techshare is a series of conferences across the regions of the world

to bring together professionals, experts, industry and governmentsalongside people with disabilities to find solutions to making ICT: TV,phones, computers etc, usable by people with disabilities. Techshareconferences are designed to share our knowledge, to help eachregion and country develop appropriate solutions whilst supporting anICT industry which is global in nature. And in which India is such avital player with much of the worlds software being written here. Weneed Indian software designers to really understand accessibility.

So though Techshare started in London over a decade ago, what youmay not know is that the idea of Techshare becoming a global seriesof conferences came from India. In 2007 a young social entrepreneur Shilpi Kapoor approached my RNIB colleague Stephen King, who isthe chair of the WBU technology work group and explained howimportant India was to getting inclusive ICT across the world.

Out of this sprang the very successful Techshare India 2008, andnow Techshare India 2010. Organised in India, by Indian colleagues,with sponsorship of World Blind Union and RNIB.

I am delighted to tell you that colleagues in Africa will be runningTechshare Africa in Ghana in June 2011, and colleagues in China willbe running Techshare China in 2011 or 12, as well as TechshareLondon in 2010. I hope that we will all be able to learn from you.

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So thank you all for coming. I do hope we have a great conference.Millions of people depend on you, including blind and partially sightedpeople in the UK who use everyday software and products designedhere in the Indian ICT industry.

So lets go to it and solve some of the mountain of problems we'vegot, by sharing the knowledge and expertise we have.

As disabled people we need a more accessible world. We need finewords turned into action. You can change the world.

Thank you.

Kevin CareyChair of RNIB

About RNIB

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the leading UKcharity for blind and partially sighted people. We have three clear priorities:

Stopping people losing their sight unnecessarily, where our

work includes campaigning to ensure proven treatments for sight-threatening conditions are available on the NHS. Supporting blind and partially sighted people to live

independently, through education and employment services, byoffering emotional and practical support, products to make lifeeasier and advice about money, eye health, and local services.

Creating an inclusive society, by for example working withtransport operators, retailers and banks to enable more peoplewith sight loss to travel, shop and run their own finances.

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Message of support from NCPEDP

Can you think of a life without technology?!

In today's time & age, can you think of a day, literally, without the useof say your mobile phone, or going onto the Internet, or switching onthe TV in the evening?! Then think of not going to an ATM, or notbeing able to use your washing machine or microwave?!

Things most of us take so much for granted are not accessible tomillions of Indian disabled citizens. And even where the tool is withinreach, to use it is either very difficult or impossible. And even in thatprocess, one has to compromise one's safety and dignity. Not onlythat, but one has to often pay more -- a sort of a 'punishment tax'imposed on us for being born disabled in this country!! We say we are living in the 'Information Age'. Some say we areracing on the 'Information Highway'. Not entirely false! We CANaccess information, a lot of it, at merely the press of a button or theclick of a mouse. There are thousands of websites. Governmentalone has 5000+. We can read newspapers online, book our railwayor our movie tickets, or even submit our Income Tax returns.

W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) has Accessibility Guidelines.They have had these guidelines for a decade plus. Most decentcountries use them and ensure that their websites are disabled-friendly. In several countries, there are stringent laws. In India, weneither had a law, nor the guidelines. Net result: The Nation raced

ahead on the so-called Information Highway, leaving millions of disabled people behind, especially those with visual impairments.

In December 2008, when NCPEDP highlighted this issue, not a singlewebsite of the Government, out the 5000+, was WCAG compliant.Only when the Prime Ministers Office intervened, there was a flurryof activity. However, full credit to the Ministry of Information

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Technology (IT), once they were seized of the issue, they movedforward very quickly. A high level Committee was constituted and byFebruary 2009, National Informatics Centre (NIC) was out with their Web Access Guidelines. This was/is good news. Unfortunately,however, these guidelines are restricted only to the Governmentwebsites. The private sector still remains unaccountable in India.

With these guidelines in place, no new Government website can nowbe commissioned or constructed, unless it is fully WCAG 2.0compliant. I am told that NIC is enforcing this quite firmly. But not allGovernment agencies always go to NIC. Some of them get their websites done from private vendors. Therefore, there is a need for creating more awareness on this issue, on the Governmentsmandate, and on the existence of these guidelines. More importantly,

there is a dire need for monitoring backed by punitive measures.

The other front was those 5000+ Government websites which alreadywere up & running. Again, to their credit, Ministry of IT took urgent &proactive steps and got the Indian Portal, india.gov.in as well asbharat.gov.in, accessible i.e. WCAG 2.0 compliant. Unfortunately,however, the other Ministries have been tardy as well as insensitive.Almost a year ago, NCPEDP submitted a list of 50 Governmentwebsites, which we felt should be made accessible ASAP. Websitessuch as those concerning railway tickets, passports, income taxreturns, etc. or the Websites of say the Prime Ministers Office,Planning Commission, Social Justice Ministry, and so on. It gives meno happiness to record that as on date, not a single website exceptthat of MSJE has been made disabled-friendly!!

As far as the private sector is concerned, the less said the better!NASSCOMs own website is not accessible and every time this issueis brought up, they hide behind all sorts of excuses.

However, in fairness to NASSCOM and especially their President, Mr.Som Mittal, they have become quite sensitized to disability issues of late. Infact, very recently, they have even set up a Disability AdvisoryGroup. I sincerely hope that they will now take urgent steps to ensurethat their website becomes accessible and disabled-friendly.

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The point is simple. If NASSCOMs own website is not WCAG 2.0compliant, how will they ever be in any position to do any advocacyvis. a vis. other private sector players.

Let me now move on, away from the topic of websites to the larger gamut of electronics. Mobiles, television, ATMs, washing machines,microwaves, and other such things which we take so much for granted and which are so very central to our daily lives.

Now, imagine if we did not have access to them! Or, inorder toaccess them, we needed someone elses help, i.e. we weredependent on someone else. Or, in trying to access/use them, wehurt ourselves or burnt ourselves. Imagine, compromising your dignitypractically every single day of your life. Imagine, being dependent on

someone else for something otherwise as simple as putting your clothes into a washing machine, or heating food in the microwave.

India gained independence some 62 years ago. Our Constitutionpromises us equality and freedom, but as I write this article, thewords ring hollow. Where is our equality and when will we be trulyfree? The 70 million disabled citizens of India ask this questionalmost every single day of their lives.

Therefore, what India now needs is a National Policy for ElectronicAccessibility. NCPEDP, in collaboration with BarrierBreakTechnologies, has drafted such a policy and I am pleased to say thatit is under the active consideration of the IT Ministry.

This is the 2 nd Techshare in India. We at NCPEDP are proud to bepartnering with BarrierBreak Technologies, along with ofcourse RNIB.I hope some good comes out of this unique conference. I wish ShilpiKapoor and her enterprising team the very best!!

JAVED ABIDIHonorary Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) is a non-profit voluntary organisationworking as an interface between Government, Industry, InternationalAgencies and the Voluntary Sector towards promotion of better employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. It wasregistered as an independent Trust in 1996.

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Techshare sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwideleader in software for personal and business computing. Thecompany offers a wide range of products and services designed toempower people through great software - any time, any place and onany device. Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Ltd is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, USA. It has had a presence in India since1990 and currently has offices in 16 cities - Ahmedabad, Bangalore,

Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur,Jamshedpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi,and Pune.

Gold Sponsor

IBM is the only IT company in the world and also in India thatoffers end-to-end solutions -- hardware, software, services,consulting and research -- to customers. IBM helps clients solvecomplex business and technical issues and brings a new level of services to the business community. The company deliversinnovative business consulting, process design, systems integration,and application management. IBMs core competencies includedeep business process and industry expertise, advanced

analytics and research capabilities, comprehensive ITinfrastructure knowledge, and the proven ability to implemententerprise solutions that deliver bottom-line business value.

IBM has been present in India since 1992, expanding itsoperations considerably with regional headquarters in Bangaloreand offices in 22 cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune,

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Hyderabad and Chennai. Today, the company has established itself as one of the leaders in the Indian Information Technology (IT)Industry.

For almost a century, IBM has been helping organizations andbusinesses across the world assess their information systems for accessibility and install solutions to make those systems easier to use. The IBM India Accessibility Centre, in its third year now,showcases solutions from IBM Research which are significant fromthe accessibility perspective.

For more information on IBM India log on to: www.ibm.com/in

Silver Sponsors

Yahoo! India Research & Development was established with amission. To be a world class products and services hub with deepdomain expertise to deliver wow consumer and advertiser experience.

The Yahoo! R&D centres core activity includes developing innovativetechnologies and global product platforms. The centre engages inend-to-end product development from concept through launch. It alsoruns the entire Yahoo! network, which is one of the most trafficked

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Internet destinations worldwide, on a 7x12 basis. Yahoo! Labs, theresearch arm, focuses on basic and applied research in the areas of next-generation search, advertising and large-scale computingsystems.

Yahoo! India R&D has built out best-in-class consumer experiencesand online advertising products for both global and emerging marketsestablishing a leadership position in domains such as cricket, news,mail, messenger, finance, and home page amongst others.

Yahoo! has invested in specialist talent in key areas like productmanagers, user experience designers, architects, developers,program managers, quality engineers, service engineers andresearchers to build a world-class team in India.

Supporters

Sightsavers International is a UK based non-political, secular, non-governmental development organization which specializes in theprovision of technical and financial support for the prevention andcure of blindness. Sightsavers also specializes in the provision of services such as education and rehabilitation for the incurably blindpersons. It helps the people who need it most - those living in povertyin some of the world's poorest countries. Sightsavers mandate is toprovide services to eliminate avoidable blindness and provide equalopportunity for disabled people.

UK-based Sightsavers Internationals work in India, which started in

1966, has supported the treatment of millions of persons with eyedisorders and brought eye services to some of the least served areasof the country. In addition, many thousands of irreversibly blindpeople have received rehabilitation and educational support to enablethem to lead lives of independence and dignity.

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Sightsavers is committed to eradicating avoidable blindness in Indiaand to promoting inclusion. Future plans include further strengtheningits work in the areas of awareness raising, tackling serious eyeconditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, refractive error and blinding disorders among children, and advocating for theeducation of irreversibly visually impaired children, and the rights andneeds of blind and low vision persons.

For more information please log on to www.sightsavers.org

Industry Association Partner

Set up in 1982 for purposes of scientific, educational and IT Industrypromotion, MAIT has emerged as an effective, influential anddynamic organisation. Representing Hardware, Training, R&D &Hardware Design and other associated service segments of theIndian IT Industry, MAITs charter is to develop a global competitiveIndian IT Industry, promote the usage of IT in India, strengthen therole of IT in national economic development, promote businessthrough international alliances, promote quality consciousness in the

IT Industry and transform the Indian IT Industry into a World ScaleIndustry leading to a World Class Usage and thus a World SizeMarket.

MAIT is represented on all concerned Government of India fora andworks in close association with the Industry Chambers and allIT/Electronics Associations in India and overseas for theadvancement of the IT Industry in India.

MAIT also recognises the importance of Information TechnologyIndustry growing with sound business relations with the rest of theworld. In this direction, MAIT from time to time exchangesdelegations and structured information with overseas counterpartorganisations industry data, published reports and newsletters and encourages cross attending of annual events as a part of itseffort to promote international understanding.

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Online Media Partner

Disability News and Information Service (DNIS) is a fortnightlyelectronic newsletter on the Indian disability sector. The need for such a service began with the realization that information is apowerful tool can lead to self-advocacy and empowerment. Thus,DNIS (www.dnis.org) was set up in 2003. Such services existed inother human rights movements but it was a first for the Indiandisability sector.

DNIS was set up with a mission to: Provide the right information on disability to the right people at

the right time to facilitate positive action. Set a national agenda for participation of persons with disability

in nation building.

The USP of DNIS lies in the fact that news coming out is fresh andnot simply collated. In DNIS, priority is given to news that is difficult to

get.

Today, DNIS boasts of a registered readership of around 3000people with more than 15,000 hits per issue on an average. Thereadership ranges from disabled people to Disabled PeoplesOrganisations to activists to NGOs to Government departments andofficials to media.

DNIS is part of the Disability Communication Unit of National Centrefor Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP).

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Radio Partner

Radio City 91.1FM is Indias first and leading FM radio brand.Promoted by Music Broadcast Private Limited (MBPL), the private FMnetwork has captured the hearts of millions of listeners across 20 FMstations in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune,Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vadodara, Surat, Coimbatore, Vizag,Ahmednagar, Sholapur, Nagpur, Sangli, Nanded and Jalgaon. RadioCity 91.1FMs fresh and vibrant outlook 'Whatte Fun', offers adifferentiated listening experience through melodious adultcontemporary (AC) format of music to SEC AB Adult audiencesacross the nation. Aggressively looking at spreading the Radio Cityexperience across the country, Radio City 91.1FM is committed togrowing the market and creating superlative content for discerningaudiences. Radio City 91.1 FM broadcasts round-the-clock usingstate of the art digital stereo FM for unmatched quality in signalstrength, clarity and brilliance.

Media Partner

ABILITY FOUNDATION is a national cross-disability NGO workingtowards empowerment and rights of persons with disabilities. TheFoundation also makes serious attempts to dispel the stereotypedimages generally associated with disabled persons and is focused asan advocacy and information dissemination organisation,emphasising on the rights of persons with disabilities. Towards this,the Foundation is involved in a spectrum of activities ranging frompublishing, to education, employment, culture, legislation, humanrights and implementation of policy. We firmly believe that given the

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right opportunities at the right time, so much more is possible. *All ittakes is an open mind*.

To this extent, the ongoing activities cover a wide range of innovativefirsts:

Success & ABILITY*, Indias quarterly cross-disability lifestylemagazine - available in print, digital and audio formats.

National Centre for Information & Communication Technology(NCICT)* a centre of excellence that offers enhancedcomputer and life skills programmes, leading to employmentopportunities.

Placement Wing* that bridges the divide between qualifieddisabled persons and open minded companies and alsoorganises *EmployAbility*, national-level annual job fair.

Sign Language Partner

ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters) is a newly formedorganization to represent the Interpreters for the deaf in India. Thedeaf community of India has not had a formal interpretingorganization until now. The concept of sign language interpreting as aprofessional service for deaf persons has yet to take hold in India.The apex organizations for the deaf are already campaigning for thisto take place.

Our aim is to provide the deaf community of India with quality

interpreting services, empowering them to live fuller better lives, whileproviding our members with quality training and opportunities for growth in their profession.

Objectives of ASLI are: Creating a Registry of Sign language Interpreters Providing Training in Interpreting.

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Creating awareness in the general public with regard tointerpreters for the deaf.

Providing continuing education to Interpreters. Liasing with international agencies in the field of interpreting

Conducting workshops and seminars on interpreting. Networking with local organizations and NGOs working with the

deaf to promote the use of sign language interpreters. Networking with the relevant Govt. departments on the need for

deaf persons to have access to interpreters. Setting up an institute for the training and support of

interpreters. Promotion of the profession of Interpreting in India. Advocating for the rights of the deaf community to have

interpreters.

Volunteer Partner

Volunteers for the Blind People is a voluntary organization working inthe field of rehabilitation for the blind. We work with NGOs & withVisually Challenged individuals. We network with them offeringsupport, consultancy and assistance on a national basis ensuring thatquality inputs are provided. We execute programmes throughVolunteers. Our activities include the following: -

Projects and programmes; Networking with NGOs & Resource Persons; Consultancy in accordance with priorities desired by beneficiary

NGOs; Orientation and motivation of volunteers; Sharing of information; Assistance to government & corporate bodies; Development of technology applications.

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The Vision - Improve the quality of life for the visually handicapped.

The Mission - Assist Individuals & organisations to promote anunderstanding of their needs & to enable the availability of better quality of services, nationally & internationally.

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Techshare persons with disabilitiessponsors

To allow persons with disabilities to attend the conference, we havehad the support of different organizations that have sponsoredstudents with disabilities. We wish to thank these organizations for their support.

Mr. Marzban Antia Mr. Ramesh Bhatia Mr. Srinivasu Chakravarthula Dr. Rajesh Dave Mr. Ravinder Grover Mr. Prakash Jain Mr. Sunil Khurana Ms. Priti Rohra

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General information

Conference registrationConference registration opens at 08.00 am on 15 February and 08.15am on 16 February. The registration desk in the Stein Auditorium willbe staffed on the 15 February until 11:00 am. After this time aregistration desk will be staffed in the Charminar exhibition area.

Assistance DeskThe assistance desk in the Stein Auditorium will be staffed on the 15February until 11:00 am. After this time an assistance desk will bestaffed in the Charminar exhibition area.

Techshare teamThe conference organizers and volunteers can be identified by a blueand orange badge respectively. If you need assistance then pleaseask at the assistance desk or a member of the Techshare team.

Conference timesConference sessions start and finish at the following times:Monday 10:00 am 06:00 pmTuesday 09:30 am 06:00 pm

Parallel tracksOn 15 February the keynote address is in the Stein Auditorium. Thiswill continue from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This would be followed byfour tracks running in parallel.

Track 1: Strategies for inclusive growthTrack 2: Empowerment for allTrack 3: Unlocking the potential of technology

Track 4: Accessibility in Action (Workshop track)

Tracks 1 to 3 are where the papers are being presented and are for duration of 40 minutes. Track 4 is a workshop track and is for duration of 2 hours.

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Use the Agenda to quickly locate the sessions that you wish toattend.

Techshare exhibitionThere will be a free exhibition in the Charminar area on both days of the conference.

Opening times:Monday 15 February 11:30 am - 07:00 pmTuesday 16 February 09.30 am - 07:00 pm

RefreshmentsTea and coffee will be available at morning and afternoon breaks

outside the respective rooms.A buffet lunch is included in the delegate package and will beavailable in the Hub which is on the ground floor.

Medical centrePlease contact staff at the assistance desk.

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Conference programme overview

Use this conference programme overview to quickly locate thesessions that you wish to attend. The conference programme is listed

as per the Day followed by the Hall.

Day one: Monday 15 February 2010

10:00 am 11.15 amDay 1 Stein AuditoriumWelcome Note: Shilpi Kapoor, Managing Director, BarrierBreak

TechnologiesJaved Abidi, Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment

for Disabled PeopleKevin Carey chair of RNIBKeynote Address - Dr. P. Anandan, Managing Director -Microsoft Research Lab India Enabling a vibrant AT eco-system through inclusive innovation

12:00 pm 1:00 pmDay 1 Stein Auditorium

Keynote Address on Developing accessibility solutions for easier computing by Rajan Anandan, Managing Director

Microsoft IndiaKevin Carey chair of RNIB

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2:00 pm - 2:40 pmDay 1 Gulmohar

Challenges of Web Accessibility and Standardization inIndian languages: W3C India Perspective

Swaran Lata, W3C India Office"Challenges of Web Accessibility and Standardization in Indianlanguage: W3C India Perspective". The objective of the presentationis to highlight the challenges of enabling web access in IndianLanguages and importance of W3C standards in enabling webaccess for all.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: LowContains advanced technical content: No

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2:00 pm - 2:40 pmDay 1 Silver Oak

Shravan - Array of solutions for Hearing ImpairedAnandaraj Thangappan, Architect, Wipro Technologies, Bangalore

Cell phone is undoubtedly the most happening gadget of the 21stcentury. If the ancient man could not do without food, air and water,the modern man cannot think of doing without a cell phone. ..

It is unfortunate that while the rest of the world is enjoying thebenefits of 21st century gadget and services, it is not 100%accessible for the hearing impaired. They cant think of contactingcustomer support independently without the help of a mediator. Also,they cant enjoy TV and radio programs.

Shravan (The word Shravana means hearing/listening in Sanskrit.And this is considered to be the star of learning.) is an answer to thisproblem. This solution is conceived to make the hearing impairedperson feel like a normal person and remove all communicationbarriers.

This presentation will talk about the different features that can beachieved using Shravan.

Outcomes for audienceThe objective of this presentation is to showcase the way to empower hearing impaired people.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: LowContains advanced technical content: No (Moderate technicalcontent suitable for all audience)

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2:00 pm - 2:40 pmDay 1 Stein Auditorium

Guidelines for Indian Government WebsitesNeeta Verma, Senior Technical Director, National Informatics Centre

Web enablement of citizen services is one of the focus areas of National e-Governance Plan (NEGP) of India which aims atintegrating information network at the National/State/District level to acommon e-information grid, which would help faster and transparentdissemination of information to the citizens. Over the years number of websites in the Indian government web-space has grown to over 5000 websites which has not only ensured maximum reach of information but has also provided material uplift to informationsharing. On critically evaluating these websites certain challenges likelack of identity, inconsistency in presentation of information, outdatedcontent etc. emerge. There was a also a need to understand that thewebsites should maintain the veracity of information and servicesdelivered and must also be universally accessible in consonance withthe Persons with Disability Act (PWD), 1995.

In view with the need to build a pragmatic solution across thechallenges and ensure an effective practice for delivery of informationthrough the websites was felt and Guidelines for Indian Government

Websites were framed which recommended policies and guidelinesto be followed for the development of Indian Government websites/portals. These guidelines address the leading practices involved inthe entire lifecycle of website, web-portals and web-applications.

Outcomes for audience Sensitize the audience on the best practices of website design Generate awareness on the Guidelines for Indian Government

Websites Touch upon the policies and procedures for better management

of websites through their entire lifecycle Generate awareness on the needs of differently abled with

respect to access of information and services online


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3:00 pm - 3:40 pmDay 1 Gulmohar Redefining urban streets for a new Humanism of 'Body &

Machine' in motion

Puneeta Thakur, Research High Degree Candidate, University of Melbourne

City-streets have never been designed to prioritize wheelchair use. Itwas in 1950s that wheelchairs were spotted in city-streets. Beforethat, their use was restricted as medical devices in hospitals or athomes as pieces of furniture to give bodily comfort to the disabled.Despite initiatives by UN and central /state governments in providingaccessible environments, people in wheelchairs keep facing barrierson daily basis and are still far from accessing all facilities equally andthat too with dignity.

Present practices mostly concentrate in providing basic facilities suchas footpaths, sloping kerbs, and accessible parking spaces.Research indicates that Wheelchair users are a fast growingpopulation. So, small-scale improvements designed merely to keepthem on the move are unlikely to be of lasting benefit. Such schemesmay make matters worse by diverting attention and resources ontolocal problems, while only postponing the day for large-scale

measures, which however, then, would be extremely expensive andinvolve great physical complexities.

As a comprehensive approach in redefining streets for amenable useof wheelchairs, this presentation draws from urban-design practicesin cities of Chandigarh and Melbourne. It explores physical form of cities and their street patterns, at both macro and micro scale, for wheelchair-accessibility.

Outcomes for audience To find a direction for comprehensive approach in designing

wheelchair friendly streets. To sensitize spatial design professionals such as urban-

designers and architects to the needs of wheelchair users

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To create awareness in public about design practices, policiesand ideologies that might be adverse or favourable for wheelchair accessibility in the streets.


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Overview of GIS Project: Open AccessibilityEverywhere: Guidelines, Infrastructure, Standards

Kiran Kaja, Digital Accessibility Development Officer, Royal NationalInstitute of Blind People

The GIS project seeks to determine whether 3rd generation accesstechniques will provide a more accessible, more exploitable anddeeply embeddable approach in mainstream ICT (desktop, richInternet and mobile applications).

This approach is developed and explored with the Open AccessibilityFramework (OAF) through which aspects of the design, developmentand deployment of accessible mainstream ICT are addressed.

The OAF provides embedded and built-in accessibility solutions, aswell as toolkits for developers, for engraving accessibility in existingand emerging mass-market ICT-based products, thus makingaccessibility open, plug & play, personalised & configurable, realistic& applicable in various contexts.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low

Contains advanced technical content: No

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Punarjjani" - An ICT based integrated assessment toolfor children with MR

S.N. Goswami, Managing Director & CEO, Media Lab Asia, NewDelhi

Punarjjani is a tool to aid the special teachers for progressassessment & evaluation of MR (Mentally Retarded) children andgeneration of progress Graphs and charts for each individual. It helpsin tracking the education and rehabilitation of these children.

Maintaining detailed assessment and programming records for eachMR child manually is a time consuming and cumbersome task. Thespecial teachers are required to dedicate a good amount of their timefor this purpose. Also, analysis of the records of the children is highlycomplex and time consuming. This software aids the teachers for theprogress assessment and evaluation of the MR children and analysisof the results can be very useful for the teachers as well as thechildren.

The software is capable of generating required graphs and charts onthe progress of each child based on the input data provided by the

specialist teachers.

Outcomes for audience Punarjjani is an ICT based integrated assessment tool for

mentally retarded children integrating various standardassessment scales such as FACP, MDPS and BASIC-MR

The tool is first of its kind in the country and presentation willgive an introduction of the tool to technology professionals &other related to the field meeting in the event.

The tool will also be demonstrated during the presentationpointing

o Automatic generation of charts and graphso Uniformity in assessment methodo Statistical analysis and predictiono Development pattern of every individual child

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o Area of achieved independence, area requiredstrengthening and problem area

o Long term goal and its short term objectives suggested bytool for each child

o

Lesson plans suggested from a built-in lesson planrepository


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4:00 pm - 4:40 pmDay 1 - Gulmohar

Business Value of AccessibilityAnil Joshi, Program Director, Human Ability and Accessibility, IBM

Research.In todays fast changing economic scenario, technology plays a veryimportant role in our day to day life. Information Technology not onlyenables one to be at the forefront of knowledge, but empowers us tobe more productive.

In India more than 70 percent of the population lives in rural areasand may not have an access to the technology. Similarly, personswith disabilities face difficulties in reaping the benefits of InformationTechnology. Accessibility is about making the technology usable byall, by overcoming the limiting condition, thereby taking the benefits toeverybody in the society.

Accessible Technologies help people to be active contributors to theeconomy, by participating in mainstream activities viz. education,banking, industry, entertainment, travel and tourism and so on.

The presentation will include examples and facts as to how

Accessibility has a business value, rather than nice to do thing. It isthis Business Value, which will drive further advancements inAccessibility, rather than the traditional charity approach.


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A comprehensive look at the newer technology availablefor persons with low vision

Ms. Sachu Ramalingam, Secretary & Chairperson of NationalWomens Forum, AICB. Head & Consultant-Low Vision Rehabilitationservices

The size and shape of growth and advancements in the field of lowvision technology has been immense and the next half a century tocome is further going to revolutionalize the lives of the print disabled.However my paper explores the entire zonure of technology that isavailable for persons with low vision now across the Globe and whatthe future holds for them.

Outcomes for audience The Scenario 10 years before Comprehensive look of the available technology The impact of these technology on the lives of persons with low

vision The potential for the future



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Windows 7 for keyboard usersKiran Kaja, Digital Accessibility Development Officer, Royal National

Institute of Blind PeopleThis presentation will discuss some of the new and improved featuresof Microsoft Windows 7 and how to interact and control them from thekeyboard. The features covered will include:

The Start Menu search box and jump lists; The new taskbar structure, shortcuts and jump lists; The file management concept of libraries; New Windows keystrokes;

The new WordPad ribbon interface; The Action Centre.

Most of these changes are beneficial for keyboard users, but thereare a number of notable limitations or drawbacks to them which willalso be mentioned.

All features will be demonstrated using Narrator and Magnifier.Much of the information presented in this session is based on workdone for preparing a forthcoming RNIB publication called "Windows 7and Vista Explained", by Dr. Sarah Morley Wilkins and SteveGriffiths. It is hoped this publication will be available in time for Techshare 2010 in a number of formats.

Outcomes for audience Show how new and changed features in Windows 7 can be

used with the keyboard; Demonstrate some of these features - Start Menu search box,

jump lists, taskbar, libraries, WordPad ribbon, Action Centre -

with Narrator; Demonstrate the improved Magnifier;


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Introduction to DAISY and DAISY book libraries in IndiaDipendra Manocha, DAISY Consortium

Standards play important role in our day to day lives. Electricity plugs,mobile phones, roads, etc. are good examples of their utility. DAISYstandards are equally important for access to documents and allpublished materials to be accessible to all including persons with anykind of disability. DAISY Standards are developed and maintained byDAISY Consortium. It is best way to publish and also best way toread.

DAISY Forum of India is a network of organizations in India which areproviding DAISY Digital books to persons with blindness or lowvision. DFI is ensuring availability of quality reading materials to allwho cannot read normal print. DFI is working to bring in policieswhich would support availability books in accessible formats at thesame time when publications are released in normal print. It isworking to make more books available to more people. DFI is alsoworking towards availability of low cost solutions for end users for playback of these books. DFI is also working in collaboration withinternational agencies such as the WIPO to insure international

exchange programme and thus creation of a global library of accessible books.

DFI provides support for open source tools developed by the DAISYConsortium such as OBI ad Save as DAISY and also work towardsintroduction of low cost DAISY Book play back solutions such asDAISY To Go by nuance and buddy player.


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Guiding Seniors through the Digital MazeSteve Bennett, Sales Director, Dolphin Computer Access

As the digital divide widens the elderly and seniors are met bymultiple barriers to online services, modern communications methodsand crucially simple day-to-day information. These barriers includedisability, no previous computer experience and affordability.

With computer training becoming part of school curricula as late asthe 1990s, the majority of people of working age have taken most of their IT training and experience in the workplace. For retirees or thosewho simply were not exposed to PC usage in their working lives,getting started with computing can be a real challenge.

Many seniors suffer with deteriorating levels of sight caused bymacular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.All of these conditions can lead to low vision and may even result inblindness. Combining a lack of IT experience with a visualimpairment and becoming a silver surfer may seem a distant dream.

This practical session will consider these barriers, giving practical

advice using Dolphin Guide and demonstrating how the user isshielded from the complexities of the PC. The presenter will showhow Dolphin Guide talks the visually impaired user through theindividual steps of writing an email, instant messaging, browsing theinternet, scanning documents and more.

Outcomes for audience An understanding of the main barriers that prevent the elderly

accessing PCs An overview of the disabilities commonly associated with the

aging population An introduction to a new type of access technology tool for the

elderly with or without visual impairments A practical understanding of how to use Dolphin Guide to send

an email, type of letter and browse the web

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Fixing the Developer MindsetSubramanyan Murali, Tech Lead, Yahoo! Audience Platforms, Yahoo

Software Development India Pvt. Ltd.It takes little skill to place a page on the Internet. But there are loadsof sites out there that discriminate users accidentally or intentionallythrough neglect of standards and technology. Internet today forms thebasis of the latest revolution, the communication revolution and we asweb developers have a responsibility to make this medium reachable,accessible and usable to every one.

The developers of today are only as capable as their currentlimitations, and one of our biggest limitation when it comes to makethe Internet more accessible is not having the right attitude andmindset.

Accessibility is not just "legal compliance" or manager pressure. It isabout getting things right from the start, ground up. Accessible websites enable everyone, fully able, low vision, blind, deaf, motor-impaired, dyslexic, second-language readers and more to enjoyequally effective access to information 24/7.

The new mindset for developers must be to provide content first, thenlet the user control the cool looks and slick features. Accessible Webdesign saves time and money with standards-based development.

Web accessibility isn't magic. There are well-known ways to identifybarriers. Knowledge of assistive technologies coupled with gooddesign, smart user engagement techniques, clean layout design andstandards compliance all inculcated ground up will make the interneta much more usable medium.

Outcomes for audience Explain how a developer can approach building pages usable

to everyone Explain the current scenario on how developers approach

accessibility and what are its shortcomings

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Standards and technologies that will assist the developer Break some myths about accessibility Encourage developers to start designing the page with

emphasis on content rather than look at feel


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Workshops2:00 pm - 3:40 pmDay 1 - Willow

Open source tools for producing DAISY Books

Avneesh Singh, DAISY Consortium

DAISY (Digital Access Information System) standards have brought arevolution in accessibility of digital content. Digital Content producedaccording to DAISY standards provides a rich reading experience toall print-disabled making it substantially better than conventionalreading material like audio cassettes and Braille books.

But this extremely rich experience requires a slightly increasedsophistication in accessible content generation, as production unitsneed specialized DAISY content producing software for authoring.

DAISY Consortium intends to propagate production of DAISY contentby providing open source authoring and playback tools, therebyreducing the sophistication and its cost.

Our belief is that basic DAISY production should be possible by all, atno extra cost.

Above and beyond being powerful authoring tools, our softwareprovide a robust code base for further development andcustomization, facilitating commercial organizations to produce lowcost sophisticated production and playback software.

The presentation intends to touch upon this open source strategy andintroduce audience to absolutely free tools for producing DAISYbooks and converting digital content to accessible (DAISY) format.

Outcomes for audience Spread awareness about DAISY. Propagate the message that generating DAISY content is

neither too sophisticated nor costly and DAISY Consortium iscommitted to empower print-disabled in all parts of the world

Acquaint users and policy makers to free, open source toolsavailable for producing accessible DAISY content.

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Introduce commercial organizations to open source software for building DAISY production tools in less time and low cost.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low (it is recommended that

audience first attend Introduction to DAISY presentation)Contains advanced technical content: To some extent but it will beexplained in simple language, assuming audience to be from non-technical and semi-technical background.

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4:00 pm - 5:40 pmDay 1 - Willow

Outsourcing Accessibility Assessment and Remediation- Pitfalls and Prospects

Shrirang Sahasrabudhe, Accessibility Consultant and Product TechLead, Infosys Technologies Limited

This workshop explores the prevalent practice of outsourcing of ITapplications development and maintenance as applicable toAccessibility assessment and remediation. We intend to cover following in this workshop:

Typical challenges faced in incorporating accessibilityrequirements in outsourced applications development.

Processes followed by IT services organizations to addressaccessibility requirements in the applications that they build andmaintain.

Client involvement in such processes. Governance mechanisms for such processes. The chasm between planned and actually executed processes. Our recommendations to reduce this gap and out-perform on

customer expectations. Examples from Infosys including tools and processes used.


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Day two: Tuesday 16 February 20109:30 am - 10:10 amDay 2 - Gulmohar

Enabling Persons with Disabilities at marketplace - IBM's

perspectiveAnupama Vaish, PwD Program Lead, IBM India Pvt Ltd

Bridging gap between the marketplace and workplace for PwDs

At IBM Diversity is a business focus, we have a clear business casefor Diversity & Inclusion, it is key to our growth. IBMs commitmenttowards people with disabilities does not end with hiring and buildingan inclusive workplace for its PwD employees to enhanceproductivity. IBM also reaches to the outside world to enable PwDs inthe market place to equip them and bridge the gap between themarket and the workplace.

IBM is solidating its efforts to provide a unique platform to PwDemployees and fill the gap that is created by limitedemployment/experience opportunities offered to people withdisabilities by its unique program Internship conducted specially for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)s.

IBM is helping PwD employees get relevant practical exposureduring and after their study period

IBM has 7 interns in the first year of its launch - 3 in Bangalore,1 in Gurgaon, 1 in Kolkata and 2 in Mumbai for a period of 3months.

The interns worked on multiple projects, depending on their education and skills - Global Delivery, HR Learning andMarketing.

Eligibility Criteria: PwD Graduate seeking for work experience &

Students in last year of their Bachelors/Masters Degree.Candidates should submit their Disability Certificate

IBM is also committed towards developing a pool of qualifieddisabled employees by assisting them in skill development, providingwith a platform and necessary resources to showcase their abilities.We work on following external initiatives

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Computer training for teachers of visually impaired Thisprogramme trains the teachers on the correct teachingtechniques, resource aids, material and standardized method of

teaching the visually impaired. For past three years we areorganizing this workshop of 21 days in collaboration withEnAble India, a charitable trust founded in 1999. So far morethan 80 trainers have been trained from across the country,who in turn are training more than 1000 visually impairedacross India thus building the pipeline for employable peoplewith disability.

IT Camps for PwD students- IBM has been conducting ITCamps for children with disability to expose students to theexciting world of information technology, create a positiveimage of IT careers for them to dispel the prevailingmisconceptions surrounding computer science as an area of study for people with a disability, and to give students theopportunity to experience first-hand what its like to have acareer in the Information Technology Industry. In 2007 ITCamp for the visually impaired at the Blind Mans school inPune was conducted. The two day camp was to createawareness on careers in IT and offer students the opportunityto develop basic IT skills. The focus was on career

opportunities available for the visually challenged in the IT/ITES industry and key facets of job skills like resume building,work discipline, understanding customer orientation and takinginterviews.

IBM India joined hands with The Spastic Society of Karnatakaand PACER Center to announce a technology partnership tolaunch Indias first comprehensive Assistive TechnologyCentre. The new "Spastics Society of Karnataka AssistiveTechnology Centre for Education and Life Skills Training"opened its doors in September 2008. It will enable children andadults with any disability to learn, communicate and participatemore comprehensively in many work and life activities.

IBM India supports computer centers dedicated to providing ITskills to visually impaired people with accessibility software andhardware - Mitra Jyothi IBM Centre for people with Disabilitiesin Bangalore, Enable India in Mumbai and IETE-IBM computer

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centre, Noida, which is dedicated to providing IT skills tovisually impaired people.

IBM is on a constant look out for qualified people with

disabilities through different channels like Specific channels of recruitment such as NGOs like Enable

India, Participation in Job fairs like Abilities Mela, ADAPT jobfairs, Placement Agencies, Exclusive drives for PwD Walk ininterviews etc.

Partnering with NGO and placement agency to train fresh PwDgraduates on the skill sets on the basis of the job analysis of allthe entry level positions available in different business units,which would enable PwD candidates to get into IBM at entrylevel.

Agencies are encouraged to seek out for PwD resumes bypaying extra amount to get more PwDs for hiring.

External participation in different forums organized bygovernment organizations like CII and other NGOs and corporate toshare IBMs learning and expertise on making an organization aninclusive employer for PwDs and training requirements for PwDstudents to be more employable

Outcomes for audience Enabling PwDs at marketplace Employable pipeline building of PwDs Learning to be implemented in other origination to make

inclusive environment for PwDs



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9:30 am - 10:10 amDay 2 Silver Oak

The Power of Connectivity for Fun, Learning, and Lifewith Easy-Tech Assistive Technology

Adam Wing, Vice President of International Business, AbleNetFor many individuals with disabilities, the switch provides a solesource of control. If you trace our company history, youll find thatAbleNet was built around the introduction of a simple, yetsophisticated switch that, over the years, has allowed countlesspersons with disabilities to access the world around them at theslightest touch of a button. With the addition of TASH as a member of the AbleNet family and with new access innovations like the ImpulseEMG switch, we are dedicated to providing the best access options.In this session we will discuss the history of the switch, some of thenearly 100 access options, and the future of access.

Outcomes for audience Learn about various access options for people with significant

disabilities



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9:30 am - 10:10 amDay 2 Jacaranda Hall

AAC - Making every voice heardAswin Chandrasekaran, CEO, Invention Labs Engg Products Pvt Ltd

AAC refers to any mode of communication used to supplement orallanguage including gestures, sign language and picture symbols.Aided AAC techniques have been very useful in providing a voice tonon-verbal persons with muscular dystrophy. (e.g., cerebral palsy)Unfortunately, even though there are now a few devices in themarket, they have not gained in popularity in India.

The objective of this talk is to create awareness among the audienceon the following:

1. What is Alternative & Augmentative Communication?Who can use these techniques? And how does it help itsusers?2. What are the different types of techniques in AAC? Whatare the unaided and aided communication types available?3. What are the devices and solutions available in themarket in India today? A comparison of features andfunctionalities

Outcomes for audience To inform audience about how technology interventions help inAAC

To inform audience about available affordable solutions in Indiafor AAC


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10:20 am - 11:00 amDay 2 - Gulmohar

Touch Activated Audio Descriptive Tactile Models for Museum Exhibits

Rebecca A Fuller, Primary Investigator, RAF Models, IncWe have been conducting research on the development of tactileexhibits for museums to determine which 3-dimensional form or representation (raised line drawing, bas relief or full round) bestimparts the intellectual content of an exhibit. We are also testing theuse of textures to represent colour or pattern.

We are gathering feedback from participants who are Blind or haveLow Vision, including both congenital and adventitious, and haveincluded adults and children in each category. We have alsoincluded sighted participants, both adults and children in our testinggroup.

The data we are collecting through this testing is being used as wecreate our final pieces for an exhibit in an aquarium and will includeTouch Activated Audio Description in the models which will beavailable in multiple languages.

Our over arching goal is to make those objects, animals or fish whichare located behind glass in a museum, zoo or aquarium accessible tothe blind and low vision audience. By providing 3-dimensionalmodels with touch activated audio description, we are enhancingaccess to the intellectual content of the exhibit for the entireaudience, including those visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Outcomes for audience Inform audience of value of tactile exhibits in museums Demonstrate technology for touch activated audio description in

multiple languages Share research data supporting user preferences in shape,

form and texture


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10:20 am - 11:00 amDay 2 Silver Oak

Technology that can Break the Barriers of DeafnessDr. Madan M. Vasishta, Associate Professor, Gallaudet University

This presentation will identify specific technologies that are availableto and used by deaf people around the world. These includes, but arenot limited to:

This presentation will identify specific technologies that are availableto and used by deaf people around the world. These includes, but arenot limited to:

Telecommunication devices as: Email Texting Video phones TDD Support services as: Video relay service Internet Protocol Relay service CARTreal life verbatim captioning relay Voice to text and text to voice technologies.

Both presenters are deaf and have extensive experience in usingthese technologies and more. For example, how deaf lawyers work incourts and how deaf doctors and surgeons work in teams with their hearing counterparts.In additional to explaining these technologies, the presenters willdiscuss how these can be adapted in India.

Outcomes for audience Inform audience of value of tactile exhibits in museums Demonstrate technology for touch activated audio description in

multiple languages Share research data supporting user preferences in shape,

form and texture

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: BothContains advanced technical content: No

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10:20 am - 11:00 amDay 2 Jacaranda Hall

Looking beyond Screen ReadersShwetank Dixit, Web Evangelist, Opera Software

Accessibility on the web means much more than just screen reader support. This talk will focus on all the other ways in which browsersand web applications can improve accessibility. The talk will cover thevarious helpful, but little known features and options in modern webbrowsers and other devices such as mobiles, as well as upcomingdevelopments in web standards which can enable greater access for people.

Outcomes for audience Information of various helpful but little known features in web

browsers helpful in accessibility Overview of various developments in web standards which are

relevant to accessibly Working demos of certain features and technologies Information on accessible design on not just desktops, but also

other devices such as mobiles.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low (actually medium, but If I

had to choose, I would say low)Contains advanced technical content: Yes (but a lot of the stuff willbe content which does not involve many technicalities)

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11:30 am - 12:10 pmDay 2 - Gulmohar

Caring for the Care Giver: Enabling Care Givers to takebetter care of Persons with Disabilities

Ratanjit Singh Sohal, Director - Innovation & Technology, UttejnaTechnologies

Accessibility on the web means much more than just screen reader support. This talk will focus on all the other ways in which browsersand web applications can improve accessibility. The talk will cover thevarious helpful, but little known features and options in modern webbrowsers and other devices such as mobiles, as well as upcomingdevelopments in web standards which can enable greater access for people.

Outcomes for audience Information of various helpful but little known features in web

browsers helpful in accessibility Overview of various developments in web standards which are

relevant to accessibly Working demos of certain features and technologies Information on accessible design on not just desktops, but also

other devices such as mobiles.

BENEFITS Create awareness on the perils and pressures on the CARE

GIVER Create awareness of best methods and practices to prevent

injury to care giver Offer Patient hoists as one of the possible solutions with PROs

and CONs Try to evolve a roadmap for future products to better enable

mobility

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: LowContains advanced technical content: to some extent

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11:30 am - 12:10 pmDay 2 Silver Oak

Multimedia Accessibility: Captioning, Audio descriptionVivek Gaikwad, Multimedia Engineer

Today, Web content is available beyond text as Flash, images, audio,video, Word, PDF, etc. It is important that web authors and designersnot only look at Web page accessibility but also making each of thesedifferent types of content available to all users.

For making multimedia (audio/video) content accessible, there aredifferent aspects that need to be catered to: synchronized captioning,audio descriptions, textual transcripts etc. In addition, ways of presenting the multimedia on the web page itself. Providing captions to a multimedia will help people with hearingdisability, people with language disability, senior citizens, people withlearning disabilities understand dialogues, music, as well as soundeffects of a particular video.

Providing audio descriptions would help people with visual disabilitiesunderstand visual images which might appear in gaps of dialogues.Providing text transcript is another way of making the multimedia

content available to all users.

This session will speak of different techniques of presentingaccessible multimedia content as a whole.

Outcomes for audience Identify the need for multimedia accessibility Discuss Captioning Discuss Audio Description Discuss Transcript


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11:30 am - 12:10 pmDay 2 Jacaranda Hall

Video 'Sign Language' Relay InterpretingArun C Rao, Executive Director, The Deaf Way Foundation

There is currently no way for the deaf people in India to access thehearing world. The only link between hearing and deaf is theubiquitous sms which is only accessible to moderately literatepersons. The linkage between the hearing world and the deaf needsto be improved in very many ways. Independent living is hamperedterribly by the lack of access to interpreting and information. Thisgreat need is holding deaf people in India back in many ways. Theneed for web based interpreting services is clearly evident given thelack of interpreters.

The REAL TIME VIDEO RELAY service helps deaf people toconnect to any local telephone by webcam providing live two wayinterpreting services assisting them to access any telephone basedservices/ businesses. The deaf person accessing a computer terminal with a web cam ( available in every street cyber caf) will beable to contact the special website where the service is accessible.From there the deaf person will communicate to the interpreter thetype of assistance he needs. The interpreter will place a local call to

the service/person that is indicated by the user and establishcommunication by voice. The deaf person communicating in signlanguage over the Internet web cam can then use the interpretersservices to communicate in real time with a hearing person/ serviceprovider.

Outcomes for audience To show the feasibility of internet interpreting services To show a working model of this. Audience can explore similar models in their own spheres of

work and influence.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: LowContains advanced technical content: Yes

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Correlation of Audiological findings vis-a-visQuestionnaire designed for Internet based hearing

assessment-a StudyDr. Vijaylaxmi Basavaraj, Director, AIISH - Mysore, All India Instituteof Speech & Hearing

By Dr. Rajeev Jalvi & Shri P.J. Mathew MartinCo -Investigators of the Project.Dr. Vijaya lakshmi Basavaraj, Principal Investigator

We are in the era of Information Technology. Internet application isthe result of the application of this technology for communication. Theadapted use of Internet technology and its allied facilities for communication is the basis of this Hearing screening online Projectof AYJNIHH-Mumbai-50. This hearing screening online project onthe internet will have all the allied facilities offered on the internet for feedback, chat, referral service, report generation and with an aim toreach out to all.

This study aimed at finding out the correlation between audiological

findings vis--vis questionnaire designed for online hearingscreening. Hence, a set of questionnaire were made targeting thefour groups viz- 0-2 years, 2-6 years, 6-18 years & 18 years andabove, for screening the population with reference to hearingsensitivity. These questionnaire were devised and adopted, as thebest substitute for an on-line internet hearing test, after which asample of 50 parents of infants were administered the questionnaireto confirm the results of the test.

During the project study, the questionnaire was developed anddesigned for 0-2 years of age group were administered to 50 parentsvisiting the pediatric clinic of AYJNIHH. These questionnaires wereadministered to the parents before the audiological evaluation, whichwas followed by an audiological evaluation. To avoid the biasingcomponents as well as to check the validity of questionnaire, bothprocedures were carried out by different clinicians A strong positivecorrelation between the findings were found between Audiological

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findings and questionnaire findings used for hearing test onlineproject. This shows that the questionnaire can be used as a valid toolfor early diagnosis and detection of hearing impaired in the highlysensitive group.

Outcomes for audience It is a cost effective screening device with mass application for

early detection and early intervention of population with hearingimpairment in the country.

No special equipments, test environment and professional helprequired. It is also a self-assessment tool for the adults andparents/caregivers of children/infants.

It brings down the identification cost of hearing impairment anddirect benefit to clients in terms of early intervention.

Facility can be availed by any person/institution/organizationwith Internet facility. Internet facilities are available at cyber cafe, homes and organizations.

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: HighContains advanced technical content: Yes

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Enabling full, easy, affordable PC access for the Blindand Visually Impaired

Matthew Wohl, CEO, Tactile World Ltd.Tactile World Ltd. has succeeded in developing a innovative PCbased system for the blind that includes the ability to read from thescreen and a patented navigational technology

The Tactile Explorer is a PC mouse that has Braille cells (oscillatingpins) integrated into its design, placed where the users fingersnaturally rest. Words and graphics shown on the computer screenare translated into height changes of the pins in the tactile pads.These changes can be tailored to regular letters, Braille symbols,graphics or other representations.

Easy access, navigation and use of computer- based applications,such as the internet, work-oriented programs, including Word, Excel,different CRM programs etc. will remove obstacles for the integrationof this sector into the workforce, and will make teaching young blindand visually impaired individuals to read Braille and use the PCeasier, enabling them to use computers like their peers.

Existing solutions are expensive and do not represent a real solutionfor money conscious SMBs or individuals. This combined with thegrowing dependency of businesses and educational institutions oncomputer based work solutions is promoting isolation, and fuelling theproblem of dropping employment numbers and a growingdependence upon social welfare solutions.

Outcomes for audience Introduce the Tactile Explorer system to the audience. Show how the blind navigate through the various programmes

and the internet. Demonstrate how the ease of the system will promote

integration of blind into workforce. Ease of use will promote education of young in Braille reading

and PC use.

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12:20 pm - 1:00 pmDay 2 Jacaranda Hall

Get more from Microsoft Office, with SuperNova ScreenReader Magnifier v11.50

Steve Bennett, Sales Director, Dolphin Computer AccessThis live demonstration will enlighten attendees with the most recentdevelopments to SuperNova Screen Reader Magnifier for blind andlow vision computer users, with the release of version 11.50 (dueDecember 2009). The presenter will presume the audience has abasic understanding of screen readers, enabling him to focus on themost recent advances.

The presenter will demonstrate the performance and functionalityimprovements to transform support for Microsoft Word, including 20+new quick navigation hotkeys for moving around inside a document,new more meaningful announcements for approximately 50 MicrosoftWord hot key functions, slower spelling speeds for clarifying thespelling of an unfamiliar or misspelled word and improvements to thespell checker support.

The presenter will also introduce audience members to the new task-based tutorial content that describes how to complete common

activities in popular applications while using Dolphin software,including Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 and 8, Word 2007,Outlook 2007, Excel 2007 and PowerPoint 2007.

Further version 11.50 improvements and features will also beoverviewed, as well a chance for audience members to evaluate thelocalised Hindi edition of SuperNova with the RealSpeak Lekha andSangeeta voices.

Outcomes for audience An overview of whats new for magnification, speech and Braille

users in SuperNova version 11.50 A detailed understanding of the new screen reader support in

v11.50 for Microsoft Word

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A detailed understanding of how to access the mini tutorials for using SuperNova with Microsoft Internet Explorer, Word,Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint

An opportunity to evaluate the Hindi edition of SuperNova

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: HighContains advanced technical content: Yes

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National Policy on Electronic Accessibility and CaseStudy on Implementing Accessibility on Indian

GovernmentShilpi Kapoor, Managing Director, BarrierBreak Technologies

Web Accessibility is gradually making its way in India. Good part isthat its made its way in the most unexpected arena Governmentwebsites! Yes its true to the world, India is a IT hub and one wouldexpect the big IT companies will be leading the way by incorporatingAccessibility in the solutions and services they offer. However, its theGovernment whos taken the initiative to make their websitesAccessible for all its citizens including people with disabilities.

AYJNIHH, National portal of India both in (English and Hindi) arecouple of example of Accessible Government websites in India.Accessibility was incorporated in these websites after developmentbut no compromises were made with regards to usability for thedisabled or complying with the required standards or guidelines.

Accessibility features, such as alternate text for images, headingstructure, descriptive link text, unique and descriptive web page titles,

valid markup, and alternatives for visual CAPTCHA and accessibleforms as a whole were implemented in these websites.

In this session, we shall talk about strategies adopted for incorporating accessibility in Government websites to improve thesurfing experience for all citizens including person with disabilities.

Outcomes for audience Analyze accessibility of the website; Identify the sections and content of the website that needs to be

modified; Ensure use of valid markup; Choose colors that contrast well; Incorporate accessibility features for different web page

elements, such as images, links, forms, tables etc.

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Empowerment for All: Indigenous Assistive TechnologySolutions

Swati Chakraborty, Co-ordinator, ICT, Indian Institute of CerebralPalsy

Empowerment of people with disabilities is a crucial issue that hasbeen rightly highlighted by the PWD act (1995) and UNCRPD (2006).The National Resource Centre for Augmentative and AlternativeCommunication (NRCAAC), run by Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy(IICP), has over 30 years of experience in service delivery, researchand training in AAC. Commercially available technology from the westcannot meet our national needs because these devices are notaffordable to the majority of persons who needed them and often notrelevant to our socio-cultural and linguistic contexts. Moreover, littleor no support for maintenance of imported AAC devices is availablein India. NRCAAC in collaboration with technical Institutes hasdeveloped low tech AAC resources and inclusive technologyresources that are pragmatic, affordable, easy to use and flexible andoffer solutions to empower access, education, communication,vocational training, employment possibilities and leisure skills for AACusers and people with multiple disabilities. The co-presenter, who is

an AAC user and a disability activist, will narrate the experience of using these easy tech solutions for empowerment.

Outcomes for audience Highlighting the issue of empowerment of people with multiple

disabilities and people who use Augmentative and AlternativeCommunication (AAC) using assistive technology

Focus on the research development easy indigenouslydeveloped assistive technology solutions

Experience of using these solutions, through the experience of people with multiple disabilities and AAC users for learning andliving narrated by the co-presenter who is an AAC user and adisability activist.


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Advancements in Accessibility Technologies at IBMResearch

Dr. Ashish Verma. IBM India Pvt LtdThe IBM India Accessibility Centre, was launched with the goal of showcasing solutions developed at the IBM Research that make theInformation Systems accessible and thus enable employees withdisabilities to be an equal participant in IBM's growth. Our technologies include, (a) Easy Web Browsing: a visual-impairmentfriendly internet browser that can even read out the text in Indianaccent, (b) Hindi Speech Recognition: a real-time automatic speechto text transcription which can enable hands-free interaction withcomputers in Hindi, (c) Speech Enabled ATMs: Technology to enableinteraction between people with disabilities and ATM (d) SpokenWeb: voice-based parallel to the World Wide Web which allowscreation, dissemination and access to information through voicedriven interactions.

Spoken Web is primarily designed for rural and semi-urban people toprovide information of value to them through mobile or landlinephones. It will also help government / industry / micro-business to

reach out to rural population with their offerings and help people atthe Bottom of the Pyramid. The vision is to create an informationecosystem that helps provide Internet-like information servicesthrough phones.

Users can dial into Spoken Web through mobile phones or landlinephones, create their own Voicesites (analogues to websites) in locallanguages, and browse voicesites created by others. Example in ruralsetting is of a Voicesite Owner who gathers information that hasrelevance to a specific cluster of villages, and uploads it onto hisVoicesite. Villagers dial Voicesite number and receive theinformation. All this is possible just by talking over the phone inlocal language and dialect. Spoken web has the ability to link multiplevoicesites together. User can call in to any of these voice sites andmove from one to another and the context get transferred seamlessly.People with visual challenges can easily cerate and access contenton Spoken Web. People with mobility challenges can get information

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and services at their finger tips. Spoken Web therefore proposes tobe inclusive technology that can drastically change the way peopleget information and services in developing world.


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Need for Web Accessibility for developing countries: Yahoo! initiatives

Srinivasu Chakravarthula, Accessibility Manager, Yahoo SoftwareDevelopment India Pvt. Ltd.

Today, Internet plays an innovative role in every aspect of human life.People user Internet for almost everything such as communication,find a job or a life partner, shopping, education, entertainment,research etc.

In country like India or any developing country for that matter, Internetis being used widely both in business and personal life. And so isapplicable for people with disabilities too. In fact, Internet helps a lotto people with disabilities to address their daily needs since they donot need to step out of their home. However, the problem is that mostof the websites today that offer different services like education,shopping, careers, matrimony, entertainment, news or socialnetworking are not accessible to assistive technologies its just thatthey are designed keeping the standards and different users in mind.

The paper talks about why accessibility is so important and to show

the developers that its not difficult to address. In addition, paper willshare some practices followed at Yahoo! To make its globalproperties accessible to everyone.

Outcomes for audienceTo remove the mindset of thinking that accessibility is difficult, scaryetc.

Benefit for the audience: Increase the customer base Develop global products Realize the need and importance of accessibility Realize how easy is to address accessibility


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Affordable DAISY Players for Developing CountriesPrashant Ranjan Verma, Consultant, Training and Technical Support,

DAISY ConsortiumDAISY, because it is accessible and meets the information andreading needs of those who cannot read print, has become aninternational system based on internationally adopted andimplemented standards. This new way of publishing is opening up amuch wider choice of reading for individuals who are blind and otherswho are unable to use standard-sized print. Users can listen to DAISY books on a variety of platforms anddevices. Unfortunately, the majority of the playback devices bothhardware and software that were developed initially are very costlyand out of reach of the users in developing countries. In the recentpast, there have been some very encouraging developments in theDAISY arena and now there are several both free and affordableoptions for reading DAISY books.

The worlds cheapest portable DAISY player called the buddy is nowavailable in India. The mobile phone and the Netbooks have also

emerged as very cost effective and powerful mediums for readingDAISY books.

Outcomes for audience Inform the audience about the availability of free and affordable

DAISY players Demonstrate the worlds cheapest DAISY player The Buddy Encourage the use of Netbooks which besides being a very

good DAISY player allows the print impaired to take fulladvantage of the digital technologies and the Internet


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The IT Governance Umbrella and AccessibilityThomas Logan, VP of Pro

Documents

Techshare India 2010 Conference Programme