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From Disabled World Industry Leaders Discuss Accessibility Strategies at ATIA Leadership Forum By ATIA
Top leaders from some of the nation’s most prominent corporations and government agencies gathered in Orlando, January 29 – 30, for the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Leadership Forum on Accessibility, an annual two-day event that discusses business strategies regarding the implementation of accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities and age-related impairments. The forum returned to Orlando for the third year and included case studies and educational presentations that discussed how some of today’s leading organizations have integrated accessibility programs into their strategies. "Accessibility is more than a critical pathway towards digital inclusion. At IBM, we see it as leveraging innovation to drive societal transformation. The ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility brings together leaders from government, business, academia and advocacy groups for relevant and meaningful discussions that have a real impact on people with disabilities, the organizations that employee them, and the communities in which they live," said Frances West, director, IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center. The forum attracted representatives across various industries including the insurance, retail, banking/financial services, hospitality, entertainment, and information technology industries, higher education institutions, as well as state and federal government representatives. Held in conjunction with the 10th annual ATIA Conference, the ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility provided attendees with a unique opportunity to further engage in conversation with more than 125 assistive technology manufacturers and service providers in the ATIA Exhibit Hall. “The information and products available at the Leadership Forum are something that all corporations and government agencies would benefit from if they want to reach an untapped market – persons with disabilities – or recruit, retain, and advance maturing employees and employees with disabilities,” commented David Dikter, executive director of ATIA. At the forum, companies and government agencies share their experiences on how they are actively integrating accessibility techniques and solutions to keep them competitive long term. Participating companies included some of most prominent organizations in the world such as AT&T, IBM, Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Disability Employment Policy, Canon USA, Inc., California State University, Hilton Hotels, Social Security Administration, and others. Additionally, a highlight of this year’s event was the Keynote speaker, Anthony “Tony” Coelho, former U.S. Congressman and primary author of the American Disabilities Act. His keynote address discussed the recent passage of the ADA Amendments Act and his vision for further advancement of disability initiatives. Reference: For complete information, including a list of all of this year’s Leadership Forum speakers, visit www.atia.org/leadershipforum. The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to serve as the collective voice of the Assistive Technology industry so that the best products and services are delivered to persons with disabilities. Members of ATIA include for-profit, not-for-profit, or private organizations located worldwide. For more information, visit ATIA's Web site at www.atia.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disabled World (www.disabled-world.com) provides a large range of worldwide health and disability information. Coming Events related to health and disability can be posted at http://disabilityevents.disabled-world.com Disabled World also operates a worldwide Disability Community at http://community.disabled-world.com © Copyright 2009 - Disabled World |