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Disabled Users Represent Huge Market
From: TechWeek - June 1, 1999 - page 10

Thank you for your May 17 cover story on computer access for people with
disabilities. Not enough computer users, disabled or non-disabled, are aware
of the wide range of accessible technology that is available. 

I take strong issue, however, with the statement that "the disabled comprise
a relatively small potential market." Under the legal definition of
disability, at least 10 percent of the population have some type of severe
disability that may affect computer use. Add to this the functional
disabilities caused by aging, injury and even incorrect computer use (such as
carpal tunnel syndrome and eyestrain), and the number jumps dramatically. 

In addition, many adaptive technologies are popular among non-disabled
individuals. A good example is the MouseKeys and keyboard equivalents built
into Windows that allow anyone to emulate mouse functionality without a mouse
- an equal godsend whether you develop a disability or your mouse does. 

When the Macintosh was released, it took about five years for a Mac access
solution to be available for blind individuals. With the release of Windows
98, there were blind accessibility solutions almost immediately. It is my
strong hope that the technology press will continue an equally timely
awareness of the importance of making computers fit human needs regardless of
individuals' differences in functionality. 

Jane Berliss-Vincent
Center for Accessible Technology, Berkeley
janeber@aol.com