Who should pay for assistive technology? It is a matter of perspective.
The use of technology to support an aging population is gaining wide acceptance in some venues but meets resistance in many others. "Resistance" is often spelled "M.O.N.E.Y". Everybody wants the benefits of the evolving technology, but not everyone is willing, or able, to pay for it.
Employers often provide assitive technologies to workers with disabilities and those who are facing age-related difficulties with sight, hearing, mobility and other physical impairments. In these instances, the employer usually pays for the technology, tools and training. (see article below)
On the other hand, an incredible amount of technology exist, and continues to be developed, to help seniors and their caregivers live better, longer, more productive and less stressful lives - yet, who is willing, or able, to pay for it is less clear.
Some argue that it should be the user. Some think that other beneficiaries of the technology - such as family caregivers - should pay. Others, still, think that certain technologies such as remote medical monitoring and technologies that can arguably help reduce medical costs should be paid for by health insurance companies and other organizations with a stake in reducing our nations health care costs.
What do you think? Start here to learn more about what already exist, and to begin seeing the possibilities - and obstacles - to widespread use of adaptive technology.
New Forum Shows Companies How to Leverage Accessibility Strategies and Techniques to Reach Mature Market and People With Disabilities
Last Update: 10:51 AM ET Jan 29, 2007
ORLANDO, FL, Jan 29, 2007 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) — On January 25-26, the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) hosted its first Leadership Forum on Accessibility at the Caribe Royale Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The forum, led by IBM, AOL, Canon, Adobe and others, provided a unique opportunity for business leaders to explore implications, advantages, and specific strategies for integrating accessibility across their enterprises. More than 60 accessibility leaders attended from major corporations within the Insurance, Retail, Banking/Financial Services, Pharmaceutical, Travel and Information Technology industries to discuss the business case for accessibility and its associated technologies, and share best practices.
Strategic decisions surrounding access for people with disabilities, the aging workforce, and worker shortages are a key consideration for large corporations. With 78 million baby boomers and 54 million people with disabilities in the U.S. and 600 million people with disabilities worldwide, corporations also have a need to reach new customers and deliver accessible products and services to this important and growing market. An accessibility strategy is critical to success with these challenges.
According to David Dikter, executive director of ATIA, the genesis of the forum developed from clear market direction and need. "The 155 million people in the United States that could benefit from accessibility solutions are an enormous, and largely untapped, market that companies want and need to serve. Many of our corporate partners are actively working to do just that by integrating accessibility techniques and technologies that will help keep them competitive over the long term. ATIA wanted to leverage their experiences to help other companies create their own accessibility strategies," he said.
Ronald Moore :: Feb.13.2007 :: Adaptive Technology :: No Comments »
