Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for WIreless Technology

In 2001, the U.S. Department of Education funded the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies, Wireless RERC, “to promote equitable access to and use of wireless technologies by people with disabilities and to encourage the adoption of universal design in future generations of wireless devices and applications.” Since then, the Wireless RERC has become a recognized leader on issues and solutions related to the accessibility and usability of mobile wireless products and services by people with disabilities.

Understanding User Needs
Wireless information and communication technologies are more important than ever to education, employment, healthcare, and other aspects of independent living for people with and without disabilities. However, consumers with disabilities often face barriers in using these wireless technologies. The Wireless RERC works with directly with consumers by:

• Inviting people with disabilities to participate in the Survey of User Needs and join the Consumer Advisory Network

• Assessing the accessibility and usability of wireless products by representative users with disabilities

• Creating MyWirelessReview, for consumers, wireless product manufacturers, and retailers of mobile wireless devices and services to share information on the usability of wireless technologies

• Promoting awareness among consumers of accessible wireless options

• Promoting awareness among providers about the needs of customers with limitations due to age or disability.

Developing Technology
As the Wireless RERC gains understanding about user needs, we apply these findings to development of future generations of wireless devices and applications to meet these needs and incorporate the principles of universal design. Currently under development by the Wireless RERC are:

• Prototype systems for location-based services in public places

• Next-generation, digital emergency alerts that ensure equitable access to emergency information by people with disabilities over wireless networks and devices

• Prototypes of universal interfaces that accommodate diverse user abilities

• Guidelines and tools for design of wireless interfaces than accommodate users with visual limitations.

Conducting Policy and Regulatory Activities
The Wireless RERC examines and analyzes accessibility policy issues related to the use of wireless communications and other information technologies. Key activities include regulatory filings, policy briefs and timely advisories to stakeholders on municipal wireless networks, emergency communications and related issues. The RERC has developed a "Collaborative Policy Network" to bring together experts in various aspects of the policy process in the telecommunications and information technology-related fields.

Members
The Wireless RERC is dedicated to promoting the equitable access to and use of wireless technologies by people with disabilities and to encouraging the adoption of universal design in future generations of wireless devices and applications. The RERC is guided by the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Shepherd Center. The GA Tech team includes the Center for Advanced Communications Policy, the Interactive Media Technology Center (IMTC), the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA), the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), and the College of Computing and School of Psychology. The Wireless RERC continues to educate future generations of researchers and developers of wireless technology about how to address the needs of consumers of all ages and abilities. This work is made possible by active involvement of consumers and the wireless companies that serve them. We welcome interested persons to contact us about how to get involved.