Interaction 12 Dublin Recap

Interaction 12 Dublin Recap

Feb 5, 2012

Having done a number of speaking engagements the last few years, I’ve discovered that it’s the unexpected surprises that make a conference or event truly worthwhile. Interaction 12, held this week by the Interaction Design Association (IxDA), was no different.

Building Innovation Teams

Building Innovation Teams

Dec 29, 2011

Why Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees present an interesting case study for hiring and developing innovation teams.

The Business Rationale for Virtual Accessibility

The Business Rationale for Virtual Accessibility

Dec 29, 2011

How would a merger between virtual worlds and commercial retailers affect consumers with disabilities? First in a series of sample chapters from the book Digital Outcasts.

What Steve Jobs Meant to Digital Outcasts

What Steve Jobs Meant to Digital Outcasts

Oct 9, 2011

As most folks undoubtedly know, this week the world lost Steve Jobs after his quasi-secretive battle with pancreatic cancer. From a consumer standpoint, Jobs was arguably the most significant business figure of the past quarter century. For digital outcasts, that impact is significant.

The End of Google Health

The End of Google Health

Jul 4, 2011

Google Health announced last week it was closing up shop by the end of 2011. What went wrong and what does it mean?

On Adapting

On Adapting

May 30, 2011

Leaders of project teams establish timelines, create elaborative gantt charts, assign roles & goals, set milestones and insist upon timely deliverables. Still, things go wrong and these setbacks must be managed.

CSUN 2011 International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference

CSUN 2011 International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference

Mar 5, 2011

In just under two weeks, I’ll be presenting on the topic “Innovations in Accessibility: Designing for Digital Outcasts” on Wednesday March 16 at 10:40, in a room ceremoniously named America’s Cup D.

Advocating for the Digital Outcast

Advocating for the Digital Outcast

Feb 13, 2011

Similar to how a beaver builds a dam or how a bird builds a nest, Digital Outcasts must alter their technological environment to remain relevant in the modern ecosystem. This interregnum is where a surprising amount of innovation is currently taking place.

Random Thoughts from Barcelona

Random Thoughts from Barcelona

Dec 12, 2010

Last week I had the honor and pleasure of taking part in the first ever International Conference on Translation and Accessibility in Video Games and Virtual Worlds at the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. Here are some random thoughts.

Virtual Worlds for Cancer Patients and Students with Disabilities

Virtual Worlds for Cancer Patients and Students with Disabilities

Nov 15, 2010

Virtual worlds continue to be investigated and funded to advance wellness initiatives spanning multiple demographics. Discussed here are uses for cancer patients, students with disabilities and children with autism.

Video Games, Mobile Health, Virtual Reality and Accessibility

Video Games, Mobile Health, Virtual Reality and Accessibility

Oct 31, 2010

Update covering a number of recent trends in emerging, inclusive technology, including video games for people with disabilities, mobile health tools for K-12 students, and the use of virtual reality for pain distraction.

Innovation, Experimentation, Accessibility and Inclusivity

Innovation, Experimentation, Accessibility and Inclusivity

Aug 8, 2010

This past week saw an exceptionally high number of interesting developments in the area of inclusive design and digital innovation.

20th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

20th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Jul 26, 2010

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), described as the Emancipation Proclamation for people with disabilities.

iPad Accessibility, Part Two

iPad Accessibility, Part Two

Jun 5, 2010

We just can’t get enough of the iPad. From every media outlet come mentions of the device as it pertains to our digital lives. Of particular interest to readers of this blog are the iPad’s applicability relating to digital accessibility.

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Section 508

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Section 508

May 23, 2010

A free webinar tomorrow will go over changes to the technical provisions of Sections 508 and 255, covering how all can participate in the process to make sure that final regulations benefit current and emerging ICT.

Impressions of the iPad

Impressions of the iPad

May 8, 2010

I’ve had the iPad a full week now, loaded it up with apps and taken it on the road a bit. It’s a game changer, but a subtle one.

iPad Accessibility

iPad Accessibility

Apr 4, 2010

The lines formed around city blocks this week, in great anticipation of the iPad arrival. There is plenty of chatter about what the iPad means for personal computing, but what about accessibility?

Kel Smith’s “Virtual Worlds” CSUN 10 Presentation Available Online

Mar 29, 2010

Many thanks to everyone for their kind interest in my CSUN presentation. By request I’ve posted the full slide deck with notes and annotations online.

Virtual Worlds Presentation at CSUN Conference

Mar 21, 2010

This week I’ll be speaking at the The 25th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference in San Diego, hosted by California State University Northridge (CSUN), on inclusive virtual technology.

“Virtual Worlds” Presentation at Interaction10

Jan 30, 2010

Next weekend I’ll be speaking at the Interaction10 conference in Savannah GA, hosted by the Interaction Design Association (IxDA) at the Savannah College of Art and Design, on the topic of virtual worlds and people with disabilities.

The Lessons of ‘Avatar’

Jan 8, 2010

Since James Cameron’s Avatar hit the screens, it seems that there is no lack of discussion about the role virtual worlds play within the greater consciousness. What does this mean for user experience and accessibility professionals?

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