Policy Issues and Access to Wireless Technologies: Results of a Policy Delphi Study
Paul M.A. Baker, Ph.D., AICP
Wireless RERC/Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
Nathan W. Moon, M.S.
Center for Advanced Communications Policy/Georgia Institute of Technology,
Atlanta, Georgia
ABSTRACT
Wireless technologies in the U.S. has become increasingly widespread, although access barriers persist for people with disabilities. Equal access to wireless technologies and services can be addressed by legislation and regulations, as well as options developed from policy research. This paper discusses the results of research conducted by the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) using policy Delphi polling methodology to probe stakeholders’ opinions on key access barrier issues. Participants included disability advocates, disability/wireless technology policymakers and product developers/manufacturers. Respondents input informed subsequent development of potential policy initiatives to increase access to these technologies.
KEYWORDS
Disability policy, wireless technologies, accessibility
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank the participants of the Policy Delphi, and to acknowledge the research assistance of Alan Bakowski, Andrew Ward, Avonne Bell, Lynzee Head, Christine Bellordre, Jason Anavitarte, Andy McNeil, Adam Starr, and Lisa Griffin. This study was funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research grant # H133E060061 and Hl33EOlO804. The opinions contained in this paper are those of the Wireless RERC and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Education or NIDRR.
Author Contact Information:
Paul M.A. Baker, Ph.D., AICP, Center for Advanced Communications Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0620, OFFICE PHONE: 404-385-4618; E-MAIL: paul.baker@cacp.gatech.edu.