Mark Harniss and Brennan Johnston, who both work in the field of accessible technology, were invited to speak at HuskyADAPT’s panel Feb. 28. HuskyADAPT is an RSO that designs and creates accessible play technology for students to learn how to make the world more inclusive.
Harniss is an associate professor in rehabilitation medicine and director of the Center for Technology and Disability Studies at UW and Johnston is an assistive technology support technician for the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP).
The two discussed the work they do to aid those with disabilities in navigating the world more easily. Johnston designed and created 3D-printed assistive technology devices, including braille alphabet boards and tactile maps for people with vision loss. Both have also done work aiming to expand the accessibility of assistive technology for those who need it.
Harniss emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for increased accessibility in all areas of life.
“We have to keep pushing, and that requires people who understand and will speak up on an ongoing basis,” Harniss said. “If you show up and something’s not accessible, then you have to be the one who makes the fuss. To some extent, it’s being that person who’s always asking, ‘But what about accessibility?’”
Johnston echoed this sentiment in how he considers the designs for his own assistive technologies.
“Everything needs to be designed going forward with everybody in mind,” Johnston said. “In the end, that’s going to help everybody.”
Looking ahead, Harniss and Johnston discussed the possible expansion of on-demand assistive technology. This is technology that is identified by a disabled person as a necessity and is created by request immediately rather than after a prolonged design process.
An example Harniss described was the use of generative AI to simplify language in an accurate and unbiased manner for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He explained how AI could be used to break down accessibility barriers by helping people with disabilities understand laws, policies, and their rights, so that they can better advocate for themselves.
Kaila Bulfin, a graduate student in the master of occupational therapy program, felt she learned more about the opportunities available to her from the speakers at this panel.
“[I like] knowing that there are further avenues I can take in UW to explore what I’m interested in, and [that] there are programs like WATAP that are offering that kind of connection between [occupational therapy] and assistive technology design and accessibility,” Bulfin said.
Reach contributing writer Cassie Diamond at news@dailyuw.com. X: @cassiediamondds
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