National Disability Policy PDF Download

The National Council on Disability (NCD) recognizes that technology is essential to the full realization of citizenship for people with disabilities. Yet society has not evolved to the point where this population uses technology to the extent needed to enjoy the rights of full citizenship, as recognized by the Constitution. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it is important to consider factors that can facilitate or impede technology adoption and use by people with disabilities. Thus, NCD has committed the 2016 "Progress Report" to technology. The report focuses on information and communication technology (ICT) but also addresses other forms of assistive technology. To encourage the use and access of technology among all members of society, NCD proposes a Technology Bill of Rights for People with Disabilities. The 2016 "Progress Report" begins by offering insight on how technology can contribute to the lives of people with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, health and well-being, and independent living. Although the report is limited to these four broad topics, many of the principles described in this report can be applied across different settings. Next, the report identifies and describes common barriers that interfere with the ability of people with disabilities to use ICT and ICT-related assistive technology. The report then looks to the future of technology. It identifies how people with disabilities, the technology industry, and others can capitalize on the opportunities that accompany emerging and innovative technologies to maximize daily functioning. Federal legislation and international policies that can impact how people with disabilities can benefit from technology are addressed next. Finally, the report offers recommendations to the President, Congress, and federal agencies; the technology industry; and other private and public sector entities on policies and practices that promote opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the full realization of citizenship with the use of technology. Recommendations to promote the full rights of citizenship through accessible technology is included: (1) Recommendations for the President, Congress, and federal agencies; (2) Recommendations for the technology industry; and (3) Recommendations for the private sector and local and state public sectors. The following in are appended: (1) Twitter Chat Summary; and (2) Glossary of Terms. [For the executive summary, "National Disability Policy: A Progress Report, 2016. Executive Summary," see ED571832.].