September 1998

Hearing on Developing Partnerships

MEMO

TO: ATAP

FROM: Ellin Nolan

RE: Hearing on Developing Partnerships for Assistive and Universally Designed Technologies for Persons with Disabilities

DATE: August 5, 1998

On Tuesday, August 4th the Technology Subcommittee of the House Science Committee, held its second hearing on the topic of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. Chaired by Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-MD), the hearing was attended Barcia (D-MI), Ehlers (R-MI), Ethridge (D-NC), Gutknecht (R-MN) and Davis (R-VA). In her opening remarks Mrs. Morella welcomed the "Maryland technology assistance group" to the event. Prior to the hearing technology was on display in the adjoining room. The tech fair and hearing were coordinated by the Federal Laboratory Consortium.

A single panel of witnesses presented testimony to the Subcommittee. That panel included:

• Mr. John Lancaster
  Executive Director
  President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

• Dr. James Fruchterman
  President, Arkenstone

• Dr. Gary Moulton
  Product Manager
  Microsoft

• Mr. John Fales
  President
  Blinded American Veterans Foundation

• Dr. Mark Lohman President
  Bartimaeus Group

Mrs. Morella said the Subcommittee was convening these hearings to draw attention to this important federal priority. Additional research and development is needed, in particular on ways to "enhance commercialization" of technologies critical to people with disabilities. The Subcommittee is also interested in how to remove barriers to universal design and to the development of new technologies. Though no other members made opening statements they all echoed Mrs. Morella's comments about the importance of the hearing and the need for better coordination of technology efforts at the federal level.

Mr. Lancaster provided a brief history of the President's Committee then spoke of the relationship between access to technology and the employability of people with disabilities. Voluntary standards are needed to promote universal design. The Committee intends to convene a task force, made up of providers, manufacturers, employers and consumers to establish such voluntary guidelines. He urged the Subcommittee to endorse this undertaking in support of a national dialogue.

Remaining witnesses spoke of ongoing efforts to address the needs of persons with disabilities through technology--some of the accomplishments to date and the barriers that remain. The complete hearing record is available by calling Stacey Plotnick at 202-289-3900.

The staff director for the Subcommittee, Ben Wu, expressed an interest in working with ATAP to promote legislation regarding assistive technology. He is aware of the Senate activity on a revised Tech Act and said that Congresswoman Morella is interested in taking up the Senate bill when it reaches the House. He indicated that the Subcommittee is in close contact with Senator Bond and Congressman Goodling.

The "Hearing Charter" distributed by the Subcommittee will be sent by regular mail. It details the reason for convening the witnesses and what the Chairwoman hopes will be accomplished.

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