Structured Negotiations for Accessible Information Technology

This session will describe a successful advocacy method that has been used in the United States over the past ten years to achieve accessible technology such as Talking ATMs, accessible websites, tactile point of sale devices and alternative format systems.   The presenter is a disability rights lawyer who has used the method -- known as Structured Negotiations --  to negotiate binding legal agreements with some of the world's largest corporations, including Bank of America, American Express, Walmart and 7-Eleven.  Structured negotiations has resulted in tens of thousands of Talking ATMs being installed in the United States and around the world. As a result of the method, many financial institutions have agreed to make their websites accessible in accordance with the Web Content Accessiblity Guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium (w3c).  The method emphasizes collaboration amongst the disability community, technology providers, businesses and lawyers, and avoids the pitfalls of protracted and adversarial litigation.  Anyone interested in achieving accessibility without lawsuits is most welcomed to attend.