Dr Scott Hollier's presentation at the Cloud + NBN Forum held in Sydney, Australia on 8 August 2012.

1. Using the cloud to support people
with disabilities
Dr Scott Hollier
Cloud + NBN Forum 2012

2. Defining the cloud
• Sharing of resources, software, and
information over the Internet to computing
devices
• Not a new concept (webmail, online
banking, storage) but some parts have
exciting new potential thanks to NBN:
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)

3. Technology use today
• People with disabilities need Assistive Technologies
to access the Web
• Examples: screen reader, screen magnifier, on-
screen keyboard
• Issues:
• Expensive ($1000-$2000)
• Device-specific
• Steep learning curve
• Help needed to set up each device
• Website accessibility

4. Potential of the cloud
• NBN + Cloud represents huge potential in
addressing accessibility issues
• Imagine…
• Your AT preferences are stored on the cloud
• After identification, the SaaS or PaaS interface
automatically gets your preferences from the cloud
and configures itself
• Same interface layout and AT across all devices
regardless of computer, mobile, ticket machine

5. Benefits of the cloud
• One initial input of preferences by wizard
• Instant setup on any device
• Meets specific needs
• Interface consistency
• Device independent
• Global rollout of updates
• Low cost

6. Current issues for cloud
implementation
• Broadband access
• Cost of broadband
• Initial setup
• Security and privacy
• Training

7. Current cloud accessibility
initiative
• Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII):
• Global initiative around cloud accessibility, a part
Raising the Floor
• Particularly focused on how cloud accessibility can
assist people with disabilities in using services provided
to the public
• Large international support from governments,
corporations, NFPs and education
• Australian interest: AGIMO, ACCAN, UniSA, Media
Access Australia
• More info is available at GPII

8. Government involvement
• NBN rollout makes Australia well placed for
GPII 12 month scoping and practical
implementation trial projects such as:
• Service delivery: NDIS reporting delivered by cloud
with interface preferences
• Employment in regional areas: retail equipment
modified using cloud profiles in NBN site
• TAFE online course materials delivered by the
cloud using accessibility profiles

9. Three questions
• Which government services would be
considered a high priority for a cloud
accessibility trial project?
• Who would be the key stakeholders in the
implementation of a cloud accessibility trial?
• What practical steps can be taken by
government to make a cloud accessibility trial
a reality?

10. Web accessibility know how
Level 3, 616-620 Harris St
Ultimo NSW 2007
t: +61 2 8218 9320
e: knowhow@accessiq.org
@accessiq
accessiq.org