News

The Telecommunications Access RERC (a partnership between the Trace Center and Gallaudet University) submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission related to Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities. The RERC recommends that the FCC set standards for video, audio, and text in relay services; permit the use of… Continue Reading Recommendations to FCC on VRS Interoperability

The first fully accessible paging and information system has been deployed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This groundbreaking system was developed by ARINC Incorporated, a leader in transportation communications and systems engineering, and implements Trace’s EZ Access technology. Airport visitors will now be able to send and receive messages at Paging Assistance Locations, or… Continue Reading EZ Access Featured in Accessible Airport Paging System

2,500 post offices around the U.S. are unveiling new self-service kiosks that have incorporated many of the Trace Center’s EZ® Access techniques for accessibility. Deployed in Wisconsin just in time for the busy holiday season, these Automated Postal Centers enable customers – including many who have disabilities – to mail packages (including many with special… Continue Reading Automated Postal Kiosks Include EZ Access

The Telecommunications Access RERC (a partnership between the Trace Center and Gallaudet University) submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission related to uniform access to emergency alerts by people with disabilities. Many of the methods suggested by the RERC for addressing this issue could also result in faster, more reliable alerting of the general population.

The Telecommunications Access RERC (a partnership between the Trace Center and Gallaudet University) submitted extensive comments to the Federal Communications Commission related to the need to formally mandate accessibility of IP-enabled communication services (e.g., Voice over IP). This will ensure that people with disabilities, including older Americans, can realize the significant benefits that such services… Continue Reading Comments Filed with FCC on Access to IP-Related Services

Visitors to the new World War II Memorial will find the names and service information about friends and family members who participated in the war effort using touchscreen kiosks that incorporate the work of the Trace Center. The kiosks, located in the information plaza of the new Memorial, were developed by Eagle Collaborative Computing Services… Continue Reading WWII Memorial Kiosks Implement Accessibility Techniques Developed at Trace Center

On May 7, 2004, Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden presented at the FCC’s VoIP Solutions Summit focusing on the ability of persons with disabilities to access services increasingly based upon IP (Internet Protocol) technologies.

“Within Our Reach: Findings and Recommendations of the National Task Force on Technology and Disability” is a comprehensive set of recommendations that support effective public policy, are good for business, and most importantly, advance the use of universal design (UD) and assistive technology (AT). Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden served as a member of the… Continue Reading National Task Force on Technology and Disability Report Available Online

The 2004 Harry Murphy Catalyst Award was presented to George Kerscher at the CSUN Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference on March 16, 2004. This biennial award is presented by the Trace Center to honor those who bring people together and facilitate the efforts of others in the field of technology and disability. Past award… Continue Reading George Kerscher Receives Catalyst Award

The New Millennium Research Council has released its report: The Future of Internet Phone Calling: Regulatory Imperatives to Protect the Promise of VoIP for Industry and Consumers. Included is a chapter by Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden that explains the accessibility issues related to VoIP and calls for FCC regulation to ensure that VoIP does… Continue Reading Report on VoIP Includes Call for Regulation to Ensure Accessibility

The FCC held a forum on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) December 1, 2003 to gather information concerning advancements, innovations, and regulatory issues related to VoIP services. Trace Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden presented information and recommendations regarding accessibility of VoIP, on behalf of the Telecommunications Access RERC.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Trace Research & Development Center contributed to the development of the nation’s first cross-disability accessible door entry system that will be demonstrated Feb. 27, 2001, at an event in San Francisco by the mayor’s office. Trace assisted Viking Electronics of Hudson, Wis., with accessibility options and interface design of its AES-2000… Continue Reading Trace Center Assists Wisconsin Firm in Making Accessible Door Entry Systems

Wisconsin Congressional Representative Tammy Baldwin included the Trace Center on her tour of the UW Research Park on Sept. 4. Wisconsin Congressional Representative Tammy Baldwin visited the Trace Center Sept. 4, 2001 to learn more about disability access to electronic consumer products. Industrial Engineering Professor and Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden led the tour and explained… Continue Reading Congresswoman Baldwin Tours Trace Center

Gregg Vanderheiden, director of the Trace Center, gave closing plenary remarks at the 2001 Computer Human Interaction (CHI) conference that focused on the benefits of designing accessible mass-market products. The conference was held in Seattle, WA., March 2001. “Designing standard products benefit all users and can be profitable as well as practical,” said Vanderheiden. He… Continue Reading Trace Director Focuses on Accessible Consumer Products in CHI Plenary