Guido Gybels, Director of New Technologies, RNID
In his speech, Guido Gybels will explore how technology has brought revolutionary change to all our daily lives, but has also created new problems and barriers to opportunity and fulfilment for an increasing number or people. As we live in a society where information and communication are vital in order to fully participate, it is crucial that the products and services that deliver these are fully accessible and usable by all citizens, including the one in seven deaf and hard of hearing individuals.There is an assumption that progress in technology by definition benefits everyone. However, as we have learned the hard way, unless such developments actually take into account the needs and requirements of everyone, including deaf and hard of hearing users, it can result in new barriers.
Guido Gybels investigates how a thorough shift in thinking is required in order to address these problems. As long as the need for inclusivity is not understood by standards bodies, manufacturers, service providers and indeed user representatives too, little will change. The answer to a more inclusive society does not lie in perpetuating the current model, where "special" technology is developed for "special" groups, while mainstream technology remains inaccessible for large groups in society. Apart from the obvious moral and ethical case, there is a very good economic argument to be presented. There is every opportunity to create a win-win situation and Mr Gybels will call for a united approach in his usual passionate and driven way.
