GeekWire’s Podcast Host Discusses Accessibility and Universal Design

November 2017 - In a recent episode of GeekWire’s Health Tech podcast, The Quad Squad, Todd Stabelfedt spoke of promoting accessibility through technology. Stabelfedt is a quadriplegic and is the founder of C4 Database Management, a database management company, and is well-versed in speaking towards the importance of universal design and accessibility considerations in technology. He sees universal design as the “design and composition of the environment so it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability.” As a father of two children, Stebelfedt works to provide for his family and demonstrate that with proper accommodation, people with disabilities can lead productive and independent lives. He and his wife have also implemented many home automation features so that Todd can control things like the lights and garage doors with his voice. 

 

When asked about his thoughts on how technology and software designers could learn more about implementing accessibility features, Stebelfedt said, “I just think it’s education. It always comes to that, just repeating of that. And using stories that people can associate with. I think that’s how you do it. And if you’re not thinking about accessibility or universal design, then that’s not a bad on you. That’s not your world. That’s not your scene. Like today and like with the Apple conference it was just trying to flip lights on. Trying to show people, no, this is real. This is why we need to do this.” Stebelfedt’s story is one of many demonstrating the potential that technologies, when made accessible, have for users with disabilities to lead healthier, fuller lives. Source: Clare McGrane, GeekWire.