`Speak Out' Guide Now Available from ITTATC.

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2004

"Speak Out About Inaccessible Information and Telecommunication Technology" is a free resource that steps readers through the process of making their accessibility needs known to technology providers. The Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center (ITTATC) developed "Speak Out," and anticipates the primary audience will be people with disabilities. A Web version is at http://www.ittatc.org/technical/speakout/index.cfm, and print and CD versions can be ordered at 1-866-948-8282 (voice/TTY) or emailing [e-mail].

"When people with disabilities demand accessible technology, it provides motivation for companies to design accessible products and services," according to Mimi Kessler, project director at ITTATC. "People with disabilities need to be more active with the technology industry to define their accessibility needs."

"Speak Out" recommends that customers start the complaint process with the organization that is most directly involved, whether it is a business, a non-profit or a government. The guide also includes information on how to escalate inquiries using complaint procedures defined by U.S. federal law.

"The marketplace is driven by consumer demand. People with disabilities need to communicate their needs and use the power of the purse to influence industry practices," said Deborah Bursa, director of technical assistance for ITTATC. "'Speak Out' describes the basics of making an effective complaint as well as the legal remedies."

Currently there are 54 million people with disabilities in the U.S. As the population ages, more join the ranks of those who cannot see, hear or move with ease. People with disabilities need to voice their needs, so technology designers can develop their products without leaving anyone behind.

"Companies respond well when customers 'sweeten the vinegar with a little sugar,'" says Kessler. "If a product or service has features that are particularly accessible, customers should praise the company for its efforts and state that it made a difference when they were making their buying decisions."

ITTATC, which is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) at the U.S. Department of Education, is located at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia.