Digital Outcasts

The blind person who tries to make an online purchase. The young girl who cannot speak due to a cognitive disability. The man confined to his home due to permanent injury. The single mother with a long-term illness who struggles to feed her family.With one in seven people worldwide currently living with a disability, the term 'outcast' covers numerous scenarios. Digital outcasts rely on technology for everyday services that many people take for granted. However, poorly designed products risk alienating this important (and growing) population.Through a 'grass roots' approach to innovation, digital outcasts are gradually taking action to transform their lives and communities. This emerging trend provides exciting learning opportunities for all of us.Citing real-world case studies from healthcare to social science, this book examines the emerging legal and cultural impact of inclusive design. - Gain a better understanding of how people with disabilities use technology - Discover pitfalls and approaches to help you stay current in your UX practices - Anticipate a future in which ambient benefit can be achieved for people of all abilities and backgrounds

Kel Smith is a speaker, author, instructor, and practitioner with 20+ years' experience in the design and technology sectors. His articles have appeared in SAGE World Future Review, Universal Access in the Information Society, International Journal of E-Politics, UX Magazine, and The Practical Lawyer, among others. He launched Aisle Won, a nutrition support app that connects low-income populations with sources of accessible and affordable locally grown food. Smith regularly presents on digital accessibility and social innovation, including for the Centre for Health Literacy, the Royal National Institute of the Blind, the Art Institute of Chicago, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Stanford University, and has featured on CBC Radio and the BBC. He sits on the board of Inglis Foundation, the Philadelphia region's largest provider of accessible health services, and served as Vice Chair of the Philadelphia chapter of ACM/SIG-CHI. He is an adjunct lecturer at Rutgers University, teaching courses on digital design and the social impact of inclusive innovation.