The fourth edition of Techshare - one of the worlds' biggest technology events to promote accessible technology for the people with disabilities - is scheduled to be held at the India Habitat Centre here Feb 13-14.
Sponsored by Microsoft and organised by Mumbai-based consulting firm BarrierBreak - along with the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB-UK) - the event would not only focus on implementing existing and new technologies for the disabled but also work towards closing the gap for the differently abled that exists today.
According to a latest study by global advisory firm Gartner, accessible technology for people with disabilities has a burgeoning market as such people make nearly 15 percent of the world's population.
"Some of the assistive technology marketed to people with disabilities can also be sold to the other 85 percent of the population, that is 'situationally disabled' by their environmental conditions - at work and at play," said Shilpi Kapoor, MD, BarrierBreak.
"Technology can help remove the barriers that people with disabilities are facing. Just like previous three editions, we continue to showcase accessibility with products and services from across the country," Kapoor added in a press release.
'Techshare India 2014' would focus on three themes - innovate, adapt and evolve - under four verticals - education, employability, accessible technology, and laws, policies and standards.
The event, to be attended by over 25 exhibitors, would showcase a myriad of IT products and services.
Over 50 speakers are scheduled to address issues related to accessibility standards and law at the two-day event that expects over 2,000 people to walk in and experience new and accessible technologies for the disabled.
"The key to equal opportunities is innovation, availability and affordability of quality aids and appliances," said Javed Abidi, honorary director, NCPEDP.
According to Kapoor, "Research by our partner G3ict has shown that web and mobile phone services would contribute maximum to the socio-economic access for the differently abled - making it a huge business opportunity for all stakeholders at 'Techshare India 2014'."
Some of the key speakers at the conference are Abidi, Ted Drake of Intuit, Isaac George from Wipro, Kiran Kaja from Adobe, Rakesh Paladugula from Cognizant Technology Solutions and J. Alan Bird from W3C.
The size of the PWD (Persons with Disabilities) market segment would increase significantly in coming years, partially as a result of global aging.
By 2050, 30 percent of the population of 64 countries will be more than 60-years old, an age where a greater percentage of people have disabilities, said the release.
