Press Release: Disadvantaged Computer Users from Four Continents Enrich International Conference on Universal Usability

November 9, 2000

What if paralysis prevents you from using a standard computer keyboard? Or, if access to the network you depend on is manipulated by others as a badge of power?

These challenges and more have been faced by the 19 Fellows at the Conference on Universal Usability (CUU), being held next week (Nov. 16 and 17) in Arlington, Virginia.

The CUU Fellows are specially invited, funded computer users from developing nations and minority groups. They represent everyone to whom computer technology is a necessary but frustrating part of life. They hail from Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, Ireland, the U.K., Romania and the U.S.

CUU Fellows bring a special perspective to the conference. They drive home the imperative for universal, usable computer and Internet access for everyone, everywhere. They will draft a program of actions to make universal access a reality, at a pre-conference workshop at the Arlington Hilton on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Their report will be presented to the conference assembled on Friday afternoon, Nov. 17.

• More on the Fellowship Program & Workshop