The Techshare 2010 exhibition explored the entire gamut of technology for disabled people and aimed to break down barriers between government, corporate, N.G.O.s and product and service providers on one hand and the disability sector on the other. From talking A.T.M.s to voice output devices, to screen readers, powered wheelchairs, Buddy D.A.I.S.Y. Player, talking calculators and thermometers to even bendable cutlery for that matter, one thing stood clear at Techshare India 2010 – ‘To make everybody technology accessible and usable for disabled people’.

Techshare played host to more than 500 delegates from government and non-profit organizations, educational institutes and corporates from across the globe. More than 50 speakers addressed issues related to accessibility, standard and law. More than 40 different stalls displayed different IT hardware and software products and services for people with disabilities.

Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the exhibition. In his address, he applauded the entire effort and purpose behind Techshare. He acknowledged technology as an enabler on access such as making everyday technology accessible to disabled people, giving subsidies for procuring foreign assistive aids, making websites accessible and importance of universal design.

In her opening address, Shilpi Kapoor, Managing Director, BarrierBreak Technologies explained that although technology is playing a vital role in the life of disabled people today, it is still not accessible to all – especially to people with disabilities. “Assistive technology must be made available at the formative years to empower people with disabilities to join the mainstream”, she said.

Expressing his sentiments on the subject, javed Abidi, Honorary Director, N.C.P.E.D.P. said, “The ground reality is really sad! People with visual impairment cannot use an A.T.m. nor can they operate a washing machine or a microwave without being dependent on someone else or hurting themselves. The appliances that one uses in day-to-day life are not accessible or disabled-friendly. The ones that are, are very expensive.”