Royal National Institute of the Blind (UK) and BarrierBreak Technologies today hosted in Bangalore, Techshare - Europe’s biggest technology event to promote accessible technology for people with disabilities. Techshare India 2008, held on the premises of Mobilty India in J.P. Nagar, Bangalore, was inaugurated by Mr. Das Suryavanshi, Commissioner Disabilities, Karnataka.

In a first of it’s kind activity in South India, Techshare India 2008 highlighted the importance of implementing accessibility standards and complying to different accessibilities laws. In addition, Techshare India 2008 also showcased IT products and services that allowed visitors to browse through the latest in assistive technologies available for people with disabilities. On display were products for software accessibility and accessibility on the move for mobiles and PDAs.

One of the highlights of the event was an experiential lab where every one could get a first hand feel what it is to have a disability.

Some of the key speakers at the conference were Philip O’Keefe, Lead Social Protection Specialist, World Bank; Das Suryavanshi, Commissioner Disabilities – Karnataka; Shilpi Kapoor, Director, BarrierBreak Technologies; Shanti Raghavan, Founder and Managing Trustee, EnAble India; amongst others.

“Considering that India alone has 60 million disabled people, it is imperative that accessible technologies are made available to people with disabilities and it is the endeavor of Techshare to create an environment and ecosystem that supports this need” said Ms. Shilpi Kapoor, Managing Director, BarrierBreak Technologies, Mumbai. “Techshare 2008 intends to draw upon the wisdom of people who have tremendous experience in the field and share it with people who face challenges every day,” she added.

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About Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), UK:

RNIB is UK’s leading charity offering information, support and advice to over two million people with sight loss. Their pioneering work helps anyone with a sight problem – not just with braille and Talking Books, but with imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges. Their projects such as Talk and Support and Parent’s Place make a difference to people’s lives. They campaign extensively to eliminate avoidable sight loss and support research into the causes and latest treatments of eye disease.

About BarrierBreak Technologies:

BarrierBreak Technologies is an innovative firm that provides solutions in the field of Accessibility for People with Disabilities. BarrierBreak works with corporates, institutions and individuals to provide accessibility training, accessibility testing and accessibility consulting services that would empower people with disabilities to avoid discrimination and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

To know more about Techshare India 2008 – go to: www.barrierbreak.com

Techshare India 2008

What is Techshare India?

600 million people with disability in the world. India alone has 60 million disabled people. In addition, India has ratified the UN Convention for Persons with Disabilities. Would you like to tap this market?

India has the Persons with Disabilities Act that focuses on equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation for people with disabilities. But we have not succeeded in main streaming people with disabilities into society. The answer lies in building and creating awareness about the needs and potential of the people with disabilities and not in the legal framework alone.

BarrierBreak Technologies is organizing a conference and exhibition that will bring together the entire ecosystem - the government, the corporates, the NGOs, the disabled, the product companies and the education providers for the first time under one roof. The conference will be a platform to share insights and learning’s.

Since 2000, Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), UK, has been organizing Techshare. RNIB, UK and BarrierBreak Technologies now bring Techshare to India.

Techshare offers workshops and presentations. In addition, it provides an opportunity to meet with eminent professionals working in this area from all over the world as well as browse the exhibition space.

On display will be state-of-the-art experience lab showcasing assistive technology Exhibition with 25 plus stalls displaying assistive aids pan disability

The intent of Techshare India 2008 is to break these barriers and include people with disabilities into main stream society by:

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