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Reflections on Teaching and Learning

Everyone’s Doing It

By Dean Brusnighan | Published September 28, 2010

We had a company representative on campus recently to do a demonstration of a product helpful to individuals with disabilities. She said something that really struck me—“all of the major technology companies now have units that are involved in products for health care.” They are seeking to make money by selling products to aging boomers.

I admit I have some hesitation about consumer technology companies creating products aimed at individuals with disabilities—the group that they have mostly ignored while selling their mainstream products in the past. What do they know about the people they want to buy their product? How much time and effort will they invest to discover the true technology needs in the lives of such individuals? And then, how much time and effort will they take to create a product that meets those needs?

Perhaps the answers to those questions can be found in the company leadership. Are they intent on creating a product that meets a need, or are they trying to make a quick buck? I think in 5 years it will be relatively easy to identify which kind of leadership is being exhibited by any particular company selling products for people with disabilities. Until then, I think that the buyer should beware. What do you think?

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  • Donalee Attardo

    It seems a natural development to me…unfortunately, in a market economy, it’s not “worth it” to develop products that can help small numbers of people – which has always been an issue for groups with disabilities. It doesn’t pay off. Now that the boomers are joining the ranks of the disabled, suddenly this is a desirable niche – larger group, more sales.

  • Dean Brusnighan

    I agree it’s a natural development for the companies. They are in business to sell products, and with a larger group of potential buyers they have a better chance to make a profit.
    But from the consumer point of view, I believe I would be cautious about buying products from companies who don’t have a track record of creating products for people with disabilities. I’d be wondering if the company spoke with individuals with disabilities to develop the product. Or, did their product design result from a pre-conceived notion about what people with disabilities want or need?

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