Gus Chalkias

Gus Chalkias teaches computer access at Baruch College's Computer Center for Visually Impaired People. Since becoming blind, Gus has learned how to use technology for entertainment and recreation, as well as for his work. He has countless ideas for new technologies that would be universally useful, and for ways to make existing technologies more accessible.

Gus’s Areas of Interest for Solutions:

Navigation and way-finding, specifically within buildings or detailed areas
Visually impaired options for recreation, such as karaoke

Have a question for Gus? Ask it here.

For more insight into needs of people with sensory disability, please refer to the technical brief: Solutions for People with Sensory Disabilities.

Xian Horn

Audio-described Xian video.

Xian Horn's teaching and public speaking jobs bring her to many new places, and she must keep in contact with new people every day. She has cerebral palsy and uses two ski poles to walk. Xian is especially interested in hands-free mobile technologies that would allow her to work on the go. She is also interested in technologies that can help her get the word out about the importance of strong self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Xian’s Areas of Interest for Solutions:

Hands-free solutions with an emphasis on communication apps (social, texting, email, FaceTime, etc.)

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For more insight into needs of people with mobility limitation, please refer to the technical brief: Mobility Solutions.

Paul Kotler

Audio-described Paul video.

Paul Kotler uses technology every day as his primary means of communication. Paul has autism and is a student, blogger, advocate and educator. He does not communicate verbally, but uses a tablet and keyboard to write his words. Paul advocates for those without a means of communication and works to help people understand that typing is just as valid a means of communication as speaking. He wants technology that will make communication easier and technology that will help him manage his anxiety to allow him to stayed engaged in conversation.

Paul’s Areas of Interest for Solutions:

Non-verbal communication solutions
Easy document saving/retrieval
Stress/Anxiety monitoring and relief

Have a question for Paul? Ask it here.

For more insight into needs of people with social/emotional solutions and communicative and cognitive disabilities, please refer to the technical briefs: Social/Emotional Solutions and Communicative and Cognitive Disabilities.

Jason DaSilva

Audio-described Jason video.

Jason DaSilva is a prolific filmmaker. He has won critical acclaim for several films, but is perhaps best known for When I Walk, a documentary about his life after his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Jason uses a power wheelchair, and has lost much of his hand motor function and some of his vision. He would like to be able to work more directly with his tools for editing and filming, as well as communicate more generally. He has some experience working with developers on his crowdsourcing accessibility map, AXS Map.

Jason’s Areas of Interest for Solutions:

Detailed wheelchair accessibility information (actual door width, how many floors are accessible, which businesses are accessible, where are the elevators, accessible restrooms, etc.
Hand-free solutions

Have a question for Jason? Ask it here.

For more insight into needs of people with mobility and communicative limitations, please refer to the technical briefs: Mobility Solutions and Communicative and Cognitive Disabilities.