News

Technology provider gains license for disability access systems

September 26, 2017

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation has signed an exclusive license agreement with Assistra Technologies LLC, covering a portfolio of patents and trademarks relating to disability access systems for self-service kiosks, touchscreen systems and similar devices, according to a press release.

The patents cover touchscreen access for the vision impaired, tactile interfaces and keypad designs.

The license also includes the "EZ" and "EZ Access" trademarks, which designate systems and certifications for providing disability access to electronic device interfaces.  

The technology was developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Trace Research and Development Center. The researchers recognized that public self-service kiosks in the U.S. should be accessible for everyone, including individuals with disabilities such as reduced vision or other physical limitations.

EZ Access approved hardware and technologies are currently being used by several government and public institutions, including the Department of Homeland Security for border passport kiosks, and also by Amtrak and the U.S. Post Office for self-service kiosks. Assistra plans to expand the use of EZ Access technology to include airlines.

Assistra will help ensure the quality of all EZ Access implementations by creating a more formal certification program and by providing consulting services that will make EZ Access technologies easier to integrate into both new and existing self-service kiosks and other public electronic devices such as voting machines.