Lifestyle access for the disabled

There is a paradoxical relationship between technology improvements and accessibility. On one hand, technology can and sometimes does help visually disabled people: e.g. email reading/writing with speech synthesis. On the other hand, the 'technology heavy' nature of 21C lifestyle often disenfranchises the disabled. Examples include mobile phones and 24-bit animated graphical user interfaces. What should and can be done to improve the outcome resulting from this technological dichotomy?

Chris Mairs is a founding member and director of Data Connection plc, which develops software for blue chip ICT companies. He directs Data Connection's product line strategy and is Chief Technical Officer of their MetaSwitch telephony subsidiary. Chris also founded the a-technic charity, developing technology for the disabled (enlightened self-interest, since he himself is blind).