Trace Research & Development Center
Director: Jonathan Lazar, Ph.D.
The Trace Research & Development Center, founded in 1971 by a group of students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been a pioneer in the field of technology and disability, known for high-impact research and development. The center applies engineering, computer science, disability studies, public policy, and information science to reduce barriers experienced by populations with disabilities to current and emerging technologies and to create new solutions. The Trace Center became a part of the iSchool in 2016.
Our mission is to capitalize on the potential that technologies hold for people experiencing barriers due to disability, aging, or digital literacy, and to prevent emerging technologies from creating new barriers for these individuals. In doing this, we bring together disciplines such as information science, computer science, engineering, disability studies, law, and public policy. We engage in research, development, tech transfer, education, policy, and advocacy.
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A statue of the blindfolded lady justice in front of the United States Supreme Court building. GETTY
Forbes: Web Accessibility Laws Set To Enter New Era As DOJ Gears Up For Spring Rulemaking ft. Jonathan Lazar
March 24, 2023 | UMD INFO StaffDr. Lazar comments on how university curricula need to be modified to include accessibility content.

Project Aims to Convey Big Data With Sound and Touch
December 6, 2022 | Maria Herd | UMIACSNSF-Funded Research Would Expand Employment, Education Opportunities for Blind Data Users.

Meta Research Q&A with Jonathan Lazar, Professor, University of Maryland College of Information Studies
December 6, 2022 | Meta ResearchIn this monthly interview series, Meta Research turns the spotlight on members of the academic community — and the important research …