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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Recent News

Drawing of a woman with glasses on holding up her hand

Project Aims to Convey Big Data With Sound and Touch

December 6, 2022 | Maria Herd | UMIACS
NSF-Funded Research Would Expand Employment, Education Opportunities for Blind Data Users.
Banner Image with Jonathan Lazar's head shot photo

Meta Research Q&A with Jonathan Lazar, Professor, University of Maryland College of Information Studies

December 6, 2022 | Meta Research
In this monthly interview series, Meta Research turns the spotlight on members of the academic community — and the important research …