History of IDEAL Group, Inc.
The history of IDEAL Group, Inc. is a fascinating journey of evolution and innovation, particularly in the field of accessibility and technology for individuals with disabilities. Here is a cohesive history based on the information from their website:
AT&T Acquisition of NCR Corporation (1991): AT&T’s objective was to capitalize on the burgeoning personal computer and Unix networked server markets.
Formation of IDEAL at AT&T (1993): The journey began in December 1993 when a team of AT&T employees formed a New Jersey-based not-for-profit corporation called IDEAL at AT&T, an acronym for Individuals with Disabilities Enabling Advocacy Link. This initiative was in line with AT&T’s commitment to respect cultural differences, serve customers optimally, maintain integrity, innovate, and support teamwork. Steve Jacobs, previously NCR Corporation’s Accessibility Manager, played a pivotal role in this phase.
Project Freedom at AT&T (1993): Under Steve Jacobs’ chairmanship, AT&T’s Project Freedom was launched to develop Assistive Technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities. This project developed the first interactive video technology for sign-language communications over the Internet. Here is a video of their pilot test. Although a competitor, Sprint used Project Freedom’s system for their pilot test in Texas. Here is a GA-SK Newsletter article about the Texas pilot. This newsletter was published by Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. which is known today as TDI, Inc.
Transition to IDEAL at NCR (1996): After deregulation of the U.S. telecom industry via the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Steve Jacobs was one of the authors of the Telecommunications Access Advisory Committee Final Report which was used by the Access Board to develop their Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines. Here is a photo of Steve Jacobs and Reid Huntt, Chairman of the FCC at the time, demonstrating Project Freedom’s video system to FCC Commissioners.
AT&T’s Restructure (1996): In 1996, AT&T restructured. NCR Corporation re-established itself as a separate corporation, once again. IDEAL at AT&T’s work continued under the name “IDEAL at NCR Corporation.” During this period, IDEAL at NCR supported NCR’s efforts in designing and developing accessible financial/retail products and services. They achieved significant technical accomplishments, including: 1. integrating technology into The 54th (Bush) Presidential Inauguration Guide Book (See Page 77) and Program Book (See Page 32). BBC Television Broadcast. Jacobs took technology, then being used by the military, modified it, and came up with a method that enables a person who is blind to scan 77 pages of text, with only one pass of a scanner, with 100% accuracy; integrated accessibility into the 53rd (Clinton) Program Book; and, 3. Designed and installed accessible prototype kiosks for the Smithsonian Institution’s American History Museum. Here is a photo.
Establishment of IDEAL Group, Inc. (2003): In December 2002, Jacobs retired from NCR Corporation and was granted permission to spin-off IDEAL at NCR into IDEAL Group, Inc. On June 4, 2003, IDEAL Group, Inc. was incorporated as a privately held, Ohio-based, social entrepreneurship corporation. Since then, IDEAL Group has developed well over 125 mobile apps and web-based services IDEAL Group Projects 1992-2023, IDEAL Group Mobile Apps 2010-2023, and, IDEAL Group Innovations.
AI4Reading, Inc. Established (2023): In September, 2023, Jacobs founded a non-profit organization by the name of AI4Reading, Inc. AI4Reading is a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to “provide specialized AI services relating to training, education, adaptive reading, and information access to individuals with “print disabilities” (which include vision, physical, learning, cognitive, and neurological disabilities. AI4Reading operates as an “Authorized Entity” and is in compliance with the regulations outlined in the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Chafee Amendment, and the Marrakesh Treaty. Additionally, AI4Reading holds the classification of an ‘Authorized Entity’ as defined by the relevant legislative provisions.
AI4Reading and IDEAL Group establish an affiliate partnership (2023): An affiliate relationship between a for-profit entity (IDEAL Group) and a nonprofit organization (AI4Reading) is a collaborative partnership where the for-profit company supports or promotes the goals and activities of the nonprofit. Typically, this collaboration is driven by shared values or interests. The for-profit entity may provide financial donations, resources, volunteer support, or marketing assistance to the nonprofit.
Throughout its history, IDEAL Group, Inc. has been dedicated to enhancing the independence, quality of life, employability, and education of millions of individuals with disabilities worldwide. This journey from IDEAL at AT&T to IDEAL at NCR, and ultimately to IDEAL Group, Inc. showcases a consistent commitment to innovation, accessibility, and social responsibility.
