Charles LaPierre, Senior Software Engineer, Benetech
Charles LaPierre has been a pioneer in accessible product development since 1993. He invented an accessible GPS system for the visually impaired and, under the auspices of Arkenstone (the predecessor to the technology nonprofit Benetech), worked on various accessible reading and writing systems. In 2000, Charles transitioned over to Benetech where he co-developed a human rights information system for its Human Rights Program and developed accessible tools for Benetech’s digital library for people with print disabilities, Bookshare. In 2006 Charles became the CTO of Sendero Group, bringing to market his GPS invention, used by over 7,000 people worldwide. In 2014 Charles rejoined Benetech as Senior Software Engineer and continues to work with both the Human Rights and Global Literacy Programs. Charles was the keynote speaker at the 2005 ACB Blind Programmers Conference and is co-contributor of a chapter for the book “Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired and Blind People.” He is currently the co-chair of the Accessibility Taskforce for the W3C’s Digital Publishing Interest Group. Charles has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Systems from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.