Introducing CSD Engineering
Communication Service of the Deaf (CSD), the world’s largest Deaf-led nonprofit, proudly announces the launch of CSD Engineering, one of the first-ever dedicated initiatives focused on providing technology solutions that fully integrate the Deaf perspective. CSD Engineering will be led by Charles “Chaz” McFadden, Chief Technology Officer for CSD.
The main focus of CSD Engineering is to approach the development of technology through a Deaf lens, defining inclusive design and providing solutions that are beneficial for all. By developing technologies that truly integrate the Deaf perspective, CSD Engineering aims to eliminate many of the gaps and barriers of today’s new technologies, improve communication experiences, and increase opportunities for Deaf individuals worldwide.
CSD Engineering is focused on creating more technologies that center the Deaf perspective and experience, from identifying current and emerging opportunities, to building CSD proprietary solutions, to collaborating with others to develop and improve their own technologies.
“CSD Engineering speaks directly from the heart of our belief that technology can be and has been an equalizing force for us,” said CSD Chief Executive Officer Christopher Soukup. “For decades, CSD has had a part in creating many new Deaf-centered technologies. CSD Engineering is not only a natural extension of our heritage, it will also serve a vital role in ensuring that today and tomorrow’s technologies provide improved experiences for everyone. We are excited that Chaz will be leading the CSD Engineering initiative, taking us into the future by building it.”
Mr. McFadden has an extensive background in technology engineering and communications. Prior to CSD, his work experience included several years with General Electric (GE) Aerospace and work on naval sonar systems and communications satellites. McFadden received a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a master’s in business administration from Villanova University. He holds a Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) credential from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). Additionally, McFadden is Chairman of the Board Directors for the Deaf Hearing Communication Centre (DHCC) in Philadelphia, is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the RIT/NTID Alumni Association in Rochester, NY.
“I am very excited about this opportunity to lead CSD Engineering,” said McFadden. “Without question, technology is advancing our world beyond our wildest dreams, and at an incredible speed. Yet, far too many gaps and barriers remain with many of today’s most celebrated technologies – voice activation and automated speech recognition among them. CSD Engineering will address these critical issues and, most importantly, put the Deaf perspective at the very center of future technology innovation.”
CSD Engineering builds on CSD’s rich tradition of technological innovation through a Deaf lens. From helping to establish the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) long before it was federally mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the recent launch of Vineya, the first online marketplace for onsite or remote sign language interpreters, CSD has been at the forefront of finding technological solutions that benefit everyone.