Professor of Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences (Class I)

Dr. Gary Bishop uses computer technology to improve the lives of those with disabilities. Tar Heel Reader, designed by Bishop in collaboration with the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at UNC, is a collection of easy-to-read books on a variety of topics. Each book is speech-enabled for those with visual impairments and switch accessible for those with physical limitations. Users can also develop their own books, creating an open source library for all readers. More than one million books have been read on the site since it began in May of 2008. Bishop is currently developing other computer software and technologies for web-based interactive educational games for people with disabilities.