As a  technologist, I'm all about wiz-bang tech that enrich people's lives at a lower price point. for that technology to be successful, it must be accessible by as many of the populous as possible. With blockchain technology and its promise of a more secure digital world there is a danger of exclusion to a few groups of people. The groups I'm thinking of are: the mass, the poor, and those with disabilities.

The Masses are at risk because most humans walk around in la-la- land oblivious to what is going on around them. Bitcoin have be around since 2009. My 83 year old mother has heard of it and that Blockchain thingy. So, I'm absolutely gobsmacked when I meet those in that those under 40 (a great number here in Canada) that have never heard of crypto currency. It maybe a lack of attention, since it is in the news several times a week here in Canada. Tomorrow resolve this, more Blockchain education is required via outlets that people use. This would include, but not limited to social media, schools, etc.

The Poor are in danger of being pushed aside in the Blockchain era. Many tech gurus say that Blockchain technology will help the poor and the over 2 billion unbanked in of the world. Observation reveals that while it is possible to obtain some currency with a bit of effort, the bulk of digital coin are being amassed by those with deep pockets. Many crypto currencies have a perceived low entry point by Canadian standards, $225CAD for example. In Jamaica  that would be $22,000JMD. By any standard, economies aside, that is a barrier to entry. Companies such as OneLife, has a free "Rookie" position that can be started by anyone. Make no mistake though, you have to network that position much harder to obtain OneCoin.

The Disabled always have challenges. This due to the disabled being an 'after-thought'. Just ponder, just 20 years ago, try finding a handicap washroom or an elevator to get one to the subway. Being a person with a physical diability, I'm painfully made aware of my disability periodically. But, depending on where you live in the world, it's better than it used to be. In most of Canada, those in wheelchairs can access a bus because we have kneeling bus and access ramps. For years that was no the case and many of our citizens with physical disabilities were relegated to staying home or relying on family and/or friends. With Blockchain technology, how do the blind take advantage of the promises of secure access that the Blockchain will usher in? It is easier building accessibility features in now than later.

I challenge fellow technologists and software engineers to make it a point to make Blockchain technology truly inclusive to as many as humanly possible , treating all as true stakeholders so we can all see how cleaver you techie lot truly are.