Vulnerable groups at risk of exclusion trends & challenges by Magdalena Dimkova-Velevska (Open the Windows, Macedonia)

1. ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY FOR
E-INCLUSION

2. Short info about “Open the windows”
Based in Skopje, OtW is a Macedonian non-profit,
non-government organization focusing on promoting
assistive technology.
service provider
project-based organization
“Giving people with disabilities access to IT, they will be
able to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to
integrate into their communities and participate in an e-society”

3. http://www.dom-iris.si/en/prilagoditve.php?id=3

4. Challenges and difficulties in accessing
computer or internet
• barriers to providing computer input,
• interpreting output, and
• reading supporting documentation.
• Hardware and software tools (known as
adaptive or assistive technologies) have
been developed to provide functional
alternatives to these standard operations.

5. ASSISTIVE ICT
Software and hardware that is adapted to
each user’s needs, regardless of disability.

6. Assistive technology in education
Primary school student writes
her homework and prepares
her projects .
Student having fun and exercises
her motor skills by using assistive
devices.

7. Assistive technology in education
Student prepares lessons for faculty.

8. Assistive technology + art + promotion
An artist communicates with her friends and organizes
promotions of her work.

9. E-inclusion = human right
UN Convention Convention on the Rights of
Persons with disabilities
•Article 9 > …..” To promote access for persons
with disabilities to new information and
communications technologies and systems,
including the Internet”….
•Article 21>…..” Providing information intended for
the general public to persons with disabilities in
accessible formats and technologies appropriate to
different kinds of disabilities in a timely manner and
without additional cost”……

10. AAss aa sseerrvviiccee pprroovviiddeerrss
• Offer support and consultancy to beneficiaries;
• Offer support and consultancy to parents, other
professionals, teachers, employers, etc.;
• Share experience;
• Promote your work;
• Advocate with relevant institutions;
• Develop resource materials.

11. Contact
• www.openthewindows.org
Open the windows