1) The document discusses trends in information and communication technology (ICT), including that ICT is becoming more efficient, multifunctional, and allows for more active interaction by users. 2) It notes that while ICT improves independence and accessibility for disabled people, standard digital services are often inaccessible, risking their exclusion from society. 3) The document considers whether universally designed ICT that is accessible for as many people as possible is realistic, or if assistive technologies and lowering ambitions are necessary. It discusses different approaches to introducing universal design.

1. UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED ICT
A dream?
Brussels, 29 november 2011
Jean-Marie VANHOVE
INCLUSIEF CONSULTING
Kruisstraat 8, 2820 Bonheiden
0472 42 16 24
www.inclusiefconsulting.eu
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2. INFORMATION- AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
(ICT)
Technologies for
processing and transfer of (digitalised) data
images and sound
Personal computer, broadband technology, mobile phone,
electronic pocket diary, digital television, etc.
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3. TRENDS WITHIN ICT
ICT increasingly efficient
Computer power is growing exponentially.
Amount of digital data worldwide also doubles yearly.
Data transfer through broadband technology.
-> More data can be transferred and processed faster.
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4. TRENDS WITHIN ICT
ICT more and more multifunctional
With smart phones: make calls, send emails, make pictures, play games.
Mobile phone became platform for mobile internet:
-> no restriction of place or time
-> mouse is not relevant anymore
but…
doubts arise about the usability for all people.
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5. TRENDS WITHIN ICT
Interaction with ICT
The actual ICT user is very active:
searching for personalized information
which he wants to receive anywhere, anytime
-> via a range of devices.
He/she creates own information and content (adding apps).
Service providers, incl. government, (can) make use of this active attitude.
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6. IMPORTANCE OF ICT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
ICT improves communication, independence and accessibility
for people with functional impairments.
GSM is the communication medium for deaf people.
With domotics motor impaired people can control their environment.
With GPS mentally impaired people can be watched over remotely.
Alternative input facilities (speech a.o.) allow individuated interaction.
.
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7. IMPORTANCE OF ICT FOR CITIZENS
Online services facilitate participation and involvement with
governmental policies:
- citizens can receive public information online
- download and return completed personal documents
- formulate complaints.
ICT becomes the key to (online) participation …
when it is accessible.
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8. INACCESSIBLE ICT = RISK TO EXCLUSION
Standard digital services are often not usable for people with
functional impairments.
Only 2,6% of public and commercial and 5,3% of government websites in
EU are accessible for people with visual impairments.
Information on websites is difficult to understand for elderly people.
Few information terminals are adapted for people with impairments.
Not having access to ICT means not having access to society.
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9. E-INCLUSION POLICIES NEED TO
TACKLE EXCLUSION RISKS
-> involving users in the development of ICT/AT
to make developers aware of needs of disabled people
-> promoting standardisation and interoperability
to make technologies compatible
-> promoting assistive technology
to make mainstream ICT accessible
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10. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, THE SOLUTION?
Assistive technology addresses the specific needs
of people with different physical, sensory or cognitive features
but…
Assistive devices are to be searched on a niche market
and…
are not affordable for disabled people
unless they are reimbursed by government.
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11. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY, THE SOLUTION?
Assistive technologies are “closed”
= developed for specific groups of disabled people
= not adaptable by other stakeholders
= not compatible with new technologies -> new editions being less
accessible
Will assistive technology ever solve inaccessibility of society?
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12. HAVE E-INCLUSION POLICIES TACKLED
EXCLUSION RISKS?
Providing assistive technology improved accessibility of society.
Disabled people could be stimulated to use online public services
increasing their digital skills.
However, …information society is not inclusive:
- “mainstream” ICT is not always usable for pwd.
This does not fit with the democratic right of equal access
to all information for all citizens.
A new approach is needed: Universal Design?
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13. UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND ICT
ICT is universally accessible when it is:
- usable without adaptations for as many people as possible
- compatible with every (new) technology.
Integrating all requirements in the design means
preventing inaccessibility instead of solving it afterwards.
This is the concept of Universal Design.
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14. UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED ICT:REALISTIC?
Is it feasible to integrate all specific needs of people with
impairments in mainstream ICT
and develop adaptability responding to future participation problems
for as much users as possible?
It seems very difficult, even impossible.
Assistive technologies will always be necessary for severe impairments
preferably through standard interfaces.
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15. UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED ICT:REALISTIC?
Some specific needs are already addressed in mainstream ICT
e.g. System software to enlarge text, to improve contrast
e.g. Choice of access facilities (keyboard, mouse, speech...)
e.g. Keyboards with shortcuts replacing the functions of the mouse
e.g. With wireless technologies (Bluetooth) it is possible to switch from
one technology to another.
Solutions are (partly) there in technology.
But who knows?
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16. UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED ICT:REALISTIC?
Using OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
the user can dispose of the source code
and indicate how to adapt the software.
The open source solutions are free for the end user
but…
There is no sustainable commercial business model
no guarantee on the continuity and the quality of the development,
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17. UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED ICT: REALISTIC?
Or should we lower our ambitions
and require UD only for public services
and accept universal access
to personal technologies only for people with mild handicaps?
The University of Michigan has the ambition to realise
a National Public Inclusive Infrastructure
where everyone can use every computer with the specific access
functionalities.
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18. INTRODUCING UD:INDUSTRY OR GOVERNMENT OR
BOTH?
Researchers and designers should be made familiar with UD
-> to include accessibility in mainstream appliances.
Sensitisation
Every sector should take its social responsibility.
Legislation
public procurement
UD knowledge centres (Ireland and Norway)
The concept should be part of all ICT education and training
programmes.
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19. INTRODUCING UD: INDUSTRY OR GOVERNMENT
OR BOTH?
User involvement
= taking into account the needs of these users in the designing stage.
Users must be present
- in the whole design and development process
- as full participants, being paid
- under a code of conduct for experiments.
Condition: users must prove sufficient ICT interest and skills.
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20. HOW TU PUSH INDUSTRY?
…
- Do companies feel a social responsibility?
- Social image, yes -> indirect profit
- Companies don’t want to be associated with imperfect
- Will they accept legislation?
- Self-regulation is the message…
And yes!…
Standard has been agreed on uniform battery charger.
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21. HOW TU PUSH INDUSTRY?
Isn’t the market potential
and the economic value of an inclusive market
the most effective way to introduce UD?
- digital exclusion concerns 30% of Europeans.
- including 10% of the excluded persons is value of 35 to 85
billion euro.
Yet, …
APPLE offers universal access
without claiming market share…
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22. HOW TU PUSH INDUSTRY?
It deals with innovation
not a radical innovation (total new markets)
such as the car, TV, pc.
not a strategic innovation of new product categories or new
market segments such as netbook and iPod.
But a strategic innovation with focus on the business model
such as free newspapers, low cost airlines and Google
and/or a smart innovation improving the product.
Benefits?
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23. HOW TU PUSH INDUSTRY?
Eliminate innovation barriers
Stuck with current successes?
Internal fragmentation in business, market or product divisions
No urgency as long as turnover is not under pressure
Lack of awareness in the needs and problems of the client
Disabled people are not the clients
Unaware of available solutions
Main responsibility in acquisition is for advisors/carers
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24. DO WE NEED LEGISLATION?
Yes, on right and freedoms.
DO WE NEED TO PUSH INDUSTRY?
Yes, to make it aware of market potential.
DO WE NEED TO PUSH DISABLED PEOPLE?
Yes, they should use their autonomy right,
And become consumers.
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25. THANK YOU.
Jean-Marie Vanhove
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