The document discusses accessibility, assistive technologies, and inclusive solutions for all. It argues that accessibility and assistive technologies complement each other by allowing disabled people access to systems. It also discusses the importance of usability, calls for binding EU legislation on accessibility, and lists European organizations representing users of assistive technologies.
UEN provides statewide educational technology services and infrastructure in Utah, including an interactive video conferencing (IVC) network. As a public-private partnership, UEN leases circuits from telecom companies to connect public schools, colleges, and libraries with robust and reliable internet access. The IVC network allows for two-way or multi-way video conferencing using standards-based solutions, enabling classes, meetings, and events across the education system. Examples of IVC uses include concurrent enrollment classes, inter-district educational events, higher education classes, medical consultations, and regional government meetings.
BUT THRIVE IN THE YEARS AHEAD. " have been associated with the CTO for over a decade in various
The Chairman's Message discusses the CTO's achievements in 2009-10 despite challenges from the global economic downturn. Key points:
1) CTO strengthened relationships with international organizations like ITU and collaborated on joint events.
2) CTO expanded its membership with Rwanda joining as a Full Member and several industry players joining as Sector Members.
3) CTO improved its service delivery and now provides better value to members through a broader range of topics at events.
4) While the economic crisis impacted CTO, the Chairman is confident the organization
The document provides an event report on the CTO Cybersecurity Forum held in London on June 17-18, 2010. The forum focused on raising awareness of cybersecurity issues, building capacity for robust cybersecurity frameworks, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders. Key topics discussed included threats to both states and individuals, as well as possible technical, legal, and international cooperation responses. A need for greater international cooperation was a major theme, given issues around jurisdiction and varying capabilities. The inaugural forum aimed to provide a platform for partnership between the UK government and CTO to address these global cybersecurity challenges.
JANET is the national research and education network in the UK. It connects universities, colleges, and research institutions. The document discusses JANET's policies on who can connect to the network, what acceptable uses of the network are, and proposes simplifying the regulatory framework to allow business and community engagement activities to be treated the same as teaching and research. It also outlines the consultation process for gathering feedback and finalizing any changes to policies.
This document is the "Civil Society-TUAC Seoul Declaration" presented at the 2008 OECD Ministerial Conference on the Future of the Internet Economy. It outlines concerns of civil society organizations around issues like freedom of expression, privacy, employment, access to knowledge, and more. It calls on OECD countries to address these issues and protect human rights in their internet policies. It also calls for the establishment of a Civil Society Advisory Committee to the OECD to allow formal participation of civil society stakeholders in internet governance issues.
The document discusses Mauritius' efforts to improve cybersecurity. It outlines Mauritius' strategy to become a regional tech hub through legal and financial incentives. It then summarizes Mauritius' National Information Security Strategy Plan (NISS) to improve cybersecurity through four main action lines: strengthening legal frameworks; increasing stakeholder awareness and training; improving detection of cybersecurity breaches; and increasing protections. Key initiatives under NISS include developing cybercrime laws, setting up a cybercrime task force and computer emergency response team, and implementing content filtering solutions.
The document outlines the agenda for the Vietnam ICT Summit 2012, which will take place from June 26-27th in Hanoi. The summit will address trends in ICT and strategies to position Vietnam, with panels on applying ICT to transportation, education, smart cities, and e-citizen cards. Day 1 will involve congress sessions and panels, while Day 2 will feature presentations of ICT solutions and business matching between organizations. The goal of the summit is to identify ICT trends, share visions, and find solutions to help modernize Vietnam's infrastructure and public services through technology.
Future Internet Visions: An Opportunity for IrelandMícheál Ó Foghlú
A discussion of European Union Future Internet R&D funding and the TSSG\'s (a research centre in Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland) engagement in these programmes to date, and future opportunities for Irish academia and industry. Presented at the Future Internet Event (http://www.future-internet.ie) Dublin, Wed 29th October 2008.
UEN provides statewide educational technology services and infrastructure in Utah, including an interactive video conferencing (IVC) network. As a public-private partnership, UEN leases circuits from telecom companies to connect public schools, colleges, and libraries with robust and reliable internet access. The IVC network allows for two-way or multi-way video conferencing using standards-based solutions, enabling classes, meetings, and events across the education system. Examples of IVC uses include concurrent enrollment classes, inter-district educational events, higher education classes, medical consultations, and regional government meetings.
BUT THRIVE IN THE YEARS AHEAD. " have been associated with the CTO for over a decade in various
The Chairman's Message discusses the CTO's achievements in 2009-10 despite challenges from the global economic downturn. Key points:
1) CTO strengthened relationships with international organizations like ITU and collaborated on joint events.
2) CTO expanded its membership with Rwanda joining as a Full Member and several industry players joining as Sector Members.
3) CTO improved its service delivery and now provides better value to members through a broader range of topics at events.
4) While the economic crisis impacted CTO, the Chairman is confident the organization
The document provides an event report on the CTO Cybersecurity Forum held in London on June 17-18, 2010. The forum focused on raising awareness of cybersecurity issues, building capacity for robust cybersecurity frameworks, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders. Key topics discussed included threats to both states and individuals, as well as possible technical, legal, and international cooperation responses. A need for greater international cooperation was a major theme, given issues around jurisdiction and varying capabilities. The inaugural forum aimed to provide a platform for partnership between the UK government and CTO to address these global cybersecurity challenges.
JANET is the national research and education network in the UK. It connects universities, colleges, and research institutions. The document discusses JANET's policies on who can connect to the network, what acceptable uses of the network are, and proposes simplifying the regulatory framework to allow business and community engagement activities to be treated the same as teaching and research. It also outlines the consultation process for gathering feedback and finalizing any changes to policies.
This document is the "Civil Society-TUAC Seoul Declaration" presented at the 2008 OECD Ministerial Conference on the Future of the Internet Economy. It outlines concerns of civil society organizations around issues like freedom of expression, privacy, employment, access to knowledge, and more. It calls on OECD countries to address these issues and protect human rights in their internet policies. It also calls for the establishment of a Civil Society Advisory Committee to the OECD to allow formal participation of civil society stakeholders in internet governance issues.
The document discusses Mauritius' efforts to improve cybersecurity. It outlines Mauritius' strategy to become a regional tech hub through legal and financial incentives. It then summarizes Mauritius' National Information Security Strategy Plan (NISS) to improve cybersecurity through four main action lines: strengthening legal frameworks; increasing stakeholder awareness and training; improving detection of cybersecurity breaches; and increasing protections. Key initiatives under NISS include developing cybercrime laws, setting up a cybercrime task force and computer emergency response team, and implementing content filtering solutions.
The document outlines the agenda for the Vietnam ICT Summit 2012, which will take place from June 26-27th in Hanoi. The summit will address trends in ICT and strategies to position Vietnam, with panels on applying ICT to transportation, education, smart cities, and e-citizen cards. Day 1 will involve congress sessions and panels, while Day 2 will feature presentations of ICT solutions and business matching between organizations. The goal of the summit is to identify ICT trends, share visions, and find solutions to help modernize Vietnam's infrastructure and public services through technology.
Future Internet Visions: An Opportunity for IrelandMícheál Ó Foghlú
A discussion of European Union Future Internet R&D funding and the TSSG\'s (a research centre in Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland) engagement in these programmes to date, and future opportunities for Irish academia and industry. Presented at the Future Internet Event (http://www.future-internet.ie) Dublin, Wed 29th October 2008.
This document summarizes a workshop on mapping information needs related to assistive information and communication technology in Europe. It describes the goals of creating a thematic network portal and community to serve as a search engine and marketplace for resources. The workshop discussed mapping the type, depth, and format of data needed by various stakeholders, including end users, professionals, manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers. The document outlines the topics, actors, and timeline of information needs. It provides examples of the types of information that could be included, such as product details, assessments, research findings, funding opportunities, and standards. Some open issues are also discussed, such as who will provide the information and ensuring the portal empowers users.
Standardization, cloud computing, and open source are hot topics for public bodies according to Michael Fagerlund of the National IT- and Telecom Agency. Standardization ensures interoperability and accessibility across Europe. Cloud computing provides computing resources over the internet in a cheaper, more customized, scalable and flexible way which benefits users with impairments. Open source software promotes accessibility, IT business services, collaboration, and development of interoperable systems across public sector institutions and borders. Key public actors include groups supported by the European Commission on standardization, cloud strategies, and procurement organizations who can disseminate accessibility knowledge. A challenge is convincing public and private bodies of the business case for accessibility given economic pressures to reduce costs through technology
The document discusses Taiwan's development of an assistive technology and services system over the past decade. It outlines how Taiwan has built an integrated system to provide assistive technologies to support employment, daily living, education, and healthcare for people of all ages including the disabled and elderly. It details how Taiwan has achieved central government integration of assistive technology resources across multiple ministries and facilitated access through organizations at the national and local level. Examples of assistive technologies and services provided are also mentioned.
The document discusses strategies for attracting key actors to support the ATIS4all project. It identifies groups of key actors, such as research institutes and manufacturers. It proposes using the project website to create a supporter section and provide information on becoming a supporter. The document also suggests dissemination activities and defines a process for organizations to become supporters. Each partner is encouraged to promote ATIS4all through their own websites, conferences, newsletters and presentations to attract additional supporters.
Presentation about Internat Market for Inclusive and Assistive ICT by Sebastiaan van der Peijl (Deloitte).
ATIS4all First Workshop, 14th and 15th March, 2011. Madrid.
The document summarizes news from the COGAIN Association and DTU. It discusses that COGAIN has 23 institutional members including universities and research institutes as well as manufacturers. It has 74 personal members from various countries. It discusses standardization efforts including developing standards for infrared safety and measuring eye tracker accuracy. It also discusses the COGAIN Association general assembly and new board members. The document concludes with discussing projects at DTU including modular playware tiles for rehabilitation, a smartphone that can function as a portable brain scanner, and augmenting sound at music festivals using mobile phones.
20090327 Software Engineering -- What's in it for me?Arian Zwegers
Presentation about the opportunities for funding in Software and Services, esp in the FP7 ICT Work Programme, ITEA2, and Artemis, for the CSMR conference, Kaiserslautern (Germany), 27 March 2009
2009 11 17 Transforming The At Ecosystemguest7e87f9
The document discusses the assistive technology ecosystem and argues that it is critical to transform the ecosystem. Currently, the assistive technology market is fragmented due to different national systems and policies, and assistive technology companies struggle due to an inability to address the entire value chain. However, technological trends such as the integration of assistive technologies into mainstream operating systems and a universal accessibility API could help create a more cohesive ecosystem. The document suggests establishing a thematic network and European pilot portal to help coordinate research projects, foster interoperability, and increase awareness.
The document discusses the assistive technology ecosystem and argues that it is critical to transform the ecosystem. Currently, the assistive technology market is fragmented due to different national systems and policies, and assistive technology companies struggle due to an inability to address the entire value chain. However, technological trends such as the integration of assistive technologies into mainstream operating systems and a universal accessibility API could help create a more cohesive ecosystem. The document suggests establishing a thematic network and European pilot portal to help coordinate research projects and increase awareness, as well as fostering international cooperation through workshops and an open alliance.
Presentation of main traits of the present and future AT ecosystem in Europe. The importance of a interoperable accessibility API is pointed out and the need of an European centralised portal of initiative to develop a more dynamic market is introduced.
The document provides an overview of Fondazione Ugo Bordoni (FUB), an Italian research institute. It describes FUB's areas of research which include wireless systems, quality of service, security, and more. It also lists several European projects and activities FUB is involved in. Finally, it outlines FUB's interests and expertise in topics related to 5G, including interference management, new spectrum usage, cognitive radio, and quality of service techniques.
Project number: 224348
Project acronym: AEGIS
Project title: Open Accessibility Everywhere: Groundwork, Infrastructure, Standards
Starting date: 1 September 2008
Duration: 48 Months
AEGIS is an Integrated Project (IP) within the ICT programme of FP7
Talk on "Portable and pervasive technologies: opportunities for people with disabilities". at MADA Global Speaker Seminar: New trends in ATs. Qatar, 1st March, 2011
The document summarizes European Commission initiatives around digital technologies and networks as part of the Digital Agenda for Europe. It outlines upcoming budget and legislative proposals around broadband access, spectrum allocation, standardization, and roaming charges. The Commission aims to improve broadband access across Europe and support research and innovation through initiatives like Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility.
PERSONA and universAAL EU-Projects ICT for InclusionFundació TicSalut
To empower elderly people to feel included, secure, protected and suported, by developing Ambient Assisted Living products and services for the achievement of more autonomy and quality in their lives.
Presentation of the paper by M. Söllner, C. Görg, K. Pentikousis, J. Mª Cabero Lopez, M. Ponce de Leon, P. Bertin, "Mobility Scenarios for the Future Internet: the 4WARD approach", WPMC 2008, Sept 2008
An international coalition is working to enhance global broadband infrastructure to improve digital accessibility. The goal is to create National and Global Public Inclusive Infrastructures through open-source technologies that simplify access. In Europe, eAccessibility is a policy priority to reduce digital divides and ensure accessibility of public websites by 2010. Future initiatives like the Digital Agenda 2010-2020 aim to further these goals through standards, skills training, innovation and inclusion. Many projects are developing roadmaps to guide research and development toward inclusive digital technologies and societies.
The VIPI project aims to create an accessible online portal and learning environment to provide ICT training to people with disabilities. Run from 2011-2013 with EU funding, the project has partners in the UK, Belgium, Greece, Lithuania, and Cyprus. It seeks to address barriers people with disabilities face in accessing ICT training, such as a lack of suitable materials. The portal will provide learning objects, online courses, and social networking tools to help users develop digital skills and find employment opportunities using assistive technologies. Evaluation of ICT skills training needs has already begun across the partner countries.
Ecological Internet and Future Internet ResearchKilnam Chon
This document discusses the need for a more sustainable "ecological internet" as global internet usage increases. It notes that internet usage will reach 5 billion people by 2020 and addresses how to facilitate new users in an environmentally sound way. It also examines problems like privacy, addiction, and cyber threats and argues that future internet research should focus on inclusion of all people and harmonization with human society and the environment.
This document summarizes a workshop on mapping information needs related to assistive information and communication technology in Europe. It describes the goals of creating a thematic network portal and community to serve as a search engine and marketplace for resources. The workshop discussed mapping the type, depth, and format of data needed by various stakeholders, including end users, professionals, manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers. The document outlines the topics, actors, and timeline of information needs. It provides examples of the types of information that could be included, such as product details, assessments, research findings, funding opportunities, and standards. Some open issues are also discussed, such as who will provide the information and ensuring the portal empowers users.
Standardization, cloud computing, and open source are hot topics for public bodies according to Michael Fagerlund of the National IT- and Telecom Agency. Standardization ensures interoperability and accessibility across Europe. Cloud computing provides computing resources over the internet in a cheaper, more customized, scalable and flexible way which benefits users with impairments. Open source software promotes accessibility, IT business services, collaboration, and development of interoperable systems across public sector institutions and borders. Key public actors include groups supported by the European Commission on standardization, cloud strategies, and procurement organizations who can disseminate accessibility knowledge. A challenge is convincing public and private bodies of the business case for accessibility given economic pressures to reduce costs through technology
The document discusses Taiwan's development of an assistive technology and services system over the past decade. It outlines how Taiwan has built an integrated system to provide assistive technologies to support employment, daily living, education, and healthcare for people of all ages including the disabled and elderly. It details how Taiwan has achieved central government integration of assistive technology resources across multiple ministries and facilitated access through organizations at the national and local level. Examples of assistive technologies and services provided are also mentioned.
The document discusses strategies for attracting key actors to support the ATIS4all project. It identifies groups of key actors, such as research institutes and manufacturers. It proposes using the project website to create a supporter section and provide information on becoming a supporter. The document also suggests dissemination activities and defines a process for organizations to become supporters. Each partner is encouraged to promote ATIS4all through their own websites, conferences, newsletters and presentations to attract additional supporters.
Presentation about Internat Market for Inclusive and Assistive ICT by Sebastiaan van der Peijl (Deloitte).
ATIS4all First Workshop, 14th and 15th March, 2011. Madrid.
The document summarizes news from the COGAIN Association and DTU. It discusses that COGAIN has 23 institutional members including universities and research institutes as well as manufacturers. It has 74 personal members from various countries. It discusses standardization efforts including developing standards for infrared safety and measuring eye tracker accuracy. It also discusses the COGAIN Association general assembly and new board members. The document concludes with discussing projects at DTU including modular playware tiles for rehabilitation, a smartphone that can function as a portable brain scanner, and augmenting sound at music festivals using mobile phones.
20090327 Software Engineering -- What's in it for me?Arian Zwegers
Presentation about the opportunities for funding in Software and Services, esp in the FP7 ICT Work Programme, ITEA2, and Artemis, for the CSMR conference, Kaiserslautern (Germany), 27 March 2009
2009 11 17 Transforming The At Ecosystemguest7e87f9
The document discusses the assistive technology ecosystem and argues that it is critical to transform the ecosystem. Currently, the assistive technology market is fragmented due to different national systems and policies, and assistive technology companies struggle due to an inability to address the entire value chain. However, technological trends such as the integration of assistive technologies into mainstream operating systems and a universal accessibility API could help create a more cohesive ecosystem. The document suggests establishing a thematic network and European pilot portal to help coordinate research projects, foster interoperability, and increase awareness.
The document discusses the assistive technology ecosystem and argues that it is critical to transform the ecosystem. Currently, the assistive technology market is fragmented due to different national systems and policies, and assistive technology companies struggle due to an inability to address the entire value chain. However, technological trends such as the integration of assistive technologies into mainstream operating systems and a universal accessibility API could help create a more cohesive ecosystem. The document suggests establishing a thematic network and European pilot portal to help coordinate research projects and increase awareness, as well as fostering international cooperation through workshops and an open alliance.
Presentation of main traits of the present and future AT ecosystem in Europe. The importance of a interoperable accessibility API is pointed out and the need of an European centralised portal of initiative to develop a more dynamic market is introduced.
The document provides an overview of Fondazione Ugo Bordoni (FUB), an Italian research institute. It describes FUB's areas of research which include wireless systems, quality of service, security, and more. It also lists several European projects and activities FUB is involved in. Finally, it outlines FUB's interests and expertise in topics related to 5G, including interference management, new spectrum usage, cognitive radio, and quality of service techniques.
Project number: 224348
Project acronym: AEGIS
Project title: Open Accessibility Everywhere: Groundwork, Infrastructure, Standards
Starting date: 1 September 2008
Duration: 48 Months
AEGIS is an Integrated Project (IP) within the ICT programme of FP7
Talk on "Portable and pervasive technologies: opportunities for people with disabilities". at MADA Global Speaker Seminar: New trends in ATs. Qatar, 1st March, 2011
The document summarizes European Commission initiatives around digital technologies and networks as part of the Digital Agenda for Europe. It outlines upcoming budget and legislative proposals around broadband access, spectrum allocation, standardization, and roaming charges. The Commission aims to improve broadband access across Europe and support research and innovation through initiatives like Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility.
PERSONA and universAAL EU-Projects ICT for InclusionFundació TicSalut
To empower elderly people to feel included, secure, protected and suported, by developing Ambient Assisted Living products and services for the achievement of more autonomy and quality in their lives.
Presentation of the paper by M. Söllner, C. Görg, K. Pentikousis, J. Mª Cabero Lopez, M. Ponce de Leon, P. Bertin, "Mobility Scenarios for the Future Internet: the 4WARD approach", WPMC 2008, Sept 2008
An international coalition is working to enhance global broadband infrastructure to improve digital accessibility. The goal is to create National and Global Public Inclusive Infrastructures through open-source technologies that simplify access. In Europe, eAccessibility is a policy priority to reduce digital divides and ensure accessibility of public websites by 2010. Future initiatives like the Digital Agenda 2010-2020 aim to further these goals through standards, skills training, innovation and inclusion. Many projects are developing roadmaps to guide research and development toward inclusive digital technologies and societies.
The VIPI project aims to create an accessible online portal and learning environment to provide ICT training to people with disabilities. Run from 2011-2013 with EU funding, the project has partners in the UK, Belgium, Greece, Lithuania, and Cyprus. It seeks to address barriers people with disabilities face in accessing ICT training, such as a lack of suitable materials. The portal will provide learning objects, online courses, and social networking tools to help users develop digital skills and find employment opportunities using assistive technologies. Evaluation of ICT skills training needs has already begun across the partner countries.
Ecological Internet and Future Internet ResearchKilnam Chon
This document discusses the need for a more sustainable "ecological internet" as global internet usage increases. It notes that internet usage will reach 5 billion people by 2020 and addresses how to facilitate new users in an environmentally sound way. It also examines problems like privacy, addiction, and cyber threats and argues that future internet research should focus on inclusion of all people and harmonization with human society and the environment.
The document discusses project u-2010, which aims to enhance communication capabilities for emergency response teams through the use of redundant and ubiquitous networks. The project seeks to leverage all existing networks and automatic redirection between networks to ensure communication is maintained during crises or disasters. It outlines several scenarios that will be used to test and demonstrate the results, including supporting fire services and mountain rescue operations through the use of mobile ad-hoc networks and satellite connectivity.
The document discusses the evolution of technologies towards an Internet of Things (IoT), where billions of physical objects are connected via embedded systems and sensors. It outlines the development of concepts like ubiquitous computing, ambient intelligence, and pervasive networks that contribute to the IoT. Key requirements to enable the IoT include technologies for distributed sensor networks that are context-aware, reliable, energy-efficient and secure. The document also discusses synergizing European strengths in research projects and standardization to help realize an IoT.
The document summarizes the 4WARD project's approach to mobility challenges in a future internet. The 4WARD project takes a clean-slate approach to designing a global communications infrastructure that focuses on an "information-centric" network and integrates mobility as a core capability. It aims to overcome today's complex mobile scenarios through architectural concepts like virtualization of networks and a "network of information" that manages distributed information objects independently of location. The project is developing prototypes and design principles to realize virtual mobile networks and mobile virtual networks with guaranteed interoperability of functions like mobility, security and quality of service.
Split 2010 FiberWeek Examples of fibre deploymentIgor Brusic
Municipal fiber networks can provide significant benefits to communities. Three case studies show that with proper planning and community support, fiber networks can be successfully deployed. Stockholm's network is owned by the city and provides equal access to all operators. The Dutch city of Nuenen achieved 97% subscriber acceptance through good marketing. The German city of Schwerte overcame difficulties by partnering with other operators. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of thorough preparation, flexible network design, and social factors for success.
Alessandro bogliolo workshop introduction - seserv se workshop june 2012ictseserv
The document summarizes discussions from the SESERV Workshop in Brussels on June 20, 2012. It discusses the challenges in bridging the digital divide between areas that have infrastructure and those without. It also examines debates around net neutrality and how user-centric approaches and over-the-top services are changing the relationships between consumers, service providers and other players in the value chain. Finally, it provides context on the ULOOP project funded by the European Union to develop user-centric wireless local loop networks.
Similar to Focus on Key Actors_Bue Vester_EDF (20)
The European Disability Forum (EDF) represents 85 million Europeans with disabilities and aims to guarantee their rights and promote equal opportunities. EDF views information and communication technologies (ICTs) as enabling tools for inclusion, but notes that accessibility, availability, usability, affordability, interoperability and quality must be considered for persons with disabilities to use ICTs. EDF advocates for a binding European Accessibility Act, accessible public websites by 2015, and works on projects to enhance accessibility of specific ICTs like smartphones and enhance awareness of e-accessibility.
The Assistive Technology Group at Politecnico di Milano identifies, forecasts, implements, promotes and applies innovative ICT methods and technologies to develop sustainable solutions for vulnerable groups. The group's mission is to guarantee recovery of functionality, social integration, equal opportunities, health, self-determination and quality of life. Key areas of research include building automation, auxiliary supports like brain-computer interfaces, pattern recognition, innovations in areas like chemical education and campus accessibility, and natural language processing projects. The group collaborates with enterprises, public institutions, and other organizations and universities on various projects.
TechSoup is a nonprofit organization based in the US that aims to build the capacity of NGOs through technology donations and resources. It operates a global network of partners that provide localized technology assistance programs and social services. The network connects nonprofit organizations to a supply chain of technology products and support. TechSoup has distributed over $2.6 billion in technology products to over 152,000 organizations in 36 countries. It also operates online communities and resources that have over 208,000 monthly visitors. TechSoup is similar to another international project, ATIS4all, in that they are both networks that engage partners globally but act locally, use IT as their focus, and connect companies to the social sector.
This document discusses open accessibility and the ATIS4ALL project. It advocates for open source and open development approaches to create more accessible software and technologies through collaboration between users, developers, researchers, and companies. The ATIS4ALL project aims to create an online portal that allows users to search for and download assistive technology information and resources through a multilingual interface. It also aims to facilitate an online community for sharing, participation, and connecting key stakeholders in accessible technology.
This document discusses the fragmentation of the assistive technology (AT) market and recommendations to address it. Key points:
- The AT market fragmentation problem has been recognized for over 15 years but persists due to various barriers.
- Barriers include a lack of information, high costs to navigate different health systems, and lack of market transparency.
- Recommendations to improve the situation include increasing information sharing, education, market transparency, and ensuring AT accessibility.
- The ATIS4all project aims to address these issues by developing an online "Market Place" to provide information, education, and improve the AT market structure in Europe.
1. Assistive technologies (AT) have the potential to help disabled and elderly people live independently but also face limitations and risks if not properly implemented.
2. A key risk is that AT may not be properly tailored to individual needs and circumstances without comprehensive assessment and training.
3. Ongoing support is also needed to ensure AT continues working effectively and users maintain their skills over time as needs or technologies change.
4. Ethical concerns around AT include privacy, autonomy, reliability and inclusion to make sure all those who could benefit have access.
This document discusses the perspective of older users on assistive technology from AGE Platform Europe, an organization focused on issues affecting older people. It addresses common stereotypes about older adults and technology, and highlights several main concerns older users have, including costs, accessibility, reliability, and a lack of involvement in decision-making. The document argues for taking a user-centered design approach and involving older users throughout the process to help make technology more inclusive and usable for all.
This document discusses good practices for using assistive technology (AT) in employment settings. It describes two organizations, the Employers' Forum on Disability and the Business Taskforce on Accessible Technology, that help businesses implement AT. The document then outlines various topics regarding effectively using AT, such as ensuring it works with corporate systems, providing employees access to AT, dealing with problems, and mainstreaming AT into procurement and development processes. Overall, the key points are how to integrate and mainstream AT across normal business functions and for all users.
This document summarizes a workshop on interoperability among assistive technologies (ATs) and mainstream information and communication technologies. The workshop covered basic concepts of interoperability, current mainstream technologies, issues with the current landscape, and visions for the future. Interoperability allows ATs and user devices to communicate and work together at both the application and operating system levels. Currently, there are problems with accessibility architecture, compatibility between versions, and semantic interpretation of applications. The workshop proposed a universal interoperability API to maximize compatibility and reduce costs by facilitating efficient use of AT and device functions. Long-term, ubiquitous ATs delivered as a cloud-based service was envisioned.
The document proposes developing national and global public inclusive infrastructures (NPIIs) to address problems with existing accessibility solutions. It suggests creating an infrastructure that would (1) help people determine needed accessibility supports and store preferences, (2) allow stored preferences to enable accessibility anywhere, and (3) provide tools to help developers create and deliver new accessibility solutions easily. This would simplify accessibility, provide solutions for all disabilities and emerging technologies, and spur innovation to expand markets and lower costs.
Presentation about ICT Assistive Technology industry in Europe by Carmen Pastor (Fundación Tecnalia).
First Workshop, 14th and 15th March 2011, Madrid.
This document provides the program for the "Foundations of ATIS4all First Workshop" held on March 14-15, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. The workshop focused on assistive technologies and inclusive solutions for all. The program included sessions on an overview of ATIS4all and related networks, the assistive technology market place, research and development initiatives, international assistive technology programs, key actors in the field, and interoperability among assistive technologies and mainstream ICTs. Participants represented organizations from Spain, Italy, Greece, the United States, and elsewhere. The workshop concluded with finalizing an action plan based on the discussions over the two days.
More from ATIS4all, European Thematic Network, led by Technosite. (14)
1. Assistive Technologies and Inclusive
Solutions for All
Focus on Key Actors
Bue Vester-Andersen
European Disability Forum
The representative organisation of persons with disabilities in Europe
www.edf-feph.org
2. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
Accessibility and assistive technology
The two things complement each other.
Disabled person on an island wants access to the
main land. AT reaches out from the island, and
accessibility reaches out from the main land.
The two have to meet in order to make a bridge for
the disabled person to cross.
Even the best accessibility may be worth nothing for
a person if she doesn't have the Assistive
technology necessary to access the system.
Even the best Assistive technology cannot access an
inaccessible system.
2
3. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
Accessibility and Usability
Usability as the "soft part" of accessibility or
accessibility as the "hard part" of usability.
People with disability and elderly people are more
sensitive to the lack of usability.
A website may be accessible to the letter but
unusable due to bad usability (317 links and 126
headings).
Don't make me think (Steve Krug,
www.sensible.com, 2005).
Adapting to Web Standards (Christopher Schmitt,
2008)
3
4. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
The Three Link Together
Accessibility as the measureable part
Only noted when absent
Nothing is stronger than the weakest link
4
5. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
Hot Topics for EDF
Call for Binding EU legislation (directive)
Horizontal legislation - meaning broad legislation.
Needs to be horizontal and independent of any
specific technology to be sustainable.
Support standards and guidelines like WCAG and
atag.
5
6. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
Hot Topics for EDF
What should be Accessible?
What should not be accessible?
Public websites
Extended definition also includes websites of
entities that provide basic services for the public
such as public transport operators, gas/electricity
providers, banking, social security, etc.
Intranets and systems providing access to work
place and employment.
Private websites may also benefit from accessibility,
since people with disabilities and aging people
constitute a considerable consumer segment.
6
7. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
Hot Topics for EDF
Why binding Legislation?
To be in line with the provisions of the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities, which include accessibility of
information and communication technologies and
systems (article 9), access to information (article
21) and television programmes (article 30)
not achieving e-accessibility would have a deep
social effect, increasing costs of social protection
systems and generating extra costs for the support
of persons with disabilities and their families
it results in a loss of human capital of disabled
workers and thus in a general loss of productivity
The general public will also benefit from e-
accessibility measures.
Non-binding instruments have been tried (councel
resolutions and ministerial declarations). They don't
work!
The Riga Declaration 2006
7
8. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
2011
Work on the future European Commission proposal for
accessibility of public websites and websites providing
basic services
ANEC EBU and AGE also involved
Full implementation of UN CRPD articles linked to e-
accessibility (article 9, 21 and 30)
Covers not only e-accessibility but also accessibility
in general.
8
9. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
EDF and AGE
AGE - EDF Position on the Future EU Digital Agenda
(February 2010)
Accessibility interoperability and affordability
Interoperability
Between AT and mainstream ICT
Between formats and software
Between services and products
Affordability
Important not to make further discrimination on the
basis of AT affordability
9
10. European Thematic Network on Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All
European Commission, CIP-ICT-PSP-2010-4 Project 270988
www.atis4all.eu
AT User Organizations
European Blind Union (EBU)
European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
European Federation of Hard of Hearing (EFHOH)
Autism Europe
Inclusion Europe
European Down Syndrome Association (EDSA)
European Dyslexia Association (EDA)
International Federation of Persons with Physical
Disability (FIMITIC)
European Alliance of Muscular Dystrophy
Association (EAMDA)
European Association of Cochlear Implant Users
(EURO-CIU)
European Deafblind Network (EDbN)
European Deafblind Union (EDBU)
European Kidney's Patients Association (CEAPIR)
European League of Stuttering Associations (ELSA)
International Federation for Spina Bifida and
Hydrocephalus (IF)
Retina Europe
European-umbrella organizations
AGE, the European platform for older people,
already involved in ATIS4all.
ANEC, the European organisation representing
consumers in standardization.
10