The following excerpt is from the latest FAST newsletter (that's the Foundation for Assistive Technology, not the other lot with the same acronym/name).
The Government is consulting on an action plan for digital inclusion to extend access to the internet and other digital technologies. Pointing out the correlation between digital and social exclusion, the plan summarises current Government and non-Government initiatives, reviews the literature and research evidence, and proposes a Digital Inclusion Champion and a Charter for Digital Inclusion. The plan focuses on:
Examples are given of how access to mainstream and assistive technologies, including telecare, can help older and disabled people live independently, gain employment, participate equally in society, and receive equal levels of service delivery. Work to improve e-accessibility for disabled people is also reviewed. The press release from Digital Inclusion Minister Paul Murphy is here.
- Ensuring that all citizens enjoy the direct benefits which digital technology offers, through access to technology and the skills, motivation and confidence to use it.
- Ensuring that the indirect benefits of technology to improve all aspects of service planning and delivery are fully exploited by those responsible for services.
As part of the action plan, Schools Minister Jim Knight has set out the next steps in ensuring every child has access to a home computer and the internet for their school or college work. Details via this link.
Two new reports from the King's Fund argue that the NHS is failing to make it more convenient for the public to receive the care they need, by not making use of technology and innovation. Further information here.
Having heard Lord Carter, Minister of Communication, on Radio 4 yesterday talking about the review of Broadband Britain he is heading, I hope there is plenty on consultation from Paul Murphy, the minister for Digital Inclusion and the proposed Digital champion to ensure accessibility is high on the agenda. At least there is a call for participation so we can have our say.
Age Concern Exeter are doing their bit by helping over 50's learn to use computers and the internet.
Keywords: accessibility, Age concern, broadband, Inclusion, web