ICT and Disability Policy

Policy on disabled persons and Information and Communication Technology(ICT) Introduction Information and Communication Technology, ICT, opens up great opportunities to improve the quality of life of disabled people. We must make the most of these opportunities. Without substantial efforts throughout society, there is a risk that these technical developments will only give us products and services which increase the information gap. However, if determined efforts are made, ICT can become an effective tool, allowing a greater number of people to play a part in society. FITA is actively researching a definite set of guiding principles relating to ICT and accessibility for disabled persons.   We are also establishing strong ties with public and business organisations who will help us assess the current situation within the  Maltese scenario and identify the  existing barriers which disabled persons  encounter when using ICT., especially in the fields of education and employment. Any practical recommendations for future development in the field will incorporate the feedback received from all stakeholders.  What is ICT accessibility? ICT Accessibility consists of building and distributing a hardware or software product whilst ensuring that its content and application are available to the broadest possible audience, independently of the fact of whether individuals are using assistive technology or not. The Digital Divide The term 'digital divide' may be taken at the broadest level to refer to the gap between those individuals and communities who own, access, and effectively use information and communication technologies (ICT) and those who do not. However, the term is often employed in a generalised way that masks its complex and diverse nature. This detracts from more informed and coherent debates surrounding its existence and extent. We believe that individuals must reach out for ICT but Information and Communication Technology must reach the individual. ICT has contributed towards the greater independence of disabled and elderly people. But at the same time, developments in ICT have changed society as a whole. A host of new products and services have become part of our everyday lives. However, only some of these developments have benefited disabled and elderly people. That things have turned out as they have is not due to the limitations of this technology. It is because the new systems and products have not been designed with the disabled and elderly in mind. Therefore, they are often unsuitable for use by these people. For further information on how the Foundation is addressing the Digital Divide please refer to the relevant section. For more information on universal design please refer to the resource catalogue and articles section.

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Contact Information

Telephone

(356) 2599 2659, (356) 2599 2343

FAX

(356) 2599 2659

Postal address

Foundation for IT Accessibility, 'Gattard House', National Road, Blata l-Bajda, HMR 02, Malta

Electronic mail

Policy and Services : stanley_DOT_debono_AT_gov_DOT_mt

Accessibility Audits : michael_DOT_micallef_AT_gov_DOT_mt

Copyright © 2002 Foundation for IT Accessibility
Last modified: Tuesday, March 17, 2009

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