Technologies for disability: a European Network
Short description:
This press release published on the Parliament's Magazine Regional Review introduces the European Thematic Network on Assistive Information project. The ETNA Network will implement, over a period of 3 years, a European Web Portal providing unified access to all ICT AT resources available on the Web in relation to the needs of all stakeholders, involved as AT users, professionals, developers and policy-makers.
Type of publication:
PresentationDate of publication:
12/01/2011Author(s):
European Thematic Network on Assistive Information TechnologiesPublishing organization:
European Thematic Network on Assistive Information TechnologiesLanguage:
EnglishLong description:
Assistive technologies, especially those based on Information and communication Technology (ICT) are a powerful driver for inclusion and quality of life of people with disability and elderly people. Indeed they contribute to compensate for functional limitations and help tackle barriers in all types of environment, thus playing an increasingly central role in equalising opportunities. However, ensuring access to ICT assistive equipment, systems and services is not straightforward. Information on ATs and e-accessibility solutions is patchy, not well distributed or simply absent; the needed knowledge and expertise are in the hand of few specialists
scattered throughout Europe; the ICT AT market is still a niche dominated by highly specialised SMEs.