Type of Project: In-house project
Accessible Information and Communication Technology

With the help of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and especially the internet, users have access to a large amount of information, which was not easily accessible for them before. Information technology can open a whole new spectrum of previously inaccessible possibilities, for people with disabilities; for example participation in work life or telecommunication. However, they also find barriers when using information technology, since their special needs are not considered by the design of graphic interfaces or web sites.

"Accessibility" is the key word, that describes the transfer of the concept of accessibility in the constructional field to the internet and voices the possibility to construct information technology in a way, that all people are equal and have equal rights in the usage thereof.

The concept of accessible ICT expresses a general conviction of people with disabilities: The disability of a person is only a problem when he or she are refused an equal participation in society based on physical, sensory, or mental barriers.

In the last years the necessary conditions for accessible information technology were created on a political and legal level: Examples hereof are the eEurope- initiative of the European Commission or the Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG) with its federal statutory order the Bundesverordnung für Barrierefreie Informationstechnik (BITV), as well as the Law for the establishment of equal living conditions in the Rhineland-Palatinate. The guidelines set in these regulations commit the public authorities to design their internet services in an accessible fashion. For the privat industry these guidelines can only be considered a recommendation.

Within the framework of this research project, ITA has commenced in various activities, which offer support in achieving accessible ICT and should endorse the sustainability of the process. A few examples shall be described:

- Design of workplaces with computer applications for people with physical disability
In this project workplaces with computer applications for people with disabilities were created in two sheltered workshops. These offered their services as web- developer and web-host on the open market.

- Development of a telecommunication system for non-speaking people
A prototype of a web-based communication system, which uses the BLISS symbols was developed and exemplarily tested.

- Development of an instrument for risk assessment at workplaces with computer applications
In this project an accessible software was developed, which helps workers with and without disability with the risk assessment of their own workplace (¤according to the provisions on labor and the minimum safety and health requirements for work with visual display units). Special conditions for people with strong disabilities were considered.

Recently ITA is a co-organizer of a national Symposium for an Accessible Internet
("Added value for @ll"). The event in May 2003 was very well received from over 150 participants. In the future this event is planned and hosted annually and the according dates can be found on the http://www.mehr-wert-fuer-alle.de website.

In addition to this event, ITA leads a lecture "Design for All / Inclusive Design", which aims to acquaint students with this subject. Web developers can receive practical support through a brief instruction of ITA to test their website and if necessary learn from best practice examples. This isntruction is only available in the German language.

ITA offers consulting and support for web developers in this thematic area. Training can be offered in-house or at the ITA location. Please contact us if you have further questions.