Robin Christopherson, Head of Digital Inclusion, AbilityNet said ”We've found that while almost everyone agrees you can't have a normal life without access to digital services, one in two believe disabled audiences are overlooked by many technology companies and developers, and that the latest gadgets and devices are built with a mainstream and much younger audience in mind.”
"For disabled people, the difference technology can make is like the difference between night and day. Our research highlights the crucial role technology plays in solving the unsolvable and helping people get on with daily life. It also shows that social innovation should be at the heart of inventors' motivations and goals when they're creating new devices and services.”
“We set up the Technology4Good Awards with BT's support in
order to celebrate those entrepreneurs, NGOs and businesses transforming their
ideas into creative solutions that make a difference to people with
disabilities. This year sees the introduction of the BT Ingenious Award which
will honour innovative use of technology that brings people closer together.”
We may well be a nation of "mobile addicts" but nearly half of the respondents said they would like to see a focus on accessibility within digital education and training, in order to encourage developers to design apps and services with disabled people in mind.
Public support for investment in accessibility is equally important. The BT and AbilityNet research illuminates how more than a third would like to see a public commitment from businesses to build and invest in accessibility features for digital devices and services. The public backing from influential business minds would enlighten the UK jobs market today by encouraging digital inclusion and equality as we build the economy up in the right direction.
The public can nominate individuals or businesses for the Tech4Good Awards Entries close 6 May 2014.
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