[Irl-dean] Workshop: e-accessibility in Europe, Paris, Jan 31 2005

[Gerry Ellis]

Hi,

As mark said, there was a good representation from Ireland at this confernce in Brussels.

I spoke on behalf of the EDF and I have pasted in my report back to them for your interest.


Take care,

Gerry Ellis
t/a Feel The BenefIT

Tel   (+353-1) 282-7791
Mob   (085) 716-8665
email gerry.ellis at feelthebenefit.com

If you don't know where you're going,
How will you know when you get there?


A 3-day workshop took place in Brussels from October 19 - 21 to "identify how standardisation and legislation can be used to harmonise ICT public procurement to support accessibility to the information society by people with disability and older persons".  It was organised by the European Commission, the US Access Board, the European ICT Standards Board (ICTSB/DATSCG) and the EDF with support of the eInclusion at EU project.



It was attended by representatives of The European commission, Government Departments, NGOs and industry from Canada, the U.s., Japan and Europe.  The speakers included Richard Howitt MEP, Yannis Vardakastanis (president of EDF), Rodolfo Cattani and Gerry Ellis (EDF Universal Access committee), David Capozzi (U.S. Access board), Judy Brewer (Director of the Worldwide Web consortium's Web Access Initiative) and many more.

 

Discussions took place on existing tools to support procurers in choosing accessible products and services, legislation in various countries, existing and developing standards and whether there was a preference for voluntary guidelines or legislation.  Information was also given on European initiatives such as 2 Directives on Public Procurement which come into force in March 2006 and an impending communication on e-Accessibility.  The possible role of an Ombudsman was also discussed.

 

The major conclusions of the workshop were

  a.. Harmonisation of worldwide standards on accessibility is vital
  b.. People with disabilities must be empowered to become involved in the development of these standards
  c.. Tools and training to support procurers to choose accessible products and services must be developed and harmonised in Europe.
  d.. Guidelines must be developed and harmonised around accessibility in the Public Procurement process
  e.. Disability-related NGOs believe that strong supporting legislation is necessary.  Industry would prefer to see voluntary codes and guidelines.
  f.. An e-mark for excellence in Design for All is required
  g.. Version 2.0 of the Worldwide Web Consortium's Web content Accessibility Guidelines is being developed.  It is important that both these and also their authoring Tools Guidelines are implemented.
  h.. It costs Government and society more in the longer run to exclude rather than include Design for All criteria when procuring products and services
 

 

Gerry Ellis

Gerry.ellis at feelthebenefit.com