BIS launches e-accessibility plan

BIS said it hopes that the new e-accessibility plan will contribute to a "more inclusive digital economy for people with specific needs". The key objectives of the plan includes tackling issues of affordability and availability of equipment such as televisions and screen readers, implementing a new framework to enable Ofcom to specify measures to ensure disabled people have choice and access to digital communications services, and improving the design of public sector websites to make them more accessible. The government also intends to open up online and television content that is currently unavailable to disabled people such as e-books, as well as promoting awareness of the issues facing disabled groups. The plan will be implemented by the eAccessibility Forum, a group of more than 60 experts from government, industry and the voluntary sector who will work to explore issues surrounding e-accessibility. A document called The Action Plan will be updated quarterly to incorporate new developments and monitor progress. BIS said the aim of the project is to reach a step-change in eAccessibility by the time of the Olympics and Paralympics in summer 2012. "A successful digital economy can only be achieved if everyone can enjoy the same advantages that technology offers, like access to public services, online shopping and banking, interactive games and social media," said communications minister, Ed Vaizey. "The market already provides options to suit different disabilities, but making use of these technologies can still be difficult, and expensive. Our e-accessibility plan will help ensure that the UK offers better online opportunities and access to equipment and software for people with disabilities."