eAccessibility

Intervention by Ms Heidi Grande Røys, Norwegian Minister of Government Administration and Reform. Riga Ministerial Conference on eInclusion. 11- 13 June 2006.

Dear Colleagues

First of all, I would like to thank the Latvian government, the Commission and the Austrian presidency for hosting this very inspiring conference.

Today is an important day. We are meeting to put eInclusion at the top of our political agenda. The Ministerial Declaration will provide real impetus towards the 2008 initiative and beyond.

The European eInclusion initiative is a great inspiration to our work on the national level. At the moment we are preparing a White Paper on ICT-policy. It will focus on eInclusion, and especially on bridging the digital divide and gaps in skills and competence. No one shall be left behind.

eAccessibility is just one of the 6 target areas defined in the ministerial declaration. But it is the most fundamental. It is the basis for all other uses of ICT in an inclusive society.

We must make sure that access is provided for all, across gender, education, age and ethnicity. In Norway, more than 95% of the teenagers have access to the net, but only 50% of those over 60. Access for all must be more than a political slogan. The fact that 80% of the Norwegian population have access to the net, means that we still have a challenge to provide services for nearly one million people.

Moreover, eAccessibility affects a large part of the population, not only people with functional disabilities. As much as 30% of the population will, at some stage in their lives have special needs for user-friendly products. At any given time, 10% will have chronic disabilities, and 20 % functional problems.

Clearly we must use the opportunities that ICT offers. It can improve the quality of life for individuals and facilitate participation in working life and in democratic processes. The UK is an inspiration to all of us, with their new law on protection against discrimination based on functional disabilities.

The declaration identifies several other key areas for action. For example, the application of WAI (Web Accessibility) - guidelines in public procurement. In fact, we have just presented a Norwegian proposal for a regulation on this matter to the parliament. It is important that we involve the private sector, including industry, in this work.

eAccessibility is not just a question of economics. It is also a question of culture, attitude and not least action. We must work to achieve a society where all citizens have equal opportunities.

For there are many potential benefits. For instance increased participation in working and civil life, reduced social security expenses as well as new market opportunities.

We should therefore look to the young designers working with Universal Design. Inclusive design in products, services and environments will be a competitive advantage and provide important economies of scale. The Norwegian Design Council has positive experiences from such activities including pilot projects involving industry.

Ladies and gentlemen, we live in a world of change, of rapid technological development. We must not let the disabled, the elderly and the socially disadvantaged be left behind. I feel sure that this conference will help us plan the road to a more inclusive ICT future for everyone.

Thank you.