IctQATAR Hosts "Assistive Technology" Forum


Forum Marks International Day for Persons with Disabilities
LARGEAssistive Technology Forum
ictQATAR hosted a special forum on "Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired" to mark the "International Day for Persons with Disabilities" at Al Sharq Hotel on December 3rd, 2008. A first in a series of events, the forum will focus on the integration of ICT in the lives of persons with disabilities and display various assistive technology designed for the disabled.

The event comes as an integral part of ictQATAR's "promise of e" campiagn, that highlights equal access to technology to all, regardless of any physical or mental impairments. "Providing ICT access to the disabled can help compensate any physical or functional limitations and ensure greater participation in the community", Dr. Hessa Al Jaber, ictQATAR's Secretary General expressed.

The event provided an opportunity for an interaction between various entities that serve the disabled segment. A number of public figures, ICT solution providers and accreditors attended the event where various assistive technologies will be demonstrated. The forum also included a panel discussion , discussing the opportunities and challenges of assistive technology and the role of ICT in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities.

The forum is also parallel to ictQATAR's recent step of upgrading its website, to be accessible for the visually impaired, thus complying with the web accessibility intiative. Lately, ictQATAR has conducted an interview with Mr. Gwilym Lewis, one of the experts in this field, to identify useful background information about web accessibility: its origin, objectives, procedures and future.

Early in 2008, The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced the year 2008 as one for 'equal ICT opportunities for all', pointing out to the urgency of developing special technology equipment, designed to provide people with different disbailities with access to technology, leading to an inclusive knowledge socities that embraces the opinions, insights and contributions of the disabled.

The United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an annual event aimed at mobilizing support for the dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities. The key objective of the event is to create awareness about the importance of integrating the diabled in society and the positive social, political, cultural and economic implications of such step.

To download the PDF version of Dr. Hessa Al Jaber's opening speech, follow this link . For the PDF press release, click on this link. To view the advertisement announcing the forum, follow this link.

Watch the Video: Assistive Technology Forum 2008





Add Comments