"Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be
powerful tools for bringing people together, improving their health
and welfare, and making their jobs and social lives richer and more
rewarding," said Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane
Reding. "But over 90 million EU citizens either cannot reap these
benefits in full, or are effectively cut off from them because of
age or disabilities."
"Making ICT products and services more accessible is thus a
social, ethical and political imperative. At the same time, it
makes sense economically," she added. "About 48% of people over 50
years old in Europe today say ICTs do not fully meet their needs,
but many of them also say that they would buy new mobile phones,
computer and internet services if they could use them."
The public consultation focuses on three key areas in which the
European Union could promote what it calls eAccessibility: public
procurement, certification, and the use of legislation.
The consultation document argues that EU Member State public
authorities should develop common requirements to facilitate the
purchasing of accessible goods and services. This would in turn
create larger markets for "design-for-all"-products, says the
Commission.
The consultation document also proposes to assess whether a
certification mechanism should provide a quality label for
accessible products and services.
Regarding legislative measures, the document notes that several
EU Member States already have e-accessibility-related laws, and
that there are indications that harmonising the relevant technical
requirements across the EU could help to make these laws a more
powerful driver for change, while at the same time promoting
interoperability and preventing market fragmentation.
There is no further detail at this stage on the nature of any
legislation being considered by the Commission. The Consultation
itself offers few clues: it asks respondents whether new
instruments to promote eAccessibility are needed and, if so, what
they would suggest; and it asks respondents to gauge the importance
of accessibility requirements and standards. Viviane Reding was
unavailable for further comment at the time of writing.
The consultation document finally considers a number of support
measures, such as the development of eSkills, the further
deployment of ICT Research for promoting eAccessibility, as well as
monitoring regarding web accessibility and the development of
digital TV.
The consultation can be completed on-line until 12th February
2005. Answers are given anonymously. The results will then feed
into a Commission Communication on eAccessibility to be adopted
before June 2005.
