Programme

16:45 Registration

17:10 Welcome speech

by Mr. J.R.Grima,

Chairman - MITTS

17:20 Introduction

by Mr. Joseph M. Camilleri,

Chairman - KNPD

17:25 Presentation

by Stanley M. Debono,

Exec. Coordinator – FITA

17:50 Presentation

by Dr. Austin Gatt, Minister for

Information Technology and Investments

18:00 Closing speech

by His Excellency

the President of Malta,

Profs. Guido De Marco

18:10 Coffee Break

18:25 Discussion

18:40 Conclusion

“ICT and Disability Bridging the Digital Divide”

Introduction Raising awareness Adding value Research and Information

Services Making the technology

available Making the best use of

technology The Way Forward

Overview

Founding of FITA in October 2001 by MITTS and KNPD Establishing partnerships with existing service entities Funding partners – funding of initiatives and championing of

values Policy on ICT and Disability

– Qualitative and quantitative research– The consensus vision and endorsement of standards– The steps to realising our set goals

The analysis of ICT needs by disabled people in the Maltese islands and the provision of targeted services

– Consultancy– Compilation of guidelines– Training and financial assistance– Accessibility as one of the early evaluation criteria within initiatives and

projects

Introduction

Reaching the general public Policy makers Business organisations Education Employment Other agents having a positive effect

– EU policies and standards of good practice– The National Commission Persons with Disability and

the Equal Opportunities Act (Persons with Disability)

Raising Awareness

Raising Awareness

Consultancy - Reactive

92%

3%

2%

3%Individuals

Govt. Entities

Education

Business(Local

Raising Awareness

Consultancy - Proactive

3%17%6%

74%

Individuals

Govt. Entities

Education

Business(Local

Adding value to existing resources

British Trainer Certification Scheme– Funding through the Leaonardo da Vinci Programme and the Malta Information Technology and Training Services Limited

Education Division – Mandatory sessions for subject coordinators and peripatetic teachers.

Employment Training Corporation– Linking to ICT Courses

Ongoing consultation– MCAST, National Library, Adult Training Centres, Schools, CDAU, University CSC and others

Web Site– Technology Updates / Electronic Newsletter

Resource Centre– Contacted 150 developers and distributors

of ICT services or products, including local ones.– Guidelines and international standards

Links with international organisations and research institutes

EU funding programmes like FP6 STRAPs and Leonardo da Vinci projects

ICT Fair 2003 – FITA stand

Research projects at the University of Malta

Research and Information Services

Fact Sheets

AccessArchive CDRom

Web Accessibility Audits– Easy access to information– Ensuring participation

Use of Multimedia in group therapy– Mt. Carmel Hospital, MS-Powerpoint presentations

The Ministry for IT and Government Investments – 400+ Microsoft Software Applications

The Malta Community Chest Fund– 42 evaluation reports

Making the technology available

Maltese College of Arts, Sceince and Technology (MCAST)– June 2003

Basic ICT Office Skills – 13 students– November 2003

Using the Internet as a research tool – 17 students

Using ICT tools in our daily life – 10 students

FITA - ICT Skills for the people with visual impairments– 5 courses (on a one to one basis)

University of Malta– BEduc Students

Introduction to Assistive Technology

Making the best use of technology

Final drafting of the National Policy Document

Consolidate and extend collaboration with

partner organisations both locally and abroad

Establish FITA as a valid ICT Accessibility resource

in the employment scenario, so as to realise the unused

potential o disabled people and translate it into

into real terms and positive outcomes

Support of partner organisations

The way forward

Mr. Stanley Debono Tel. 2599-2659; Email: stanley.debono@gov.mt

Mr. Michael Micallef Tel. 2599-2343; Email: michael.micallef@gov.mt

Fax: 2599-2659; Website: http://www.knpd.org/mittsfita

Thank You

“ICT and Disability Bridging the Digital Divide”