1. Paul Timmers ec.europa.eu/information_society/einclusion / ICT addressing societal challenges European Commission DG INFSO Aegis Conference, 29-11-2011 “Accessibility reaching everywhere”

2. Contents of presentation 1.EU policy context 2.EU policies and projects for e-Accessibility 3.Status eAccessibility – some indicators 4.Focus on the future – points requiring attention

3. Europe 2020: seven flagships HEADLINE TARGETS  R&D investment up to 3% of GDP,  Employment rate up from 69% to 75%,  Population 30-34 with tertiary education up from 31%to 40%,  Renewable energy up to 20% + 20% higher energy efficiency.  Greenhouse gas emissions down by 20% (vs1990),  Early school leavers down from 15% to 10%,  people living below poverty line down by 25%: 20 million people out of poverty. 7 EU Flagship Initiatives SMART GROWTH SUSTAINABLE GROWTH INCLUSIVE GROWTH DIGITAL SOCIETY “ A digital agenda for Europe” CLIMATE, ENERGY AND MOBILITY "Resource efficient Europe” EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS "An agenda for new skills and jobs” EDUCATION "Youth on the move” COMPETITIVENESS "An industrial policy for the globalisation era” FIGHTING POVERTY "European platform against poverty” INNOVATION "Innovation Union” Addressing: economic crisis, low growth, unemployment, ageing, globalisation, finance, climate & resources

4. EU e-Accessibility Policy e-Accessibility: People with disabilities and elder persons can access and use ICTs on an equal basis with others. Design, production and installation of ICTs (can be) adjusted to specific needs. Contribution DG INFSO:  "Towards an accessible information society“ 2008 Commission’s Communication  Digital Agenda for Europe 2010 Improve e-access for people with disabilities, and Promote digital take-up of elderly, illiterate or low-income persons  ICT Policy Support Programme - stimulate competitiveness and innovation while encouraging greater uptake of ICT across society  Framework Programmes for supporting R&D on e-Accessibility, including Assistive Technology and Design for All (> 15 years)  Monitoring progress via Studies, Consultations, Surveys…

5. AVMS European legislative and standardisation efforts relevant to e-accessibility Growth & Employment Social Cohesion & Quality of Life eCommunications Framework revision RTT&E medical devices Public procurement (ICT: m376 Built Env.: m420) Web accessibility guidance employment equality national social & health regulations Data protection Accessible information society anti-discrimination / Disability AP Equality Directives Structural Funds Art 16 Copyrights UN Convention on Disability State aids VAT Standards Design for All (mandate 473) Transport (m371) European Accessibility Act ICT + Transport + Built Env.

6. Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) and eInclusion: targets and deliverables  Public sector websites fully accessible by 2015 (as well as websites providing basic services to citizens)  MoU on Digital Access for Persons with Disabilities (cross-border circulation of accessible books for people with print disabilities)  Systematically evaluate accessibility in all legislation revisions  Implement disability provisions in Telecoms Framework / AVMS  Reinforce the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint Programme  Digital literacy and competences / skills  Young women and women returners in ICT  An online consumer education tool on new media technologies

7. Products, Services, Applications Mainstream Technologies (MST) “DESIGN for ALL” suitable for most (without modif.) adaptable to different users (e.g. customisable user interface) standardised interfaces Assistive Technologies (AT) BARRIER FREE EMPOWERMENT

8. 8 Research & Innovation Comprehensive EU Approach Time to Market Technology Risk FP7 AAL JP CIP ICT PSP 5-10 years 2-3 yearsdeployment Large scale pilots and full deployment “Internal market” PPP EIB Structural Funds ICT for Ageing Well eAccessibility + EIP-AHA

9. eAccessibility in EU (1) http://www.eaccessibility-monitoring.eu http://www.eaccessibility-monitoring.eu Technosite, NOVA, CNIPA: Monitoring eAccessibility in Europe: 2011] Status of internet accessibility policiy 49 51 61 40 34 50 12 48 43 60 76 85 40 54 58 42 28 40 49 52 0102030405060708090% GRAND TOTAL TOTAL EU COUNTRIES Czech Republic Denmark France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Portugal Spain Sweden The Netherlands United Kingdom TOTAL NON-EU COUNTRIES Australia Canada Norway United States of America

10. eAccessibility in EU (2) [source: Monitoring eAccessibility in Europe: 2011 Annual Report] Status of Internet accessible web content in EU and non-EU countries

11. eAccessibility in EU (3) 76 74 45 77 73 82 59 23 93 91 80 90 85 79 86 81 84 78 73 89 020406080100 % GRAND TOTAL TOTAL EU COUNTRIES Czech Republic Denmark France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Portugal Spain Sweden The Netherlands United Kingdom TOTAL NON-EU COUNTRIES Australia Canada Norway United States of America [source: Monitoring eAccessibility in Europe: 2011 Annual Report] Status of assistive technologies (implementation level of practices identified with AT)

12. Focus on the future Issues requiring attention: usability – user friendliness sustainable interoperability inefficient internal AT ICT market large scale uptake mainstreaming awareness Events: European Day of People with Disabilities EC policy conference on 1-2 December Vodafone Smart Accessibility Awards (December 5) European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity btw Generations Launching event for EIP – AHA in March 2012. Newsletter: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/einclusion/newsletter

13. Stakeholder dialogue and best practises  Information for users  Dialogue Industry /Operators with End-Users organisations  Standardisation and Public Procurements

14. Conclusion Keep up the good work: Smart eAccessibility pays off for economy and society!