Robin Christopherson, Head of Digital Inclusion, AbilityNet writes …
It is widely accepted that technology has the power to transform lives, which for the biggest minority group in the world – those with disabilities – means a potential transformation that is profound and positive. However the new study BT and AbilityNet have conducted[1] shows that nearly three quarters of Brits believe that not all members of society are benefitting from computers and the internet.
We’ve found that while almost everyone agrees you can’t have a normal life without access to digital services, one in two believe disabled audiences are overlooked by many technology companies and developers @Tech4GoodAwards , and that the latest gadgets and devices are built with a mainstream and much younger audience in mind.
The public can nominate individuals or businesses for the Tech4Good Awards here. Entries close 6 May 2014.
Only 1 week to go to get your nominations in for the @Tech4GoodAwards .Nominate here: http://t.co/FN4VwrjAX7 for the BT ingenious award
— BT Ingenious (@BTIngenious) April 29, 2014
For disabled people, the difference technology can make is like the difference between night and day. It’s the difference between having opportunities, in many cases on the same level as other people, versus no opportunities and limited options. Our research highlights the crucial role technology plays in solving the unsolvable and helping people get on with daily life. It also shows that social innovation should be at the heart of inventors’ motivations and goals when they’re creating new devices and services. As an example, 45 per cent of Brits expect modern-day inventors to be inspired by more than just making money, while 35 per cent state transforming lives should be a key driver.
“For disabled people, technology is like night and day. It’s the difference between opportunities, in many cases on the same level as other people, versus no opportunities and limited options,” Robin Christopherson, Head of Digital Inclusion, AbilityNet. We set up the Technology4Good Awards with BT’s support in order to celebrate those entrepreneurs, NGOs and businesses transforming their ideas into creative solutions that make a difference to people with disabilities. This year sees the introduction of the BT Ingenious Award, which will honour innovative use of technology that brings people closer together.
Although we’re living in a society where technology innovation is proliferating, with a new app being built every minute, almost three quarters of people in the UK think computer devices and apps are not being developed in the interests of everyone in society, with over a quarter thinking smartphones and apps are totally inaccessible to people with disabilities.
BTIngenious #Tech4Good Award – how small moments of inspiration can make big things happen http://t.co/CyezeyO0YO pic.twitter.com/dGfswnMgrE — Will Corry (@slievemore) April 29, 2014
We may well be a nation of “mobile addicts”, but these statistics suggest a huge portion of society is being left by the wayside in crucial dev stage considerations. Issues such as user-unfriendliness, no voice-recognition and the absence of braille keyboards featured strongly in the BT research findings. Our study reveals a desire among the British public for creativity that covers all of these features in order to equate innovation with access. For example, nearly half of the respondents said they would like to see a focus on accessibility within digital education and training, in order to encourage developers to design apps and services with disabled people in mind.
Lastly, public support for investment in accessibility is equally important. The BT and AbilityNet research illuminates how more than a third would like to see a public commitment from businesses to build and invest in accessibility features for digital devices and services. The public backing from influential business minds would enlighten the UK jobs market today by encouraging digital inclusion and equality as we build the economy up in the right direction.
The public can nominate individuals or businesses for the Tech4Good Awards here. Entries close 6 May 2014.
[1] Research was commissioned by BT in April 2014. A total of 2,000 UK adults were polled by OnePoll.
