M M M Multiplicity EU rules and policy in the field of e-accessibility an introduction Rianne ten Veen INET, 20 June 2002
M M M Multiplicity © Rianne ten Veen, ; INET A bit of history ‘91-’94: TIDE (Technology Initiative for Disabled and Elderly People) July ‘96: Commission Communication on equality of opportunity for people with disabilities: a new European Community strategy Dec. ‘96: Council Resolution on equality of opportunity for people with disabilities Oct. ‘97: power to tackle discrimination based on disability included in EU Treaty (Amsterdam) Dec. ‘99: Launch of eEurope initiative June ‘00: Adoption of eEurope 2002 Action Plan
M M M Multiplicity © Rianne ten Veen, ; INET eEurope 2002 Action Plan Priorities in the field of e-accessibility: Policies to avoid ‘info-exclusion’; Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines for public websites; Publication of ‘Design for all’ standards; Review relevant legislation and standards; Establishment of national centres of excellence in ‘Design for all’.
M M M Multiplicity © Rianne ten Veen, ; INET Since eEurope 2002 adoption Sep ‘01: Commission Communication eEurope 2002: Accessibility of Public Web Sites and their content Oct ‘01: Council Resolution on e-inclusion March ‘02: Council Recommendation on Web Accessibility Initiative guidelines April ‘02: European network of Centres of Excellence/ National Contact Centres June ‘02: eEurope 2005
M M M Multiplicity © Rianne ten Veen, ; INET Some upcoming steps 2002: Adoption of Council Recommendation on e-accessibility 2003: European Year of People with Disabilities June 2003: implementation Telecoms package By end 2004: basic public services in Member States should be accessible for all (key target eEurope 2005)
M M M Multiplicity © Rianne ten Veen, ; INET Information sources Commission eEurope programme: europa.eu.int/information_society/eeurope/action_pla n/index_en.htm Commission eEurope e-accessibility: europa.eu.int/information_society/eeurope/action_pla n/eaccess/index_en.htm ETSI (European Telecom Standards): European Institute for Design and Disability (EIDD): EurActiv.com: