Programme 16:45Registration 17:10Welcome speech by Mr. J.R.Grima, Chairman - MITTS 17:20Introduction by Mr. Joseph M. Camilleri, Chairman - KNPD 17:25Presentation by Stanley M. Debono, Exec. Coordinator – FITA 17:50Presentation by Dr. Austin Gatt, Minister for Information Technology and Investments 18:00Closing speech by His Excellency the President of Malta, Profs. Guido De Marco 18:10Coffee Break 18:25Discussion 18:40Conclusion “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

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 ; Mr. Michael Micallef Tel ; Fax: ; Website: Thank You “ICT and Disability Bridging the Digital Divide”