The Disabled People's Association's Seminar And Launch Of The Universal Web Accessibility Handbook

18 Oct 2003

By Dr Balaji Sadasivan

Venue: York Hotel

INTRODUCTION

I am pleased to join you this afternoon at the Disabled People's Association's seminar and launch of the Universal Web Accessibility handbook and CD-ROM.

DISABILITY

The international classification of impairments, disabilities and handicaps adopted by the World Health Organization defines disability as a restriction or inability to perform an activity within the range considered normal for a human being. Disabled people form a heterogeneous group which consists of those disabled by various physical, medical and mental conditions. With the graying of our society, some may also consider the impact of ageing to represent the onset of a second 'disability'. The aged may also require some of the accessibility solutions that are developed for people with disabilities. However, with the advance of technology and the use of various assistive devices, the disabled may be enabled to lead a fairly reasonable quality of life.

WORK OF THE DISABLED PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION

The DPA has since its inception dedicated itself to empower its members with disabilities to live an independent life. One of its initiatives is to provide Information Technology (IT) facilities to bridge the digital divide that people with disabilities experience. The first cross-disability database in Singapore, the "Enable Net", was launched by Dr Tan Cheng Bock, DPA's Patron & MP for Ayer Rajah, in 1994. The ''Enable Net' is now extensively used by interested people throughout the world.

At present, DPA through its Research and Resource Information and Communications Centre of the Handicapped Programme is providing IT services and Training programmes for people with disabilities.

I commend the DPA's effort to build a Virtual Independent Living Centre which utilizes a Computer Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) for the selection of assistive devices. CAVE is an innovative and interactive three-dimensional database which utilizes virtual reality as a tool in helping people with disabilities select appropriate assistive devices which is compatible with their needs, budgets and lifestyle. It is designed by DPA with the funding provided by the Economic Development Board. When completed early next year, it would be incorporated into an interactive virtual 'exhibition centre', which can be accessed online by people with temporary and permanent disabilities, their family members, the elderly and professionals.

The DPA will also be developing a Virtual Reality Centre (VRC) at its Independent Living Centre in Ayer Rajah. The VRC will make use of stereoscopic effect to allow visitors to view the various assistive devices available. DPA plans to make all these facilities available initially to all those with disabilities who live within the South West CDC and replicate this pilot project to other CDCs at a later date.

DPA's E-Learning programme is also the first of its kind in Singapore and this region to provide such a service for people with disabilities. This is a tripartite cooperation involving Spring Singapore, Skillsoft and DPA. Skillsoft, formerly known as Smartforce, is the world's largest E-Learning provider.

UNIVERSAL WEB ACCESSIBILITY

The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect. This initiative on Universal Web Accessibility is yet another milestone in Singapore's effort to narrow down the digital divide. The present knowledge driven economy makes it clear that we need to take steps to bridge the digital divide and provide an opportunity for those with disabilities to leverage on the internet to improve their quality of life.

Universal Web Accessibility makes the electronic content easily available to all sections of the community, in particular people with disabilities and the elderly. DPA's handbook on Universal Web Accessibility introduces how assistive technology can help such people in their daily lives. It takes readers from the basic concepts of web accessibility to an advanced level of how to design accessible websites. The handbook's content has also been put into an accessible format in the CD-ROM for easy reference.

It is hoped that this initiative on Universal Web Accessibility will enhance Singapore's role as a regional IT hub and bring on a trend to make websites more accessible, especially for those with disabilities. Such a trend would require the commitment of officials & representatives from the Government and the private sector, policy makers, representatives of the media and IT professional to make this first but important step to enhance website accessibility.

CONCLUSION

It now gives me great pleasure to declare the seminar open and Launch the Handbook on "Universal Web Accessibility and the CD-ROM".

Thank you.