EFD supports major conference on accessible technology

10th May 2010

OneVoice for Accessible ICT Coalition, the UK’s leading group of organisations promoting access to technology by people with disabilities, is to co-host e-Access ’10, a major London conference on 13 July.

Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) is a member of the OneVoice coalition and a partner in e-Access ’10. The event is being organised jointly with Headstar, publisher of E-Access Bulletin, the world’s leading email newsletter on technology and disability with more than 5,000 readers.

Susan Scott-Parker, Chief Executive of EFD, said: “All modern organisations use technology. In today’s tough economic climate, it makes no sense to exclude any customers, service users or employees through poor technology design. That’s why we are proud to be members of the OneVoice coalition and the e-Access conference.”

Sessions will examine the business, legal and ethical drivers for making computers, mobile phones and all digital technologies accessible to all, regardless of ability, both at home and in the workplace.

Case studies at e-Access ’10 will help organisations of all sizes take their first steps towards improving their track record on accessibility. Technologies covered will include everything from the web to smartphones, cloud computing, e-learning, cash machines at banks and self-service terminals.

Participating organisations already confirmed include:
•    Blue-chip corporations such as EFD members Shell and BT,
•    Small businesses,
•    Charities such as RNIB and AbilityNet, and
•    Public sector bodies and voluntary and community groups.
•    For more information on e-Access ’10 and to register, please visit:
•    http://www.headstar-events.com/eaccess10/

Ends

Notes to editors

About OneVoice for Accessible ICT Coalition

OneVoice unites a range of organisations in the joint cause of access for all including AbilityNet; Bloor Research; BT; BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT; City University; EFD (Employers’ Forum on Disability); Intellect; Leonard Cheshire Disability; Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST); LloydsTSB; PhoneAbility; RADAR: The Disability Network; Socitm (the public sector society for IT management); and ITC (The Information Technologists' Company). Recent work has included the publication of a report on the business case and other drivers for accessible IT, ‘Accessible ICT: Benefits to business and society’. For full details see: http://www.onevoiceict.org

About E-Access Bulletin

E-access Bulletin is a free, independent monthly email newsletter on information technology issues for people with disabilities. The Bulletin covers everything from consumer electronics to the internet, examining design and access issues and technical developments. For more visit: http://www.headstar.com/eab

Media enquiries, please contact:

Brenda Otema, Communications & Marketing Officer
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: brenda.otema@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

About Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 300 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.

www.efd.org.uk