Microsoft, SAP, Oracle and Logica show their support for business case on accessible IT

12th March 2010

Microsoft, SAP, Oracle and Logica have all shown their commitment to the business case for accessible IT by joining Cisco Systems, BT and Accenture in Employers' Forum on Disability’s (EFD) Business Taskforce on Accessible Technology (BTAT).

BTAT was created to enable technology to liberate talent, productivity and customer interaction. It has nearly 30 members, including a growing network of global ICT suppliers. BTAT was set up because technology worldwide makes it unnecessarily difficult to recruit and retain good employees, and do business with millions of disabled and older customers.

Susan Scott-Parker, Chief Executive of EFD, said: “We are delighted that four more major IT players have joined the taskforce. Their decision to participate is particularly significant because it reminds the ICT industry how important accessibility and usability really is.

“For example, 42% of people over 65, who hold most of a nation’s wealth, have a disability. BTAT members are now drafting the first corporate procurement specification designed to make it easier for both customer and supplier to ensure technology works more efficiently for everyone.

“Our vision is to make accessibility and usability as fundamental to IT as security is now. We congratulate all those organisations who, through their membership of BTAT, are breaking new ground in this field.”

Ends

Notes to editors

BTAT membership is only open to EFD’s gold members: to find out more visit our website, www.efd.org.uk or contact us: telephone: 020-7403-3020
Textphone: 020-7403-0040, email enquiries@efd.org.uk

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