The Office of the Government Chief Information
Officer (OGCIO) in Hong Kong announced Friday that nine technology-based
assistive tools for disabled people, funded by the Office's Development
of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities Fund, are
available for free download and for distribution to needy groups.
These nine deliverables cater for the special needs
of persons with different kinds of disabilities, ranging from the
development of computer software, input and control assistance devices,
smartphone applications, to web-based services and rehabilitation tools.
OGCIO also launched a four-day exhibition in Hong
Kong Central Library to introduce these products to the public.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition,
the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Elizabeth
Tse, said, with technological advancement, assistive tools and
applications developed with information and communications technology
(ICT) can help persons with disabilities cope with their daily needs and
lead a more independent life.
These tools make it easier for them to access online
information and public services and to communicate with friends, thereby
improving their quality of life and facilitating their integration into
the community.
She hoped that through showcasing the achievements of
the funded projects, the exhibition could raise public awareness of ICT
adoption among persons with disabilities and encourage the development
of more ICT-based assistive tools and applications.
OGCIO has launched the Funding Scheme in January 2011
with a one-off funding of 3.6 million HK dollars to support the
development of assistive and applications of ICT for the disabled
persons. Of the total of 39 project proposals received, nine have been
selected for funding support.
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