26 January 2007

A new initiative in Northern Ireland is aiming to help elderly and disabled members of the community access the Internet.

Launched by the Department of Finance and Personnel, EverybodyOnline has been created to tackle the digital divide in the province.

Recent research cited by the department shows that 43 per cent of the country's population do not use the Internet - which is partly attributed to socially excluded individuals.

David Hanson, Finance Minister, commented: "This initiative will help communities overcome any barriers they may have to technology and help them to take advantage of the opportunities technology and the Internet have to offer, rather than excluding them."

Across the country, six schemes will take place, designed to tackle distinct obstacles to digital inclusion - such as assisting persons with learning difficulties and those in rural areas.

The European Union recently announced that it would create a £2 million project to examine potential improvements to assistive technology implementation for elderly and cognitively impaired web users.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.