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Over half of UK adults think disabled audiences are overlooked by tech innovators, says BT study

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By Jessica Davies | News Editor

April 24, 2014 | 3 min read

Almost three quarters (71 per cent) of UK adults believe computer devices and apps do not cater to the interests or needs of disabled audiences, despite nearly two thirds (62 per cent) thinking technology has the power to encourage greater digital inclusion, according to a BT report.

The study, conducted by e-accessibility charity AbilityNet and OnePoll on behalf of BT, polled the views of 2,000 UK adults, and revealed that there is a strong public desire to see technology used for social good.

More than half (54 per cent) of respondents said disabled audiences are overlooked by many technology companies and developers, with the latest gadgets and devices all designed and built for mainstream and much younger audiences in mind.

A total 34 per cent of people would like to see a public commitment from businesses to build and invest in accessibility features for digital devices and services, while 44 per cent said they would welcome more focus within digital education and training in accessibility, to encourage developers to design apps and services that cater better for disabled people.

Meanwhile 45 per cent of respondents said they expect inventors to be inspired by more than just making money, with 35 per cent stating that transforming lives should be a key driver. Just over 40 per cent said they believe achieving something for social good is important.

The majority of websites (85 per cent) and 80 per cent of devices do not have accessibility features built in, according to AbilityNet.

Robin Christopherson, head of digital inclusion, AbilityNet, said: “For disabled people, technology is like night and day. It’s the difference between opportunities, in many cases on the same level as other people, versus no opportunities and limited options.

"This research highlights the crucial role technology plays in solving the unsolvable and helping people get on with daily life."

The research, conducted to support the Tech4Good awards, designed to reward projects that celebrate the work of people who use the power of digital technology for social benefit.

Christopherson added: "Through the Tech4Good awards we want to champion the individuals and businesses – like BT – who are transforming lives through technology innovation. We encourage anyone who has transformed an ingenious idea into life-changing technology services to enter these awards.”

BT's general manager for sustainable business Liz Williams added: “At BT, we believe in the power of communications to transform everyone’s lives. The research shows that social innovation should be at the heart of inventors’ motivations and goals when they’re creating new devices and services, and we want to reward those entrepreneurs, NGOs and businesses transforming their ideas into creative solutions that make a difference to people with disabilities.”

Barclays was among previous winners of the awards last year for its ATM machine designed to cater for blind and partially blind people (pictured above).

AbilityNet counts Sir Terry Pratchett OBE and former UK government digital champion and current chair of Go On UK Martha Lane-Fox, among its patrons.

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