Projects

The main objectives of the Action were to collect information about existing telecommunication and teleinformatics aids and services as well as about on-going research and development appropriate to disabled people ; to stimulate activities in this field ; to survey the practical needs of disabled people ; and to evaluate the future possibilities of Information Technologies. A further aim of COST 219 was to stimulate specific research projects in areas where a clear need existed.

The work during 1995-96 was done in the following study groups :

• Information transfer
• Information systems and telematic services
• Actions for disabled customers
• Legislation, Standardisation
• New activities
• Technology trends
• Text telephony

COST 219 started on 23 September 1986 for a three year period. The COST TCT decided at its meeting in Funchal 19-20 October 1988 to suggest to the COST CSO the prolongation of COST 219 for two years : that is, up to 22 September 1991. At that time the MoU had been signed by 10 countries. A new prolongation was later obtained, which extended the action from 22 September 1991 to 22 September 1996. On 10 December 1996 the project COST 219 bis "Telecommunications : Access for Disabled and Elderly People" entered into force (see below).

General Information

Work planned

COST 219 BIS : Telecommunications : Access for Disabled and Elderly People.

The old COST 219 project prepared a new Action, COST 219 bis, which entered into force (first five countries signed the MoU) on December 10, 1996. The Action will run until December 9, 2001.

The main objective of the Action COST 219 bis is to increase the availability of telecommunication services and equipment designed to be accessible to elderly people and people with disabilities or, alternatively, adaptable for that purpose when required. In cases where this cannot be achieved, the Action will aim at establishing appropriate supplementary services and equipment.

Taking continuously into account the "Design for All" concept in telecommunications and teleinformatics, the objectives of the Action can be specified in operational terms as follows :

Collect, assess and process knowledge, i.e. :

To identify the impact of technical, social and economic developments on elderly people and people with disabilities

To define the needs of the target groups and alleviate problems of the target groups. Produce guidelines to meet the needs of the target groups and influence the development of services and equipment

To provide a forum for the exchange and dissemination of results from research and specialist’s experiences

To create a network of users and experts in this field

To initiate and perform feasibility studies, research preparation and technology evaluation.

Disseminate knowledge, i.e. :

To disseminate information and create awareness among relevant actors

To influence standardisation, regulation and legislation to take into account present and future needs of elderly people and people with disabilities

To promote end user involvement

To promote involvement of industry, service providers, policy and decision makers in the process.