Government promotes web accessibility
28 - 11 - 2003

The Government is committed to promoting web accessibility to ensure that every member of the community is able to obtain Government services and information on the Internet, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said today (November 28).

Mr Wong addressed the Seminar on Usability and Accessibility Considerations in Website Implementation this afternoon.

Organised by the Information Technology Services Department in conjunction with the Internet Professionals Association, the seminar promoted guidelines intended to encourage web designers to consider the needs of the disabled, particularly the visually impaired.

To set an example in the promotion of web accessibility, the Government has formulated guidelines for the dissemination of information through its own homepages. All Government websites now comply with these standards, and all are available in English and Traditional and Simplified Chinese versions.

With Government sponsorship, the Internet Professionals Association created the Web Care Award, which recognises the work of organisations that are building barrier-free websites.

Initiatives will be launched next year to strengthen support for web accessibility. Four Government departments are conducting a pilot scheme to provide audio versions of selected information on their websites, thus improving access to information for the elderly and the visually impaired.

The Government will focus on promoting the concept to industry as a way to create business opportunities. Radio programmes will be produced to get the message across to the general public.

"Government efforts notwithstanding, support from industry and the public is essential to build a digitally inclusive society," Mr Wong said.

A public consultation on the Digital 21 Strategy is underway. The new strategy will be announced in early 2004.

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