Week commencing 15th September 2003
The U Can Do I.T. Trustee Chairman attended a fascinating seminar termed IT - The Universal Enabler, where a range of eminent and highly skilled presenters developed a range of themes relating to IT and Disability. The speakers ranged from Robin Christopherson , who is acknowledged by many as the country"s leading consultant in auditing and design of web-sites for accessibility by disabled people, through to Stephen Timms MP, minister of state for e-commerce amongst other things.Some interesting figures regarding disability and employment were also given:
7.1 million have a current long term disability (nearly 1 in 5 of working age)
Only 48% are currently employed (compared with 81% able bodied people)
Less than 20% of disabled people are born with a disability
The incidence of disability increases with age (10% of 16-24 year olds compared with 33% aged between 50-65).
The week also saw an important meeting with Thalidomide Trust, where a pilot study was agreed, with a view to U Can Do I.T. operating in Partnership with Thalidomide across other parts of the country.
