ÆGIS User Forum and 1st Pan-European Workshop, ‘Accessibility for All: Open Source-based Generalised Support for Mainstream ICT Devices/Applications’

ÆGIS (Open Source-based Generalised Accessibility Support for Mainstream ICT) aims to make devices like desktop computers, mobile phones and internet applications more accessible to people with disabilities: the end-users. The project will produce assistive software that can be built into mainstream devices. It will also create tool kits for software developers; accessible solutions developed using Open Source technologies. ÆGIS is placing users and their needs at the centre of all its ICT developments, and focuses in particular on users with visual, hearing, motion, speech, language and cognitive impairments.

The ÆGIS User Forum, to take place on 4 June 2009, aims at having fruitful discussions between both end-users and application developers, thus better understanding user’s needs when wanting to use accessible desktop, mobile and internet applications. It will ensure that future technologies and services will meet the needs of the end-users, and both mainstream and assistive technology developers.

The User Forum’s Agenda includes the following topics:

• ÆGIS project at a glance
• ÆGIS technical presentation
• Demos
• Interactive (via discussion) generic use case user scenario presentation

In the same framework, supported by the 7th Framework Programme on Research and Technological Development of the European Union, the ÆGIS Workshop, to take place on 5 June 2009, will present the preliminary findings of the ÆGIS project related to the Use Cases selection and preliminary user requirements, thus stimulating discussions on these issues between both end-users and application developers. Its outcome will be taken into account by the ÆGIS Consortium during the further course of the project. Key stakeholders from relevant areas are expected to participate (such as end users’ representatives and organisations, EC representatives, technologies developers, etc.). Experts from relevant fields will have the chance to meet at this workshop.

Some of the topics to be discussed during the Workshop are the following:

• EU Policies on eInclusion
• Demos and Technical Overview
• ÆGIS Draft Use Cases and discussion
• Standardisation and Demonstration Issues on eInclusion

Participation both to the ÆGIS User Forum and Workshop is free of charge and registration may be performed by filling the User Forum and Workshop form which should then be sent either by fax to +32 2 736 86 22 or email before 30 April 2009. However, due to space limitation, participation will be on a first-come first-served basis.

Event email: info@aegis-project.eu