Self-service terminals (e.g. ATMs, kiosks in train stations, airports, public kiosks in postal offices etc) are rapidly taking over from humans for the delivery of basic services in today's daily life. However they can be difficult to access and use for many people, e.g. users with disabilities, those with low ICT competence, elderly users, or simply those not used to this medium. This can be improved by adapting the terminals as to their physical design, software and interfaces. Possible solutions encompass among other use of mobile devices or assistive technologies for man-machine interaction, vocal input/output, software adaptation etc.

While this is a big market concerning many people, it presents a high degree of fragmentation in Europe, which limits efficiency and affordability of solutions available to users. The internet offers new possibilities for improving this situation. First, improving the transparency and comparability of available AT products and services, thus allowing a better match between offer and demand. Secondly, supporting innovation on AT developing, enabling AT developers to share online software-based AT solutions and users to access them. As a result, quality and affordability of AT can be improved.

The purpose of this meeting is to identify grounds for possible further action at European level, notably with support from the European Commission in various possible ways: policy recommendations, stakeholder dialogue, standardisation activities, funding from EC programs, etc.

The event is free of charge; however, registration is compulsory and can be performed by sending an email with full name, job title and organisation.

Event email: eInclusion@ec.europa.eu