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The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) today (May 11) launched a four-day exhibition to showcase assistive tools and application systems developed for persons with disabilities with support from the Development of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities Fund.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Ms Elizabeth Tse, said, "With technological advancement, assistive tools and applications developed with information and communications technology (ICT) can help persons with disabilities cope with their daily needs and lead a more independent life. These tools make it easier for them to access online information and public services and to communicate with friends, thereby improving their quality of life and facilitating their integration into the community."
Ms Tse hoped that through showcasing the achievements of the funded projects, the exhibition could raise public awareness of ICT adoption among persons with disabilities and encourage the development of more ICT-based assistive tools and applications.
The Development of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities Fund was launched early last year. It has granted funding to support nine projects ranging from the development of computer software, input and control assistance devices, smartphone applications, to web-based services and rehabilitation tools. The project deliverables can cater for the special needs of persons with different kinds of disabilities. The end products are available for free download or as the basis for further development, and for distribution to needy groups.
The exhibition is held at Exhibition Gallery 4, Hong Kong Central Library. Exhibition dates and opening hours are as follows:
May 11, 2012 (Friday)
3.30pm - 7pm
May 12-13, 2012 (Saturday and Sunday)
10am - 7pm
May 14, 2012 (Monday)
10am - 2pm
For more information on the Development of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities Fund and the funded projects, please visit www.ogcio.gov.hk/en/community/disabilities .
Ends/Friday, May 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:30
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