The director of the Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology, Jan Grönlund, together with a network of nine other agencies and organisations, signed the ICT Lift Campaign’s petition for increased digital inclusion on 3 December 2010, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The ICT Lift Campaign aims to decrease the digital gap by half a million persons by 2014. The goal is full access to Internet and digital information for everyone.
The Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology actively works to reduce the digital gap for persons with disabilities and elderly. The Institute runs several governmental commissions and projects in the area. The projects "ICT Question" and "ICT Support" work towards making products and services easier to use. At the same time it offers a telephone support available for persons with disabilities and elderly.
The Internet is a tool for integration and social inclusion
1.5 million Swedes of 16 years and older rarely use, if ever, the Internet and e-services. They often have lower incomes and educational levels and / or lack of computer and Internet skills.
Increasingly more community services are offered via the Internet. Those, who do not master the Internet, cannot use bank and government agency online services nor have social contacts via e-mail or social networks such as Facebook. For those who have mastered the Internet, there are endless opportunities for information, service and social contacts.
More Swedes on the Internet