Enhancing Access to Technology for Elderly and Differently-Abled Individuals in Sri Lanka
Understanding the need for affordable terminal devices for all, particularly focusing on the elderly and differently-abled individuals in Sri Lanka. Addressing the challenges faced by those with physical or mental difficulties in utilizing information technology and advocating for their inclusion in the digital society. Exploring the distribution of disabilities in Sri Lanka and the significant percentage of the elderly population. Highlighting findings and urging government action to improve access to information and services for these marginalized groups.
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Presentation Transcript
Affordable Terminal Devices for all Affordable Terminal Devices for all Group 4 Ishara Madushanka Thushara Silva Dushan Udugama Radhika Wijesekera
Affordable terminal Devices that all can use, with special attention being paid to Elderly and the Differently able 2
10% 10% of Sri Lankans live with of Sri Lankans live with physical or mental difficulties physical or mental difficulties which limit their use of which limit their use of information technology information technology 3
The problem Access to Government information and services for the elderly and those with disabilities is very limited. The Government should take steps to ensure their inclusion in the information society. 4
Brief overview of findings Brief overview of findings 5
Distribution of disabilities in Sri Lanka (Department of census and statistics 2012 Report) Per 1000 people Hambanthota Mathara Galle Monaragala Rathnapura Kaluthara Ampara Badulla Nuwaraeliya Colombo Kandy Kegalle Gampaha Batticlo Mathale Kurunegala Polonnaru. Puttlam Trinco Anuradha. Vavuniya Mannar Mulathiv Kilinochchi Jaffna Per 1000 people 6 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Per 1000 people 7% Visually impaired 7% Hearing aids 35% 12% Walking disabilities Remembering Doing own activities 25% Communication difficulties 14% Source : Census of Population and Housing 2012, Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka 7
Elderly Population in Sri Lanka At the moment, there is no United Nations standard numerical criterion, but the UN agreed cutoff is 60+ years to refer to the older population. 12.4% of the Sri Lankan population are 60 and above 60 according to the report of the Census and Statistics Department. 2012. 8
What options are available for people with disabilities in Sri Lanka? What options are available for people with disabilities in Sri Lanka? Some existing mobile handsets carry features such as sticky-keys, bolder displays, navigation by voice commands and through the movement of the face or hand. Regular voice calls to the Govt. information hotline 1919 9
What options are available for similar people in other countries? What options are available for similar people in other countries? 10
Singapore Silver Infocomm Hotspots IDA has set up about 90 Silver Infocomm Hotspots (SIHs) to provide access to computers and internet services for seniors free-of-charge. The SIHs are set up at accessible locations for seniors island-wide such as Community Centres, self-help group centres, Residents' Committees and public libraries. Silver Infocomm Junctions Nine senior-friendly and conveniently located IT learning hubs, called Silver Infocomm Junctions (SIJs), are set up island-wide. The SIJs offer affordable infocomm training and customised curriculum for seniors. Seniors are also able to enjoy follow up tutorials for more in-depth learning. 11
ALVA BC680 ALVA BC680 Rs. 1,125,360/= 12
Limitations Limitations The GoSL cannot impose policy decisions on mobile phone manufacturers to include disabled friendly features in their products. Sri Lanka lacks proven hardware manufacturing expertise. However, suitable hardware devises can be assembled in Sri Lanka using micro computer units such as Raspberry Pi One software or app is unable to cater to each and every type and magnitude of physical and mental disability. 13
Recommendations Recommendations 1. Along with the options of viewing websites in Sinhala, Tamil and English, all GoSL websites should include a 4th viewing option that is friendly to the visually impaired, and those whose fine motor skills are no longer fine. Larger lettering and buttons Bold and contrasting colours Less clutter 14
Recommendations Recommendations cont. cont. 2. A relatively inexpensive hardware device such as The Raspberry Pi Foundation s Raspberry Pi micro computer unit allows for an app to be installed, which will allow a disabled user to manipulate a computer, a tab or a smartphone. 3. Provision of one disabled-friendly terminal each at Nenaselas for the use of the aged and those with visual impairments Recommend that pilot projects be carried out in the Ratnapura, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts (why? Direct attention to the map on slide 5) 3. Provide training and assistance to the aged and visually impaired to use these terminals Encourage the app development community in Sri Lanka to develop an app which would connect the user to a human being at the Government information hotline, who will search for information on behalf of the user 4. 18
$35 19
Q and A 20
References References Health Statistics and Information Systems (2015). Web. http://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/ageingdefnolder/en/ (accessed September 2015) Population and Housing Census, 2012 http://www.statistics.gov.lk/PopHouSat/CPH2011/Pages/Activities/Reports/FinalReport/FinalReport.pdf
Thank you! 22
