The Barrier-Free Access project is tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities and was initiated jointly by Microsoft Austria and the Integrated Study Institute of the University of Linz. Other project partners include the Österreichische Computer Gesellschaft (OCG) and bit media e-Learning solutions, which - supported by Microsoft Austria and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture - have been working on the Austrian ECDL Barrier-Free Access project since 2003. The ECDL Barrier-Free Access project is primarily aimed at the target group of people with disabilities, but it is also hoped that the project will have a signaling effect on the general public. On one hand the project will enhance the IT skills of the participants, enabling more disabled people to gain employment, while on the other hand the project is intended to boost acceptance of the disabled amongst the public.

Description of target users and groups

The project focuses on 6 different target groups: the blind, visually handicapped, deaf, hearing impaired, mobile handicapped, cognitive limited.

Technology solution

Apart from fully functional computers and internet, the standard course materials have been adapted for people with a range of different disabilities. This includes alternatives to the keyboard and mouse such as an onscreen keyboard or a hands free head mouse for paralyzed people, Braille displays and synthetic speech output for visually impaired and blind computer users. Technology choice: Proprietary technology, Standards-based technology

Main results, benefits and impacts

Impact – The skills students obtain continue to have an important impact on their whole life, since they open up new career prospects for them. Some of the former students are working as programmers and software testers for telecommunications companies or as IT staff in the Viennese local government. Value – Internationally recognized IT skills training and certification provides a major boost to employment prospects for people with disabilities. Results – Over 600 people have been trained for the ECDL Barrier Free Access course this year.

Return on investment

Return on investment: Not applicable / Not available

Lessons learnt

Lesson 1- Every student will need an individual approach and a different kind of support. Lesson 2 - Providing skills is not enough, we also need to work on how to boost acceptance of disabled amongst the public. Lesson 3 - We need to continue and rope in more partners so that the project could be scaled up and more people can be reached. Scope: National