The NI e-government unit has teamed up with the software developers, local company Texthelp, to provide the "Browsealoud" software to organisations linked to the OnlineNI portal. John Price, deputy director of the e-government unit, said: "Research has demonstrated that almost 17% of the population experience reading or literacy difficulties, which presents a barrier to accessing information for a significant number of the population.
"This initiative will address this problem by widening digital inclusion and enable public bodies to improve communications with many more citizens."
Mark McCusker, chief executive officer of Texthelp, said: "We have created a mechanism for all OnlineNI registered websites to access the Browsealoud software and incorporate it in their existing web sites which they can then make available free of charge to users, thereby instantly enhancing their web experience".
The software, which is used in the US and in many European countries, enables website owners to comply with legislation on access for groups with disabilities and learning difficulties.
Quelle: Belfast Telegraph, 25.06.2004
