A European network of leading Institutions in assistive technology and e-accessibility
ETNA is an EU-wide network involving 23 leading Institutions in 13 Countries. Since 2011 it has been working to establish a web portal of ICT-based assistive technology products, accessibility solutions and related services.
The issue
Assistive technologies, especially those based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), are a powerful driver for inclusion and quality of life of people with disabilities and elderly people.
They contribute to compensate for functional limitations and help tackle barriers in all types of environment, thus playing an increasingly central role in equalising opportunities.
However, ensuring access to ICT assistive equipment, systems and services is not straightforward. Currently, information on existing products is patchy, not well distributed or simply absent; the needed knowledge and expertise are in the hands of few specialists scattered throughout Europe; the market is still a niche dominated by highly specialised small or medium enterprises.
The ETNA Thematic Network aims at handling this issue, in collaboration with another Thematic Network, ATIS4All (Assistive Technology and Inclusive Solutions for All) and the EASTIN Association (European Assistive Technology Information Network). The deadline is December 31, 2013.
The Project Leader
The Project is co-ordinated by the Centre for Innovation and Technical Transfer (CITT) of the Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, based in Milano, Italy.