BCS Disability Group
The BCS Disability Group focuses on the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) facilitating opportunities for people to reach their full potential in their chosen areas of education, work, leisure and personal endeavour, by breaking down barriers to accessibility, social and digital inclusion.
Mission Statement
The BCS Disability Group projects disabled people in a positive manner, not as helpless people in need of charity, but as individuals who can contribute to society. The Social Model of disability will have a positive impact on creating a barrier-free society that will gain the full benefit of the talents and contributions of all its citizens, and in which disabled people will take their rightful place in education, the workforce and all aspects of community life.
Objectives
- to encourage disabled people to become actively involved in the work of the Group;
- to provide disabled people with the ability to influence decisions made in the fields of information and communications technologies and disability;
- to identify and develop ways in which information and communications technologies can benefit disabled people;
- to encourage the means for disabled people to achieve the independence to learn, communicate, control their environment, work and play;
- to further employment opportunities for disabled people;
- to raise general awareness about the ways in which information and communications technologies can assist disabled people;
- to identify shortfalls in the general provision of services and equipment for disabled people and to initiate projects in order to correct such situations;
- to collect and disseminate information on relevant matters;
- to encourage and assist in the formation of similar organizations nationally and internationally and to co-operate with relevant national and international organizations.
- to support professionals who want to assist disabled people with ICTs;
- to inform and support ICT developers on inclusive design;
- to identify suitable areas for research and to publish research papers;
- to provide a source of expertise to the BCS;
- to work with other relevant bodies on behalf of the BCS.
- to encourage the computing and communications industries to consider the needs of disabled people at the design stage;
- to offer a forum to stimulate new IT developments in this field.
The Group organises meetings, roadshows and conferences and has set up a local support network for disabled people. It provides professional input into the BCS' inclusion and equality policies. It provides professional input into national government consultations. It participates in national and international events and organisations. Members also enjoy a free subscription to Ability Magazine.
Ability Magazine
Ability Magazine is a campaigning publication for people who have difficulty using IT. It is aimed at those who buy, run and use accessible systems. In each issue Ability Magazine provides vital insight into the products, techniques and skills required to deliver systems for users who find it difficult to use standard software and hardware. Originally launched by the British Computer Society's Disability Group, Ability magazine is now published by John Lamb Media. The magazine has developed from an in house newsletter into a widely available magazine circulated to users, IT managers, human resources professionals and those who work in the disability field.