The Malta Communications Authority has launched a new initiative as part of its long list of projects targeting senior citizens and persons with disabilities to encourage increased ICT take-up and enhance active living among this segment of the population.
The initiative also forms part of the Active Ageing Strategy 2014-2020, which encourages the elderly and persons with disabilities to participate in ICT courses to help them live a better quality community life and overcome the challenges they face. Following a successful pilot project, the MCA has prepared another programme - .comm lehen digitali - which is designed for the needs of this segment of society - inclusivity, social interaction and education.
The course includes four two-hour-long sessions on how to use the internet in general, search engines, Youtube, email, social media, Facebook and Skype. More than 500 people have so far applied to take part in the course, which will be provided I 36 day care centres and homes around Malta and Gozo. More people are being encouraged to apply.
Addressing a press conference, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of persons with disabilities and Active Ageing, Justyne Caruana, noted that the sessions will be offered nearer to those who need them. The elderly and persons with disabilities fall into a vulnerable section of society with many facing not only the challenges of poverty and social exclusion but also digital exclusion. Dr Caruana also noted that the Sign Language Recognition Bill is going through its first reading in Parliament.
Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth Jose Herrera said the government has pledged to invest more in the elderly population, which is on the increase, and persons with disabilities. A number of MCA initiatives, including .comm lehen digitali ,are removing the barriers that separate citizens from ICT training. We need to motivate vulnerable people to be digitally connected.
Roderick Marmara from the MCA stated that "ICT offers great potential to support lifelong learning for everyone. More importantly, however, applying technology effectively can have a significantly positive impact on individuals suffering varying forms of disability from communication difficulties to mobility issues. ICTs offer increased opportunities for communication through assistive technologies and social networking and opens new avenues for increased independence through online shopping or online banking facilities. ICT enables the engagement of socially isolated and vulnerable individuals before they are caught in the spiral of ill health, depression and dependency."