GO has once again teamed up with the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) and pledged its full support for the foundation’s ongoing drive to make information communications technology accessible to people with a disability. As a result of GO’s support, eligible people with a disability who are FITA members will receive mobile credit this year and in 2012.

FITA is the principal advocate for information communications technology (ICT) accessibility for disabled people in Malta and Gozo. FITA’s information services help with the selection, acquisition and use of assistive technology devices that improve the individual’s quality of life.

The Foundation’s principle role is use of ICT to overcome or remove barriers to education and employment, which assists persons with a disability to become more independent and rely less on family and state support. FITA is committed to ensuring that due measures are taken to minimise the digital divide while simultaneously enabling its members to contribute productively to society and the economy.

Thanks to GO’s support, FITA members will experience the enhanced performance on mobile calls that comes as a result of GO’s multi-million investment in mobile networks, an ambitious project that entails massive expansion of GO’s 3G mobile coverage footprint.

Speaking about the sponsorship at the signing of the agreement held at GO Head Offices in Marsa, David Kay, GO’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We are proud to support the ongoing efforts of the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility to improve the quality of life for people with a disability. Sponsoring humane initiatives with strong social implications – such as the FITA cause – further underpins GO’s corporate social responsibility and reflects its strong social conscience.”

“Mobile technologies and innovation in the field can be exploited to provide outstanding benefits for people with a disability. Productivity at work, improving safety and reducing isolation are a few of the advantages that will surely encourage people with a disability to adopt mobile technologies in their continuous mission to achieve an independent lifestyle,” he said.

Stanley M. Debono, FITA’s chief executive officer thanked GO for the new service offer. “We are grateful to GO for highlighting the importance that current and future technology products and services are made as accessible as possible. It is through the invaluable assistance and support we get from team players like GO that FITA can continue to sustain and develop the wide spectrum of services it provides to disadvantaged persons in the community,” he said.

FITA emphasised the need for design-for-all principles to be applied to all projects and initiatives so as to benefit everyone including persons with a disability and elderly persons.