Innovative companies take advantage of new technology to increase productivity for everyone

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accounts for 5% of GDP in Europe and drives 40% of labour productivity growth. In the US ICT drives 60% productivity growth. [iv]

Technology is expanding the limits of human potential. New technology makes huge productivity gains possible for everyone, including disabled people.

Many of the IT adaptations, which have been developed for disabled people, enable increased productivity for everyone. The potential productivity gains for older people are critical for organisations planning for an aging workforce.

Technology currently aimed at people with severe difficulties and impairments can also improve the computing experience for the vast majority of computer users.

Accessible Technology in Computing, 2004

Sources

1. [i] Pilling, Barrett and Floyd, ‘Does the Internet open up opportunities for disabled people?' May 2004.
2. [ii] "The Wide Range of Abilities and its Impact on Computer Technology", Microsoft & Forrester research, 2003
3. [iii] Survey of 813 Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) members, 2002, Bruyere, Erickson, VanLooy, Cornell, Information technology and the workplace: Implications for Persons with Disabilities, ILR 2005.
4. [iv] Viviane Reding, Member of the European Commission responsible for Informtion, Society and Media, January 2006