E-government and the problems of differently abled persons on the internet

Abstract

Lithuania People with various disabilities are perhaps the one segment in society which has the most to gain from the technologies of the electronic age. At the same time, however, they present some of the lowest rates of technology use among different groups in society. The result of this is that the potential benefits of computers and the Internet for differently abled people are far from being utilised to a proper degree. Computers and the Internet have a tremendous potential to expand the lives and increase the independence of people with disabilities. Homebound people can log in to order groceries, shop for appliances, research health issues, participate in online discussions, catch up with friends, or make new ones. Development of the Internet Society is one of the three major priorities stated in Lithuaniaķs long-term strategy. This is in line with the aims of the European Union, too. Lithuaniaķs goals in this regard are co-ordinated with the Lisbon Strategy and the E-Europe: Information Society for Allų initiative. It is quite important to make sure that differently abled people can use the opportunities of IT. This study presents the results of an analysis of major government Internet sites, the aim being to see how these are adapted to the needs of differently abled persons.