Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All

1. Assistive Technologies and Inclusive Solutions for All Employers Why they are Key Actors John Sabine Employers’ Forum on Disability Madrid, Spain 14th and 15th March, 2011

2. Employment is important to people with disabilities Only employers can give people jobs We support employers in developing good practice Employers Why they are Key Actors The Employers’ Forum on Disability (EFD)

3. Employers Why they are Key Actors EFD Members

4. Employers Why they are Key Actors The Business Taskforce on Accessible Technology (BTAT) • Technology that works helps all of us do our jobs • Our employers buy the technology we use daily • Accessibility should be a core part of decisions

5. Employers Why they are Key Actors Employers – corporate IT purchasers • IT spending: Global $2.4 trillion Europe $785 billion[Gartner 2010] • Most of this is spent by employers • They also buy Assistive Technology

6. Employers Why they are Key Actors Corporate issues with AT • Use with enterprise systems • Development and scripting • User training • Upgrades • External users – customers and service users • Education – employees and students

7. Employers Why they are Key Actors Our connections • BTAT members • EU subsidiaries and partners of our members • UK trade and professional associations

8. Employers Why they are Key Actors Who else do we need to talk to? • Corporate users and purchasers in other countries • Trade and professional associations in other countries • Digital Europe • European Social Partners • CEEP, Business Europe

9. Employers Why they are Key Actors Questions • Who else do we need information from? • How do we find these contacts? • Who in this room can help? • How important are different legal frameworks? • How do we disseminate information? • How do we measure and demonstrate: • Information effectiveness? • Outcomes for employers?