EC/NSF workshop on universal accessibility of ubiquitous computing: providing for the elderly event report

ABSTRACT

The workshop took place on Alcácer do Sal, Portugal from May 22^nd to May 25^th, 2001 with the purpose to discuss approaches to universal usability for the elderly constituency. Elderly citizens are a growing age group within developed countries and their needs have been mostly ignored by Information Technology and Computing as a whole. The surge of mobile communications and universal access materialized in the push for UMTS in Europe provided a strong leitmotif for this meeting. For the better part of a week, a group joining twenty-six people from several different communities gathered to discuss strategic issues arising from the new context. The aim is to provide strategic inputs for major research programs in EU, USA and Japan. The present document contains a summary account of the proceedings.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques

General Terms:
Human Factors, Languages, Legal Aspects, Standardization, Theory, Verification

Keywords:
interface design, ubiquitous computing, universal accessibility, user interfaces for the elderly