The second International conference of ASK-IT marked the end of this EU research funded project, in which Homega Research is involved, namely in the specification of a domotic system user interface. The conference provided the opportunity to see and test the ASK-IT service and products that have been developed. It also offered a unique occasion to different stakeholders, whether it be telecom providers, industry, user representatives, research institutes or local authorities, to gather together to discuss the role of Information Communication Technology in aiding and improving the everyday lives of mobility impaired people. The conference welcomed high level speakers and experts from around the world that looked at various issues, such as making content accessible, accessible tools and Ambient Intelligence, and provide state-of-the-art information on accessibility initiatives in Europe and beyond.
ASK-IT is an integrated project, partly funded by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Program, e-Inclusion. The driving vision behind the ASK-IT project is to develop services based on Information Communication Technologies (ICT) that will allow Mobility Impaired people to live more independently. Through a device (mobile phone, PDA) users will have access to relevant and real-time information primarily for travelling but also whilst home, for work and leisure services. The emphasis is on a seamless service provision and a device that is intelligent enough to address the personal needs and preferences of the user. For example, information for a visually impaired person will be given orally, while for an illiterate person mostly in graphics. The project involves a demonstration phase during which the ASK-IT system is tested and evaluated in 8 cities across Europe. ASK-IT involves 57 partners from a range of organizations, including industry, research institutes and European user associations, is coordinated by SIEMENS (Spain) and includes Sigma Orionis in its consortium. Contact