Mobile phones and other technology can narrow social divides - [Usability News]

A challenge to the traditional view that new technology will widen inequality in the future comes from the UK Government’s Social Exclusion Unit.

The new report, Inclusion Through Innovation: Tackling Social Exclusion Through New Technologies, explores the potential that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have to improve service delivery and quality of life for the most excluded groups, and argues that effective use of ICT is key to addressing exclusion and meeting complex needs.

"For instance, mobile phones are being used by homeless people to avoid the problems of not having a permanent address, leaving a mobile number on job applications. Medical results can be texted to the patient without someone else answering the phone. Elderly folk are playing chess with friends across the world.

The report, published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, argues that 'excluded' people already use technology extensively and that we need to build on this enthusiasm."

[via Putting People First]

emily | 5:15 PM | SMS and Government |
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