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About 170 enterprises and organisations were recognised for their proactive adoption of accessible website design at the awards presentation ceremony of the fourth Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme today (April 19).
The Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Allen Yeung, complimented the enterprises and organisations on their support for and contributions to accessible website design at the ceremony.
He said, "I am very glad that the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme was well received and enlisted participation from different sectors. A total of 239 websites and 57 mobile apps have been recognised for meeting the requirements of accessible design this year, representing a 20 per cent year-on-year increase. Amongst them, 80 websites and 19 mobile apps were awarded the Triple Gold Award, an honour to commend websites and mobile apps that strive to continuously contribute to digital solidarity and have attained gold awards for the past three consecutive years."
Two new award categories, the Easiest-to-Use Website Award and the Easiest-to-Use Mobile App Award, were introduced this year. Websites and mobile apps receiving the highest number of votes from social service organisations are awarded for their easy operation by senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
To enhance public awareness and knowledge about web accessibility, an online quiz and voting activity for the Most Favourite Website Award and the Most Favourite Mobile App Award was held. About 6 000 members of the public took part in the activity.
Jointly organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on an annual basis, the scheme is an initiative to laud enterprises and organisations for making their websites or mobile apps accessible to everyone. It aims to recognise their good practices and to encourage emulation by other organisations. OGCIO provides all participating organisations with free assessment and advisory services to help them understand the accessibility requirements and the details of adopting the relevant techniques on their websites.
Other officiating guests at the ceremony today included the Chairperson of the EOC, Professor Alfred Chan, and members of the recognition scheme's advisory committee.
For details about the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme and the list of awarded organisations, please visit the website: www.webforall.gov.hk/en/scheme.
Ends/Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:12
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