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The fourth round of the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme is open for application from today (September 30) until November 30, 2015.
Jointly organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), the scheme seeks to commend local enterprises and organisations for making their websites and mobile apps accessible to everyone, particularly people with disabilities.
Under the scheme, participating organisations will be provided with free assessment, training and advisory services to enhance the accessibility of their websites and mobile apps.
A spokesman for the OGCIO said, "Making websites and mobile apps accessible can help people with disabilities integrate with society and lead an independent life. It is encouraging that the number of awarded websites and mobile apps has increased more than threefold since the scheme's inception in 2012-13."
Three new award categories have been introduced this year, namely the Triple Gold Award for any mobile app that has attained gold awards consecutively for the past three years, and the Easiest-to-Use Website and the Easiest-to-Use Mobile App Awards for those considered to be the most user-friendly by persons with special needs.
As last year, the scheme will feature online voting and a quiz to foster public awareness. Voters joining the quiz can enter a lucky draw to win fabulous gifts and cash coupons.
"An integral part of an inclusive society, web accessibility enables web content to reach the widest possible audience, thus facilitating business development. Awarded organisations can display the award logo on their websites and mobile apps as recognition of their outstanding achievement and corporate social responsibility," the spokesman added.
The scheme is open to all local enterprises and organisations. A briefing will be held on October 30, 2015 for interested organisations and web developers. A series of technical workshops will be conducted from November 2015 to January 2016 to familiarise participants with relevant technical skills and practical tips. The awards presentation ceremony will be held in April 2016 as one of the highlight programmes of International IT Fest 2016.
For details of the scheme and workshop schedule, please visit www.webforall.gov.hk/en/scheme. Enquiries can be made to the Web Accessibility Programme Office by phone on 2582 4606 or by email to wac@ogcio.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:06
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