New batch of digital inclusion mobile apps launched
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"Information and communications technology (ICT) such as mobile apps brings convenience to our daily lives. However some people, like the elderly and the underprivileged groups, may not be able to enjoy fully the advantages of technology advancement. In this regard, the Government has been implementing various initiatives to facilitate needy groups to improve their quality of life with technology. These include funding support for non-profit social service organisations to collaborate with the ICT industry in developing customised mobile apps to provide practical and user-friendly contents and services," a spokesman for the OGCIO said.
The newly launched mobile apps were developed by non-governmental organisations that have been serving the relevant target groups, including persons with visual or hearing impairment, elders and children with learning difficulties or Down Syndrome, in the community. With a good understanding of the target groups, these mobile apps can better cater for their needs in terms of contents and services, thus enhancing their quality of life and learning abilities. Details of the five mobile apps are as follows:
| Mobile apps | Non-profit social service organisations responsible for app development |
| Tap My Dish Provides speech augmented food menu information for persons with visual impairment |
Hong Kong Blind Union |
| Smart and Fit DS Kids Provides training for children with Down Syndrome on their muscular and co-ordination abilities |
Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association |
| AngeLINK Assists elderly persons to produce booklets of life memories |
Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association |
| Early Literacy Provides training for children with learning difficulties on their reading and writing abilities |
SAHK |
| Silence Sign Language Interpretation App Provides an instant sign language interpretation service for persons with hearing impairment using video communication |
Silence Limited |
Since 2012, the Government has launched three rounds of application for the OGCIO's funding scheme to support non-profit social service organisations to develop mobile apps that cater for the needs of the underprivileged groups. A total of 17 mobile apps have been funded and developed for free use (full details are available at www.ogcio.gov.hk/en/dima).
Ends/Monday, February 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:06
Issued at HKT 15:06
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