Elzbieta Zawistowska, Krystyna Karwicka, Krzysztof Markiewicz, Elzbieta Pleszczynska, Krystyna Wojakowska (red.)

On a wheel-chair through World Wide Web to Europe? (III)

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Abstract

This is the third booklet (the first appeared in October 1996 and the second in May 1998) written by the Foundation Supporting Physically Disabled Mathematicians, Computer Specialists and Programmers in a series entitled On a wheelchair ... Like the previous ones the booklet is divided into three parts. The first and second deals with the development of Internet for the Physically Disabled (in Polish: Internet dla Niepelnosprawnych) and with the social and professional rehabilitation of the disabled. The third part is a report of the Foundation's last year activities.

IPD is developing successfully. The Stefan Batory Foundation has become an important sponsor and supports dozens of organizations participating in the initiative by organizing a number of competitions. The first node of the IPD was supported in 1998 and in the first part of 1999 by a number of important sponsors (Polish Telecomunication SA, Bussines Power Systems, Dell Computer Poland, Johnson & Johnson). Right now, Microsoft has become very seriously involved in the project (the signing of the letter of intent will take place on May 25 1999). However, there is a lack of work orders for the physically disabled even though such telework is the best chance for improving the lives of those who are wheelchair--bound.

The second part of the booklet is primarily devoted to the critique of current legislation pertaining to social and professional rehabilitation and its disasterous impact on the disabled community. This community's situation has been continuously deteriorating. Sharp criticism is also leveled for the third time -- at the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled. The Foundation has, however, succeeded in maintaining and developing further Professional Activisation Workshop and Job Advice and Plavement Club. The programs developed here are worth emulating.

The 1998 Foundation report (part III) underscores the vital role played by the computer specialists and programmers community and the complete lack of support or cooperation from the public sector. Reading between the lines of the report it becomes clear how much effort the activities of our Foundation requires.

Key words: Internet, telework for physically disabled, social and professional rehabilitation.