E-Inclusion in Europe

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) play an essential role in supporting our daily life. They are used at work, to stay in touch with family, to deal with public services, as well as to take part in culture, entertainment, leisure and political dialogues.

e-Inclusion aims to achieve that "no one is left behind", It means both inclusive ICT and the use of ICT to achieve wider inclusion objectives. It focuses on participation of all individuals in all aspects of the information society. e-Inclusion aims at reducing gaps in ICT usage and promoting their use to overcome exclusion, and improve economic performance, employment opportunities, quality of life, social participation and cohesion.

A series of measures are proposed to promote the adoption of digital technologies by potentially disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly and people with disabilities.

An important part of the e-inclusion agenda is therefore tacking demographic ageing with the help of ICT: a better quality of life for the elderly, reduced cost of care, business opportunities.

The Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint Programme will be reinforced to allow older people and persons with disabilities to live independently and be active in society.
Concrete examples of how these initiatives are translated into project will be given during the presentation.