Appendix IV

Further Information

COST

COST is an intergovernmental European framework for international cooperation between nationally funded research activities. COST creates scientific networks and enables scientists to collaborate in a wide spectrum of activities in research and technology. COST activities are administered by the COST Office.

Further information: http://www.cost.esf.org

COST 219ter

The main objective of COST 219ter is to increase the accessibility of next generation telecommunication network services and equipment to elderly people and people with disabilities by design or by adaptation when required. In cases where this cannot be achieved, the Action will promote the establishment of appropriate supplementary assistive services and equipment. Taking always into account inclusive design in telecommunications, especially in the mobile field, the objectives are to:

Extend the existing COST 219 website for designers to better understand consumers and their requirements, so that many more people with disabilities and elderly people can be catered for in mainstream design
Support the exchange of information on inclusion and accessibility issues so that these can be freely explored with developers, re s e a rchers and representatives of the telecommunications industries and service providers

so that

People with disabilities and elderly people can share in the benefits of new mobile communication systems.

The signatory countries of the COST 219ter Action are:

Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Australia, Japan and the USA participate as non-COST members.

Further information: www.cost219.org

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