Vodafone Malta Foundation and FITA in collaboration

The Vodafone Malta Foundation and the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) are collaborating with the aim of providing access to the latest mobile and Smartphone technology for disabled people. This collaboration has resulted in a scheme that will be funding 50 per cent of mobile devices and other assistive software that visually impaired and deaf users buy from Vodafone. This scheme will run for two years.

As part of this collaboration, three educational TV spots have also been produced. Funded by Vodafone, these spots show how the company’s products and technology are making life easier for everyone, including those with a disability. Four Vodafone employees embarked on this project to show how Vodafone can enrich the lives of people with disability through its technology by empowering them to live an independent life, which emphasises their abil- ities. The actors portrayed in these clips are actual FITA clients who chose to share their newly acquired ICT skills and contribute something back to FITA and society. Particular attention was given to make these videos accessible to the widest audience possible.

FITA chairman Godwin Grima said: “FITA congratulates the Vodafone Malta Foundation on the active steps it is taking in bringing about a level playing field for disabled people who wish to make the very best use of the latest mobile and Smartphone technology.” Referring to the three educational TV spots, Dr Grima said that the video clips portraying the daily use of ICT by people with a disability will continue to raise awareness by providing a brief but effective snapshot of the benefits that ICT solutions can deliver to end users.

Vodafone Malta foundation chairperson Gemma Mifsud Bonnici said that the Foundation believes in equality for everyone and the company is making sure that, through its actions, it provides disabled people with access to the latest mobile and Smartphone technology. “This is a clear example of Mobiles for Good on which Vodafone Foundations around the world are embarking. The idea behind Mobiles for Good is to provide privileged access to Vodafone networks and technology to empower people with the necessary tools and this is precisely what we’re doing, thanks to our collaboration with FITA,” she emphasised.

Those interested can apply to FITA in order to avail themselves of the free assessment services that will direct them towards their ideal mobile telephony solution. More information is obtainable directly from FITA by calling 2599 2343 or from the FITA website www.fitamalta.eu