Many private industries as well as non-profit agencies have joined forces to target the development of ICT. In addition, federal funding for grants and a federal commitment to ICT has helped its financial support. Further competition and price reductions will be vital for making information tools available for most Americans. When it comes to shopping in cyberspace, researchers say that consumers over 50 are the most likely to buy online, with 80 percent of computer owners 50 plus having used the Internet in the past month. Consumers over 50 are among the fastest growing group of online shoppers.
The U.S. Department of Education's Community Technology Centres are designed to bring computers and the Internet to community centres, public housing, libraries, and other community locations. Under the Community Technology Centres initiative, 40 grants were rewarded to organisations to help people who do not have computers at home to access computers for learning. Another example is the support of community infrastructure development for IT access.
Today in the United States, more than 131 million Americans hold IT-related jobs and more than 700 households per hour are being connected to the Internet. Computer hardware, software and high-speed communication systems are more powerful and prevalent than ever. They are essential to people's daily lives at both home and at work.
The New Freedom Initiative announced by President Bush on February is part of a nation-wide effort to remove barriers to community living for people with disabilities, including the elderly. The New Freedom Initiative is expected to have significant impact for people with disabilities including: increasing access to assistive and universally designed technologies; expanding educational opportunities; promoting homeownership; integrating Americans with disabilities into the workforce; expanding transportation options; and promoting full access to community life. It represents an important step in working to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, and choose where to live and participate in community life.
Seniors in the U.S. are becoming much more vocal in their demands for access to technologies, funding and legislation that will ensure their retirement years are rewarding and active. Many seniors are working longer, volunteering more, and retiring later. Many in the 50+ segments have learned to use technology in the workplace and are demanding equal access in their homes and communities.
From an ICT perspective, it is critical to note that ALL public library systems are 'wired' and available to the general public. The majority of public libraries in the U.S. offer support and, in many cases, classes to teach patrons how to access the computer and the Internet.
The barriers faced by older American's from a social/welfare standpoint are similar to those faced from a general policy standpoint. Specifically, there is a shortage of funding for the provision of ICT services for older adults and lack of information and knowledge.
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