Government states that the entire population shall have access to basic telecom services, and that there must be emphasis on that electronic ICT services must not create new or reproduce existing social barriers. Under the National Insurance Act, all residents in Norway have the right to obtain AT free of charge if their disability is long-lasting i.e. longer than 2 years and if the aid is necessary to improve function. AT service delivery in Norway is provided at county level by 19 Technical Aid Centres (TACs) which are responsible for the provision, purchasing, storing, distribution and recirculation of AT. Any product that can reduce disability will usually be provided. Items are provided free of charge and are available to people of all ages independent of their economic means. AT is financed by the National Insurance Administration through taxation. There is no age limit to eligibility of products, but if the older person is in an institution, the municipality, not the state, pays for the equipment. There must be a proven, special need for the product, and the disability must be of lasting effect (at least 2 years). The provision system for AT in Norway is good. There is little awareness of the potentials of ICT for people with dementia. For example different automatic alarms that can transmit a message to an ambulant care worker or relative if an emergency happens and the person with dementia is unable to activate the alarm himself.
The Norwegian State Housing Bank has initialised a plan where all universities and colleges teaching professions to design environments and products for people are encouraged to teach Universal Design and include it in their regular curriculums. This initiative is expected to have an impact on future professionals in design and engineering as well.
The many Internet cafes and courses for older people in libraries and Senior centres all over the country helps make Internet accessible to older people. The National Seniorsurf day involved 420 different places!
The e-Norway-plan has design for all in its strategy, but so far no initiatives.
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