§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what actions he will take in connection with the Prime Minister's recent internet initiative to forward the interests of disabled people, with particular reference to(a) access to public buildings housing internet terminals, (b) provision of sufficient large screens for those with reading difficulties, (c) availability of computers on a personal basis for rehabilitation and employment advisers and (d) the creation of a website for disabled jobseekers. [115759]
§ Ms Hodge[holding answer 21 March 2000]: We are determined that people with disabilities should benefit fully from the Prime Minister's recent internet initiative, particularly in their working lives.
Access to buildings housing internet terminals and the provision of large screen facilities intended for public use is covered by the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The new duties on providers of goods, facilities and services to the public to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people came into force in October last year.
Many of the Department's services used by people with disabilities are provided through the Employment Service. Its services are designed to meet the needs of all its clients, including people with disabilities. We believe that wherever possible help for disabled people should be offered as part of programmes used by a wide range of clients.
The Modernising Employment Service Programme is developing new ways in which all jobseekers can have improved access to services through information and communications technology. People with disabilities will gain from this programme. For example, the specification for the touch screen kiosk technology to be available in 73W Jobcentres across the country from autumn 2001 has taken account of the needs of clients with visual impairment. The same programme will also make sure computer workstations are available in sufficient numbers to ensure that every member of ES staff will have access whenever they need it.
The Employment Service will continue to upgrade the information it provides on services used by jobseekers with disabilities on the Employment Service website. This includes information about the Access to Work programme and other specialist measures, as well as links to the DfEE Disability page at www.disability.gov.uk. The Employment Service plans to make improvements which will make their website even more user friendly.
Large screen technologies and other forms of help will continue to be available under the Access to Work programme when needed for employment.
Type of help Spend (£) Number helped Average cost (£) Special aids and equipment 9 million 10,000 900 Travel to work 5.4 million 4,500 1,200 Support workers 4.2 million 3,000 1,400 Adaptations to premises or equipment 0.7 million 400 1,750 Communicator support at interview 66,000 600 110 Miscellaneous support (not covered above) 300,000 550 545 Note:
Some disabled people receive more than one type of support