This book reports on the second congress organised by TIDE (Technology Initiative for Disabled and Elderly People), a Community Programme dealing with subjects that were part of the European Union's Fourth Framework Programme of research technological development and demonstrations. The books covers three major areas: the R&D activities and the effectiveness of Assistive Technology products and services; dealing with selected factors of paramount importance for the harmonious progress of the AT market and related services in Europe, social, legal and economic factors, information and service delivery, industrial interaction, co-operation and transfer, market issues and technology trends; advanced research and development projects and methodological innovations. Other areas are: multimedia, virtual reality, sensors, alternative displays, augmentative and alternative communication, hearing and speech, orientation and navigation, robotics, electronic documents, intelligent environments, telecommunications and broadcasting and gesture analysis.

This book covers three main themes. The first is centred on Accessibility and Design for All, including good practice examples. The second is about users and users empowerment and involvement. The last is about Assistive Technology research and technological developments. Factors that support the uptake of AT technologies such as standards and legal and economic factors are considered as well. This work reports on the third congress organised by TIDE (Technology Initiative for the integration of Disabled and Elderly people). TIDE not only has contributed to the social objectives of enhancing independent living and social integration through technological applications, but has also contributed to the creation of an important market in new products and services which meet the needs of older people and people with disabilities. This has been done through co-operation in R&D projects of research centres, commercial and industrial companies, rehabilitation and care professionals, public and private services providers, and last but not least users and their organisation.