HANDYNET: continued development of the HANDYNET system 1995-1996 in the framework of HELIOS II for disabled people

The committee adopted the report on the HANDYNET computerized information and documentation system, introduced in 1988 within the framework of the HELIOS II Programme. The system provides a databank designed to assist disabled people and provides information on technical aids manufactured within the Community. The Commission is proposing that the system should continue and be extended to include two mew modules concerned with training, employment and accessibility of public places. The committee adopted amendments to the Commission proposals calling in particular for the limitation of the HANDYNET system to the technical aids module of the database and considered that the information within it should be extended to include a quality criterion. In addition, they demanded the greater availability of this data to European, national and regional representative bodies concerned with disabled people. Finally, the committee adopted an amendment calling for a report by the Commission to be submitted by 31 December 1995 at the latest, which would evaluate the HANDYNET system and take into account the opinions of all representative organizations for disabled people. �