A Twitter hash tag is competing alongside community self help groups, top telecoms companies, charities and local councils on the shortlist for a prestigious prize at the 2012 Technology4Good Awards.
The only competition of its kind to recognise and reward the achievements of those using computers and the Internet to make the world a better place, Technology4Good is the creation of e-accessibility charity, AbilityNet, and sponsored by BT.
The mobilising effect of Twitter hash tag: #RiotCleanUp in the wake of last summer’s disturbances in major English cities, is a graphic illustration of how technology can be a force for good in society. Whilst social media may have been applied to anti-social ends to incite the violence, Worthing-based artist, Dan Thompson, inspired hundreds of volunteers to join a clear up operation nationwide, using #RiotCleanUp.
More than 12,000 people posted messages under the tag, which were subsequently re-tweeted more than 31,000 times, eventually reaching over seven million users.
The Technology4Good 2012 shortlist - selected from a record 200 entries - also features Panasonic Corporation ‘talking TV’: a new development in partnership with the RNIB. Panasonic’s ‘Voice Guidance’ announces on-screen information using synthetic speech, enabling visually impaired people to successfully navigate options, menus and electronic programme guides.
Another of this year’s 25 hopefuls is Paignton’s Stroke Survivors’ Group whose members help each other re-build their lives by sharing IT know-how to overcome isolation and learn (or regain) communication skills. Technology is facilitating their recovery and helping them face the future with renewed confidence.
Winners in eight categories including: accessibility, volunteering, innovation, fundraising, creating partnerships and community action, will be revealed by compère, TV presenter, Mariella Frostrup, on Friday 6th July 2012 at the BT Centre, London.
With additional support from AppiChar, Barclaycard, Charity Technology Trust, IT4Communities, Microsoft, Microlink, Camelot, Go ON UK, UK online centres and Third Sector Magazine, the UK Technology4Good Awards is an opportunity for outstanding and inspirational achievements in digital inclusion to obtain national recognition for the first time.
Journalists wishing to attend the Awards Ceremony should contact the AbilityNet Press Office.
Follow the Awards on Twitter @tech4goodawards or #t4gawards
Ends
Editors’ notes:
UK Technology 4 Good Awards welcome nominations in the following categories:
Accessibility Award
BT Get IT Together Award
Community Impact Award
Community News Award
Digital Fundraising Award
Innovation Award
IT Volunteer of the Year Award
Working Together Award
About AbilityNet
National charity, AbilityNet, has over 20 years’ experience enabling people with disabilities to access technology and the internet at home, at work and in education. Globally acclaimed for its expertise in both workplace disability management as well as on-line usability and accessibility issues, AbilityNet has worked with clients in the private, public and voluntary sector including all major Departments of State and many FTSE top 100 indexed companies. The Charity’s Patrons are UK Digital Champion, Martha Lane Fox and best selling author, Sir Terry Pratchett OBE.
Distributed on behalf of AbilityNet by NeonDrum news distribution service (http://www.neondrum.com)