National Accessibility Portal - Progress and highlights (2004-2005)

Funding from the ESKOM Development Foundation enabled the team to commence work on Phase 1 of the NAP project.

The NAP initiative was successfully launched on 10 June 2004 by Minister E Pahad of The Presidency.

A prototype demonstrator was developed through domain and technology research and development.

Networking and interaction with stakeholders, partners and users was and still remains an integral part of the project.

The Prototype Demonstrator (Phase 1) was successfully completed, resulting in a prototype demonstrator verifying the concept and illustrating the potential impact of the results.

A demonstrator video was developed.

A live demonstration was held for Minister Pahad of the Presidency, Mr Nkosi of the Eskom Development Foundation, MEC Mashamba of Limpopo province, MEC Mabasa of Gauteng province and other dignitaries on 23 November 2004.

The event and initiative received positive media exposure.

The NAP initiative was mentioned in a speech by Deputy State President Jacob Zuma on International Disability Day (3 December 2004).

People with disabilities and a specialist PhD-level researcher have been appointed to the initiative.

A full business proposal was submitted to The Presidency at Minister Pahad’s request.

A website www.napsa.org.za has been developed.