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The UK government has outlined plans to improve public websites, upgrade equipment and provide better online content for disabled people.

The measures, announced by communications minister Ed Vaizey, are intended to create a "step-change" in e-Accessibility by the time of the Paralympics in 2012.

It will see upgrades to things such as screen readers and Braille embossers.

Content such as e-books could be made available for those with poor eyesight.

Website design

"A successful digital economy can only be achieved if everyone can enjoy the same advantages that technology offers, like access to public services, online shopping and banking, interactive games and social media," said Mr Vaizey.

The e-Accessibility Forum will be made up of a group of over 60 experts from government, industry and the voluntary sector.

One of the their first tasks will be drawing up a regulatory framework to specify measures to ensure disabled users have the same access to digital services as non-disabled consumers.

It will also look at ways to improve the design of government websites.