Answer to Alan Conner

I've not read the paper yet on new technology and the socially excluded but here's what I think if new technology can help someone say remind them that they have to take their pills or that their doctor is visiting that's ok. That it can be used as a medical tool or a point of contact is a step in the right direction, but their are many groups that are not high on the governments social radar. The question is how do you get the facilities to socially excluded. Lets take the homeless for instance the only way they can get to use any new technology is in day centers if they're lucky or maybe the hostel they are in. Because of the cost of maintaining it's up keep. It is expensive and charities that run these things simply cannot afford it. If the government did fund it then you would have the out cry that the socially excluded are now being better treated. If the government want people to use new technology then it should be made available to all. With no discrimination.
If you look at what's happening in the world today the best way of being certain of contacting anyone is by email and with new technology you can use it like a phone and speak and see who you're talking to. This is the way most people stay in contact in today's modern world. The other thing I see is that new technology can be used to help someone get back into mainstream employment by teaching them how to use computers, build web sites, ect. The question is not are the government going to fund the equipment and installation. The question is. Are the government going to release funding for the socially excluded to receive the education needed?
After all to use a computer you need to know how.