WASHINGTON - IN A video posted on the Internet, US President-elect Barack Obama vowed that his inauguration will be accessible even to those who don't brave the crowds expected in Washington, thanks to technology.

'You've probably heard the reports that unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington' on Tuesday for the swearing-in of the 44th president of the United States, Obama said in the four-minute video which was posted on YouTube and the site of the presidential inaugural committee.

He warned of 'long lines, a tough time getting around and, most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day' before assuring Americans that choosing not to mingle with the masses in the capital did not necessarily mean they would miss out on the historic inauguration.

Mobile phone alerts, live television coverage and webcasts of concerts and the first-ever Neighbourhood Inaugural Ball, which Mr Obama said he and his wife Michelle will attend on the evening of Jan 20, are just some of the ways that Mr Obama's swearing-in has been made a 'technauguration' that will be accessible to people across the United States, the president-elect said in his video message.

Officials in Washington originally projected that up to five million people would come to Washington to see Mr Obama sworn in.

But the numbers have been scaled back to around two million after reports of massive crowds converging on the capital brought warnings from transportation, security and city officials of the difficulties that many people, including the disabled, elderly and parents of small children, will face if they come to Washington.

A spokesman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee acknowledged that getting around in downtown Washington would be difficult but said efforts were being made to accommodate everyone.

Among the 'significant accommodations for people with disabilities' were sign language interpreters in special areas on the parade route, video descriptive services for the blind, and raised platforms on the National Mall, from where most people will watch Mr Obama being sworn in, Kevin Griffiths said.

'But there's no question that, no matter who you are or what your level of ability, there are going to be challenges,' he added. -- AFP