1. Key Policy Questions and related issues:
What is the current situation (policy, implementation, practice) of ICT accessibility in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMIC)?
What could be arguments for and actions of different stakeholders to promote Universal Design and digital inclusion of people with disabilities?
2. Summary of Issues Discussed:
Areas of broad support/agreement:
- Designing ICT inclusively from the start following the principles of Universal Design will ultimately benefit everyone through increased usability/user-friendliness.
- Including persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups in digital development efforts is vital for reaching the SDGs.
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital exclusion and underscored the need to develop inclusive solutions.
- A lack of awareness about accessibility and its social and business benefits is regarded as a major obstacle in all stakeholder groups: governments, private actors, civil society organizations. Among persons with disabilities there is a lack of awareness about accessibility features and insufficient skills for their usage.
- A lack of disaggregated data about persons with disabilities, also with regard to ICT challenges and opportunities creates an enormous challenge for designing and implementing policies. Better data could also be an incentive for the private sector.
- Cognitive disabilities are to be treated differently with regard to accessibility. Care-givers or family members should be involved to identify their needs.
- Perspective on digtial accessibility needs to change: Shifting away from a perception of an extra effort and special intervention. Normalizing inclusive design for all should be the goal.
Areas of no agreement/areas needing further discussion and development
- What role does innovation play for digital inclusion of persons wiht disabilities? Differing perspectives: Innovation alone does not solve crucial matters of social exclusion, but can be a valuable approach for convincing the private sector.
- What means accessibility for persons with different types of disabilities?
7. Reflection to Gender Issues:
3 of the 6 panelists are women. Tim Unwins engagement for changing mens perception about women in tech was mentioned, apart from this gender issues were not discussed.