Inclusion of persons with disabilities essential for a connected world, says ITU’s Johnson

Access to ICTs for all people is essential to ensure no one is disadvantaged and is necessary for governments to fulfill their obligations under key treaties such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, according to Malcolm Johnson, ITU Deputy Secretary-General.

It is estimated that around a billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. One in every seven of the world’s inhabitants and therefore, inclusion with persons with disabilities has assumed greater importance in the Covid-19 times, especially since restrictions have left them isolated and vulnerable.

Johnson was speaking at the virtual launch event of Broadband India Forum’s (BIF) White Paper on “ICT Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in India”.

“ITU, and the UN more broadly, recognize that principles of universal design, affordability, and equal opportunities to access ICTs and assistive technologies are key for building inclusive societies,” he further added.

On the other hand, Broadband India Forum (BIF) has recommended promoting the adoption of assistive technologies and accessibility to drive greater broadband adoption amongst persons with disabilities

BIF further added that quality broadband services can facilitate the access to crucial information through government notifications and announcements, availing of essential items and supplies, financial relief, medical resources, online educational opportunities, and assistance.

The policymaking body believes that a new ecosystem of accessibility-related apps and programs for people with disabilities can be created if device makers offer cost-effective assistive technology, like smartphones designed with universal accessibility standards.

“We believe that ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities in India goes hand-in-hand with fast-tracking strategies in the NDCP 2018. The benefits of ICT accessibility and higher broadband penetration will reverberate through our society, even beyond the empowerment of persons with disabilities, older persons, and their caregivers,” said TV Ramachandran, president, BIF.

“Lack of accessibility adversely impacts not only persons with disabilities but also older people and their families and is, therefore, a mainstream issue of big social import, that deserves the attention and concerted effort of stakeholders, the Government, industry, civil society, academia, service providers and the public at large,” added Nirmita Narasimhan, Chair of BIF’s committee on PwD Inclusion.