ITU-G3ict Model ICT Accessibility Policy Report Innovation in Accessibility Technology and Policy WSIS Forum 29 May 2015 Ms. Susan SCHORR, Head Special Initiative Division-Telecommunication Development Bureau International Telecommunication Union

A picture of a throng of people in a large crowd with text superimposed stating that “one billion people live with some form of disability.” Scope 1 billion people live with some form of disability

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 159 signatories, 154 ratifications Map of the world showing countries that have: signed the Convention (marked in yellow), signed the Convention & Protocol, (in light blue) ratified the Convention (dark blue) and ratified the Convention & Protocol (in red) as well as countries who have not signed (marked in gray). It shows 159 signatories Source:

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – CRPD Article 9 – ICT Accessibility To enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others... to information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems... These measures, which shall include the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility, shall apply to... Information, communications and other services, including electronic services and emergency services. 4

What do we mean by accessible ICTs for persons with disabilities? Accessibility means what the user requires to gain functional access to ICT and ensures such functionality is provided  If you cannot see a typical screen you need a way to understand what is on it  If you cannot hear the information, you need a way to get that information  If you cannot input a command on a device, you need a way to do this. 5

Accessibility features for persons who are blind and with low vision Challenge: Cannot see screens, navigate websites, use touch screen keyboards, read electronic books and s, etc. Solutions:  Screen readers for computers and mobile phones Converts information into speech or Braille display  Gesture-based screen readers for touch screen tablets and phones  Tactile markers, tactile and/or audible feedback  Adjustable font sizes  Text to speech functionality  Screen magnifiers  Audio description and audio subtitles for TV 6 Picture of the Mobile Speak screen reader control panel showing features adjustments such as volume, speed, spelling speed, pitch, etc.

Accessibility features for persons who are deaf and hard-of-hearing Challenge: Cannot hear callers or automated electronic messages, access emergency services Solutions: – Volume adjustment and speakers – Relay services – Video relay services – SMS and MMS – Visual or vibrating alerts – Call logs – Hearing aid compatibility – Video/TV captioning and signing 7 Screen of Hamilton CapTel captioning service which translates real-time conversation into captions. Screen shows a patient changing a doctor’s appointment. Audience not hearing you? Use Closed Captioning!

“These regulations should take into account the needs of all users, in particular persons with disabilities.”

Will this achieve ICT accessibility?

How to transpose ICT Accessibility provisions in the CRPD into national law? ICT policies, legislation and regulations can be updated to achieve the goal of promoting ICT accessibility National Disability laws also have to be updated to promote ICT accessibility Updating public procurement practices has been one of the most effective ways to ensure the availability of accessible ICTs in the commercial marketplace. – Governments procuring ICTs for schools, telecentres, health centres and emergency communications can establish practices to procure accessible ICTs

o Need for new and revised definitions, e.g. add a definition of “persons with disabilities” and include “persons with disabilities” in existing definition of “users” and “underserved communities” o Expand universal access and service (“UAS”) framework  Current frameworks focus on two key goals: availability of ICT networks and affordability of ICT services  Need to add a third goal – ICT accessibility o Include persons with disabilities in policy-making  The policy maker or regulator can establish a committee on ICT accessibility to include DPOs, service providers, ICT vendors and accessibility professionals o Report includes model text for laws, policies, regulations and industry codes Module 1 Legal, Policy, Regulatory – Framework

Availability  provide customers a range of accessible products, services and devices meeting the requirements of various types of disabilities Affordability  offer special and/or discounted rates and plans for users with disabilities – i.e. text only plans for the deaf Awareness  train staff on accessible products and services and serving customers with disabilities Emergency Communications  ensure PwD can communicate by text & video relay and call centres are made aware caller has a disability Mobile Phone Accessibility Practical Tools: Model Mobile Accessibility Policy Model Code of Conduct (for mobile industry) Model Regulations (for regulators)

Where to find accessible mobile phones Making Mobile Phones and Services Accessible Report  Explains, in concrete terms, what we mean by accessible mobile phones  Identifies accessible features by disability Mobile manufacturers Forum (MMF) GARI Database of accessible mobile devices Picture of the cover of the ITU-G3ict report “Making Mobile Phones and Services Accessible for persons with disabilities”

Hardware Accessible payphones and telecentres for persons with sensory and physical impairments Large-print and/or Braille signage Alternate mice and/or keyboard (e.g., a trackball, joystick, mini-keyboard, one-handed keyboard) Software and websites Screen readers Website for telecentre adheres to accessibility guidelines or standards Inclusion Persons with disabilities are included in planning and evaluating public access facility products and services Staff training Staff members are familiar with the availability and use of accessible ICT features, assistive technology and alternate document formats, receive training on serving persons with disabilities and on use of ICTs by persons with disabilities ICT Accessibility Framework on Public Access

Accessible ICT Public procurement policy Policy goals – Provide an accessible work environment for persons with disabilities – Create a market for accessible ICTs Incentivize manufacturers and service providers to produce accessible ICTs and suppliers to stock accessible ICTs – Generate competition, drive down costs and promote greater availability of accessible ICTs in the marketplace Putting it into practice – Include clear statements of user accessibility needs in all calls for tender – Apply conformity assessment process – Rely on international standards that describe the functional performance required – Recognize the evaluation of off-the-shelf ICT products conducted by countries with longer experience in accessible ICT public procurement

CONCLUSION Helping us to be action-oriented and design policy that can be Implemented Helping us to be action-oriented and design policy that can be Implemented Slide shows ITU-G3ict reports and screenshot of e-Accessibility toolkit as well as persons with disabilities using accessible ICTs for their empowerment at work and in school.

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