In a crucial step to promote digital inclusion for people with disabilities, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) held a
Regional Roundtable on Digital Accessibility on December 11, 2023, in Moscow, Russian Federation. The event, timed to coincide with the World Day of Persons with Disabilities, brought together 39 participants from Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of UN organizations and telecom operators. The purpose of the roundtable was to share experiences, discuss trends, and present the results of ITU activities in shaping digital accessibility for people with disabilities in the CIS region.
Promoting Digital Inclusion
The first session provided an overview of the ongoing efforts of CIS countries to promote universal digital accessibility. In particular, ITU's work on the direction of digital accessibility at the global and regional levels was presented. There was also a presentation of a new ITU study for the CIS Region on "Methodological Foundations of Digital Skills Training for Persons with Disabilities," conducted this year in partnership with experts from the Belarusian State Academy of Communications and the Institute of Inclusive Education at the M. Tank Belarusian State Pedagogical University. Participants also learned about approaches to creating inclusive digital environments in smart cities and communities. In addition, the role of resource centers in ensuring equitable access to education was raised.
Learning Centers for People with Disabilities
The second session was dedicated to the activities of training centers for people with disabilities, demonstrating innovative approaches and problem-solving. Presentations included the experience of the IT Centre for the Visually Impaired in Yerevan, the Training Centre for Hearing Impaired in Minsk and Vitebsk, the Information and Training Centre for People with Disabilities "Iygilik" in Bishkek, and the IT Training Centre for Hearing Impaired and Deaf Children in Tashkent. These presentations highlighted the critical role of such centers in empowering people with disabilities through education and skills development.
Interactive Discussion and Future Plans
In the third session, participants presented their experiences, made recommendations, and discussed new opportunities and measures for digital inclusion in the CIS region. The conclusions and suggestions made during the discussions highlighted the importance of disseminating the valuable experience of learning centers for people with disabilities, sharing knowledge at regional and international events, as well as developing partnerships with industry organizations and the private sector to ensure sustainable funding. Supporting start-ups to create innovations and assistive technologies to ensure universal digital inclusion in our region was also emphasized.
Key Recommendations
Participants made several key recommendations, including promoting digital accessibility in smart cities, developing volunteering and mentoring programs, and emphasizing the importance of funding training centers for people with disabilities. It was also recommended to analyze what health limitations allow or do not allow a person with a disability to adapt and integrate into traditional forms of learning.
The results of the ITU Round Table in the CIS region highlight the need to continue building a bank of publications and research on digital accessibility, translation, and localization of materials developed at the global level. Commitments to expand the network of training centers, promote ICT accessibility, and monitor progress on smart cities reaffirm ITU's commitment to creating an inclusive digital society for all, leaving no one behind.
