Re-envisioning DCAD for the Future

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During the discussion, several concerns were raised regarding accessibility issues for individuals with visual impairments. One major issue that was highlighted was the difficulty visually impaired individuals face during the registration process. This includes challenges in accessing the required information or forms and completing the registration independently.

Another area of concern was the accessibility of schedules on websites.

Visually impaired individuals reported struggling to access and navigate event schedules online. This could be due to websites not being properly optimized for screen readers or lacking alternative formats for easier understanding.

Additionally, participants mentioned that Excel files posed a significant challenge for visually impaired individuals.

These files were not easily readable with screen readers, making it difficult for individuals with visual impairments to access and comprehend the content.

To address these issues, suggestions were made for improvement. One proposed solution was to provide event schedules in Braille, enabling visually impaired individuals to access the information independently.

Another suggestion was to create tactile maps to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating events or conferences.

The importance of having easy-to-find help points was also emphasized. Participants highlighted the significance of having designated assistance points that visually impaired individuals can easily locate and approach for support, ensuring a more inclusive experience.

Furthermore, it was stressed that institutions have a crucial responsibility to ensure accessibility.

Dr. Shabbir highlighted the critical role institutions play in fulfilling and being aware of accessibility requirements. It was argued that institutions cannot justify being unaware of these requirements and should take active steps to meet them.

Although voice-to-text technology has improved, it still requires human resources to ensure accuracy, particularly when dealing with local languages.

Mohammed Akram, an expert on relay services, expressed his positive view on the advancements made in voice-to-text technology. However, he highlighted the ongoing need for human resources to ensure the accuracy of transcriptions, especially in local languages.

The discussion also focused on the situation in Kenya, where web accessibility standards exist but are not being followed.

This is primarily due to a lack of enforcement and awareness. A focus group study conducted in Kenya revealed a lack of watchdogs to enforce web accessibility standards, and web developers often neglect accessibility features while developing websites.

The importance of including the input and lived experiences of persons with disabilities in the process of making laws and policies was highlighted.

Nicodemus Nyakundi, from Kenya, stressed the need to consider the perspectives of individuals with disabilities to ensure inclusive and effective legislation and policies.

Training in disability leadership in Internet Governance and Digital Rights was discussed as a crucial aspect of promoting accessibility.

The Internet Society Accessibility Standing Group has developed a syllabus for an online training course, following a successful face-to-face workshop for South Asian participants. This training aims to empower individuals with disabilities to take on leadership roles and contribute to the advancement of accessibility in Internet governance and digital rights.

The potential collaboration between the DCAD (Disability Caucus Advisory Body) and Accessibility Standing Group for training and mentoring in disability leadership was also highlighted.

Ganella, who has been involved with DCAD for several years, expressed her enthusiasm for mentoring the travel support fellows and emphasized the potential for great collaboration between the two organizations.

Finally, Misako Nomura, who has been working for the rights of people with disabilities, expressed the need for continued efforts to improve accessibility in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

While acknowledging some improvements, she emphasized that there is still more work to be done. This calls for the development of strategies and actions to further enhance accessibility in the IGF.

Overall, the discussion highlighted the various accessibility challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and the need for improvement in areas such as registration processes, content accessibility, navigation, institutional responsibilities, technology, and policy implementation.

The insights gained from the analysis demonstrate the importance of inclusive practices and the continued effort required to ensure accessibility for all individuals.

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It appears that Andrea is nowhere to be found, as the speaker continues to search for her without success. The absence of any other comments implies that there is no additional information or updates available regarding Andrea’s whereabouts. This situation raises concerns about her well-being and prompts questions about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Without further details, it is difficult to determine the exact reasons behind Andrea’s absence. However, her prolonged absence without any communication or indication of her whereabouts is certainly a cause for worry. It remains unclear whether Andrea’s disappearance is voluntary or if there is an underlying reason behind it.

The lack of comments from others suggests that they may also be unaware of her current situation. As time goes on without any sign of Andrea’s return, the speaker’s distress and apprehension are likely to grow. The unknown nature of this situation further heightens the sense of uncertainty, leaving those close to Andrea anxiously awaiting any news or developments.

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The Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability is a strong advocate for the accessibility of internet governance forums. They are committed to promoting the visibility and participation of persons with disabilities in these forums. The Coalition has received support from influential figures such as Vint Cerf and Google, which has allowed them to include disabled individuals in their sessions and discussions.

Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coalition has managed to revive its activities and continue their efforts for disability advocacy in Internet Governance forums.

This resilience highlights the importance of their mission and their dedication to making these forums accessible to all.

One specific area of concern raised by Peter Crosby is the accessibility of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) website. He points out that the website does not meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and that its complexity excludes many people, particularly those with cognitive disabilities.

Dr. Muhammad Shabbir agrees with these concerns, reinforcing the need for improved accessibility of the IGF website.

The issue of accessibility extends beyond just the online space. The Coalition highlights the need for greater accessibility in events, both physically and online.

While sign language interpretation is available for high-level sessions, individuals who are not proficient in basic technology may find it difficult to navigate and engage with the agenda and program. Additionally, the lack of accessible formats for menus and food choices further restricts the participation of individuals with disabilities.

Therefore, it is essential to provide comprehensive accessibility measures to ensure that events are inclusive and accessible for all.

Affordability and cost should not be limiting factors when it comes to accessibility. Prof. Inoue emphasizes the need to allocate resources for accessibility, even though it may incur costs.

This highlights the importance of prioritizing accessibility and ensuring that it is not overlooked due to financial constraints. Accessibility is imperative and should be a fundamental aspect of any platform or system.

The Coalition also emphasizes the need for the system to adapt and make itself accessible for persons with disabilities.

This approach reflects the social approach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which aims to ensure equal access for all individuals, regardless of disabilities.

There are concerns that current accessibility standards are outdated and not suitable for the digital age.

Society still relies on accessibility standards established during a pre-digital era, and there is a need to update these standards to cater to the advancements in technology and the increasing reliance on the internet.

The lack of implementation and monitoring of laws for website accessibility is a significant issue, as highlighted by Nicodemus Nyakundi from Kenya.

Despite having standards for website accessibility in place, the lack of awareness among web developers and the absence of a watchdog to enforce these standards result in limited compliance and accessible websites for persons with disabilities.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to involve persons with disabilities in the decision-making process.

This perspective is often overlooked when making laws and policies, leading to inadequate consideration of the lived experience of individuals with disabilities.

The domain name industry has the potential to play a significant role in enhancing accessibility. The efforts of the .NZ domain name organization in making the fund application process accessible to all users, including the disabled community, is commendable.

This serves as an example for other registries and registrars to prioritize accessibility and ensure inclusivity.

Overall, collaboration and partnerships are essential to improve the accessibility of internet governance forums. The Coalition welcomes collaborations with organizations such as the Accessibility SIG of the Internet Society and invites other registries and registrars to join efforts in making these forums more accessible.

Despite the challenges faced, there have been noteworthy improvements in the accessibility of IGF sessions.

Real-time captions and sign language interpretation are now provided for most sessions. The physical accessibility of the buildings where the IGF sessions take place has also been enhanced. These positive advancements demonstrate ongoing progress towards making the IGF more inclusive and accessible.

Dr.

Muhammad Shabbir stresses the importance of active participation from individuals with disabilities in these initiatives. He worked with the Asia-Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APR IGF) to make it accessible, highlighting the significance of having individuals with disabilities involved in the planning and implementation to ensure true inclusivity.

In conclusion, the Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability is committed to advocating for accessibility in internet governance forums.

Their efforts, along with the support of influential figures and organizations, aim to make these forums more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities. Challenges such as the accessibility of the IGF website, the need for greater accessibility in events, and the lack of implementation of accessibility laws highlight the areas that require attention and improvement.

Collaboration, involvement of individuals with disabilities, and continued commitment to improving accessibility are key factors in achieving lasting change.

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The Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DICAD) has made significant progress in promoting inclusivity and reducing inequalities in the digital world. Firstly, they have revitalised their coalition by creating governance documents and a code of conduct. This demonstrates their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within their organisation.

By establishing these documents, DICAD sets a strong foundation for their work and establishes clear guidelines for all members to follow.

DICAD has also implemented a disability fellowship programme, which is supported by Vint Cerf. This programme funds disabled fellows to attend conferences and events, allowing them to actively participate and contribute to discussions.

This initiative not only provides valuable opportunities for disabled individuals but also helps to promote diversity and foster inclusivity within the digital community.

In terms of events, DICAD has organised a session called “DCAN Envisioning for the Future”.

This session focuses on envisioning a future where accessibility and disability are prioritised in digital spaces. DICAD has expressed gratitude towards both online participants and in-person attendees, acknowledging their contributions and support. This showcases DICAD’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment that appreciates and values the participation of all individuals, regardless of their physical location.

DICAD is actively working towards increasing the presence and contributions of persons with disabilities in their sessions.

They have leveraged the support of Vint Cerf and Google to bring individuals with disabilities to their sessions. This deliberate effort highlights DICAD’s dedication to ensuring that those with disabilities are not only included but also actively participating and shaping discussions.

Advocacy for international sign language is another key focus area for DICAD.

They have recognised the importance of providing sign language interpretation for their main sessions. Previously, sign language interpretation was only planned for high-level sessions, but DICAD has made it a point to include sign language interpretation in their main sessions, ensuring that individuals who rely on sign language have access to the content being discussed.

In terms of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), DICAD is pushing for constant evaluation of its accessibility.

They recognise that accessibility is a crucial aspect of inclusivity and are actively working towards evaluating and improving the accessibility of the IGF forums. DICAD is also advocating for the accessibility information on the IGF website to be more prominent and easily accessible.

This ensures that individuals with disabilities can easily access the necessary information to fully participate in IGF events.

DICAD is also calling for a comprehensive update of laws and regulations that were made in a pre-digital era. They argue that these outdated laws need to be revised to accommodate the changes brought forth by the digital age.

DICAD is specifically highlighting the telephone relay law, which was created before the advent of digital communication and needs to be updated to align with modern technology.

Furthermore, DICAD emphasises the importance of education and awareness regarding disabilities in the digital context.

They argue that society needs to be educated to understand the needs of those with disabilities in the digital realm. DICAD highlights the positive response received when people are made aware of the needs of individuals with disabilities. They also advocate for including awareness of disabilities in online meetings and training programmes, ensuring that the needs of individuals with disabilities are considered and accommodated.

Emergency responses are another area of concern for DICAD.

They argue that emergency responses should include video services for signing and a variety of other accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not left behind during critical situations.

DICAD is considering creating committees for new activities or research, which will allow for focused and targeted work towards improving accessibility and inclusivity in the digital space.

This reflects their dedication to continuous improvement and their intent to expand their impact in the field.

To improve the IGF, DICAD is open to suggestions and actively works with the IGF Secretariat to address accessibility issues and enhance future events.

They have also partnered with Judith Hellerstein to address accessibility issues and are committed to improving accessibility standards within the IGF.

However, DICAD acknowledges that the enforcement of accessibility standards remains an issue. While efforts are being made to improve accessibility, there is a lack of consistent testing and adherence to standards.

This points to the need for stronger enforcement measures to ensure that accessibility standards are met.

In conclusion, the efforts of the Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DICAD) are commendable in promoting inclusivity, reducing inequalities, and advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.

Through the creation of governance documents, funding disabled fellows, organising inclusive sessions, advocating for international sign language, evaluating and improving accessibility in the IGF, updating laws, promoting education and awareness, improving emergency responses, accounting for accessibility in online meetings and training programmes, creating committees for new activities, and actively working to improve the IGF, DICAD is making a significant impact in creating a more accessible and inclusive digital world.

Their continued efforts and collaborations will contribute to building a society that values and accommodates the diverse needs of all individuals.

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The International Governance Forum (IGF) has faced criticism for the lack of accessibility options for individuals with hearing impairments on their website. Users have reported difficulties in finding necessary accessibility information. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the availability of captions or sign language interpretation for all sessions.

This lack of accessible information discourages those with hearing impairments from attending the event, contradicting the goal of reducing inequalities (SDG 10).

The argument put forth is that the IGF should improve their website by clearly listing the accessibility options available for each session.

This would enable individuals with hearing impairments to make informed decisions about attending the event. Providing accessibility information is crucial for these individuals as it helps them determine whether it is worthwhile to travel and participate. Moreover, the absence of such information makes it challenging for people with hearing impairments to follow the proceedings during the event.

The discussion also highlights the insufficiency of awareness and laws alone in ensuring accessibility.

Merely having laws in place does not guarantee compliance, as fines and implementation checks are often lacking. It is argued that enforcement through fines and regular checks is necessary to ensure accessibility requirements are met. The presence of tick box exercises can lead to subpar accessibility services being provided, emphasizing the need for more robust implementation measures.

Furthermore, the quality of accessibility services should not be compromised in the pursuit of quantity.

Tick box exercises may result in broadcasters, for instance, relying on auto-captioning without ensuring the accuracy of captions. This compromises the overall quality of accessibility services, which should be avoided when aiming to meet accessibility standards.

On a positive note, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has developed standards that guide actions before, during, and after meetings to ensure accessibility.

These standards provide a solid framework for creating fully accessible meetings and can serve as a reference for organizations seeking to improve their accessibility efforts.

Lastly, there is an argument for greater investment in human resources alongside innovation.

Many organizations focus solely on innovation, overlooking the need for adequate human resources. For instance, human resources are vital for monitoring and correcting errors in auto-captioning services to ensure their accuracy. The argument emphasizes that innovation alone is not enough and that investment in human resources is necessary to provide effective accessibility services.

In conclusion, the lack of accessibility information on the IGF’s website for individuals with hearing impairments is a significant issue.

By improving their website to clearly list accessibility options for each session, the IGF can empower individuals with hearing impairments to make informed decisions and encourage their participation. Furthermore, the implementation and enforcement of fines and checks are necessary to ensure accessibility compliance.

The quality of accessibility services should not be compromised, and the standards developed by the ITU provide a valuable framework. Lastly, greater investment in human resources alongside innovation is vital to monitor and correct errors, thus improving the overall accessibility experience.

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The analysis focuses on equal internet communication access for individuals with disabilities, specifically the deaf community. The speakers emphasise the importance of providing human resources, such as sign language interpreters and captionists, to ensure effective communication. They highlight that the current technology for speech-to-sign language or sign language-to-speech translation is not yet usable.

The provision and cost of sign language interpreters and captionists are identified as significant issues.

They stress that access to these resources is crucial for enabling the deaf community to effectively communicate and access information on the internet.

The speakers also express concern about the lack of accessibility on public websites, despite laws enacted for people with disabilities in Japan.

They provide an example of the positive telephone relay service, which is based on state responsibility. However, they highlight that many public websites in Japan are still inaccessible to individuals with disabilities.

Regarding responsibility, the speakers argue that society and states should ensure internet access for all, including persons with disabilities.

They advocate for society and the state to adapt and make efforts, rather than placing the burden on disabled individuals. They propose developing a mechanism that facilitates the participation of persons with disabilities and suggest enacting laws and regulations to stipulate state responsibility.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the importance of providing sign language interpreters and captionists to achieve equal internet communication access.

It highlights the need for society and states to take responsibility in ensuring internet access for all, including persons with disabilities. The development of mechanisms and the enactment of laws and regulations are proposed as means to address this matter.

These insights contribute to understanding the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the steps necessary to overcome them.

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Three speakers have made important points regarding different aspects of accessibility and technology.

The first point raised is that DICAD should collaborate with ITU to implement and test or certify the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standard. The Rapporteur of Accessibility at ITU, Masahito Kawamori, is highlighted as an important figure in this matter.

It is suggested that by working together, DICAD and ITU can ensure the effective implementation and testing of WCAG standards, which promote inclusive and accessible web content for all users.

The second point emphasizes the necessity of page readers or text readers for visually impaired individuals.

This argument is considered crucial in reducing inequalities and ensuring accessibility for all. The endorsement of this argument by Ms. Tabata further strengthens the case for providing such tools to visually impaired individuals. It highlights the need for technological solutions that cater to the specific needs of this group, enabling them to access and engage with digital content more effectively.

Lastly, the speakers propose that NetBarca explores the possibility of integrating telecommunication networks with the web and internet.

This suggestion aligns with a proposal made by the United States government. The integration of telecommunication networks with the web and internet could lead to enhanced connectivity and access to information for users. This could have significant implications for industry, innovation, and infrastructure, as it would expand the capabilities and reach of telecommunication networks, thereby benefiting a wider range of individuals and businesses.

In conclusion, the speakers have highlighted the importance of collaboration, technology, and connectivity in ensuring accessibility and reducing inequalities.

Their arguments and supporting evidence advocate for the implementation of WCAG standards, the provision of page readers or text readers for visually impaired individuals, and the integration of telecommunication networks with the web and internet. These suggestions have the potential to advance accessibility and inclusivity in the digital world, benefiting individuals and society as a whole.

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The analysis examines the accessibility challenges faced at a conference and highlights the need for improvement. Firstly, the registration process at the conference was not accessible, causing frustration for attendees. Michiko, for instance, spent two hours completing the registration and had to start over when a problem occurred.

This highlights the urgency of making the registration process more accessible.

Additionally, wayfinding at the conference venue was difficult, even with a sighted companion. Michiko struggled to locate the correct room, indicating the importance of clear signage and physical accessibility.

The limited availability of sign language interpretation at conference sessions was another issue raised.

It was found that only a few sessions had this accessibility feature, emphasizing the need for more inclusive practices.

The analysis also focuses on web accessibility in Japan, particularly in public and private services. Many public services, such as transport booking and vaccination appointments, are provided online.

Ensuring website accessibility is essential for equal access to these services.

Web accessibility is crucial for daily life as well, with 90% of visually impaired individuals in Japan requiring internet access. More than half of the disabled population also use the internet, highlighting the importance of web accessibility for inclusive engagement.

However, it is concerning that less than 10% of private sector websites in Japan meet accessibility standards.

There is a significant gap that needs to be addressed to ensure inclusivity.

Raising awareness about the importance of web accessibility is necessary. Misconceptions, such as the idea that accessibility hinders design flexibility and lacks benefits, need to be addressed to encourage more focus on incorporating accessibility features.

In conclusion, the analysis identifies accessibility challenges at conferences and in web platforms in Japan.

It emphasizes the need for improvements in the registration process, wayfinding, and sign language interpretation. Web accessibility is crucial for public and private services and daily life. Raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions will contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible society.

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The discussion emphasises the necessity for countries to receive support and guidance in formulating mandatory web and app accessibility policies that are of high quality. The aim is to address issues of inequality and promote industry innovation and infrastructure. By enforcing these policies, countries can ensure that their digital platforms are readily accessible to individuals with disabilities, reducing the disparities they may face in accessing important services and information online.

In addition, there is a proposal to empower disability organisations to play a key role in advocating for and monitoring the implementation of these policies.

By granting them more authority, these organisations will have the ability to actively push for the adoption of accessibility standards and ensure their proper execution. This would not only contribute to reducing inequalities but would also support the broader goals of promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

It is important to note that while the summary does not provide specific evidence or supporting facts, the arguments put forth highlight the significance of mandatory accessibility policies for web and app development.

The positive sentiment expressed towards empowering disability organisations implies that their involvement can lead to tangible improvements in the implementation and enforcement of such policies.

Moreover, the discussion also recognises that the creation and enforcement of these policies should be of high quality.

This indicates the need for comprehensive guidelines and standards that are not only effective but also technically feasible for developers and businesses.

In conclusion, this expanded summary highlights the importance of providing assistance to countries in developing mandatory web and app accessibility policies that are of high quality.

By empowering disability organisations to advocate for and monitor the implementation of these policies, significant progress can be made in reducing inequalities and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. Overall, these efforts will contribute to creating a more inclusive digital environment for individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to opportunities and information.

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The summary delves into the issues surrounding the IGF site’s accessibility and inclusiveness. It highlights that the site is considered overly complicated and fails to meet WCAG guidelines, making it difficult for individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to navigate and effectively use.

Additionally, there is a notable absence of meaningful input from people with disabilities during the site’s development and improvement stages.

One argument raised is that the IGF site lacks inclusiveness, resulting in the exclusion of many individuals.

The site’s complexity and inefficiency hinder users from fully accessing and utilizing its resources. This sentiment is reinforced by the observation that the site does not function properly on certain levels, further limiting its inclusiveness and usability.

The pace of progress in ensuring accessibility is also a concern.

Despite discussions and efforts over the past five years, little improvement has been made. Proposed solutions often involve implementing mere technological add-ons or superficial fixes, rather than addressing the core accessibility issues. Furthermore, a survey reveals that government service websites also fail to comply with WCAG guidelines, highlighting the broader challenge of achieving accessibility across various online platforms.

Accessibility issues have a negative impact beyond individuals with disabilities.

Personal experiences highlight the difficulties faced by those with temporary disabilities, emphasizing that accessibility concerns affect all users. It is suggested that accessibility measures should be viewed as a universal need, rather than solely focusing on the requirements of specific user groups.

An important argument put forth is that accessibility should be an integral part of ICT from the outset.

Currently, accessibility is often an afterthought, added later in the website development process. The need for continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing accessibility is emphasized, as technologies and standards evolve over time.

Education and awareness surrounding accessibility play a vital role in addressing these challenges.

It is noted that the majority of web developers consider accessibility as a mere checkbox to tick off, rather than an essential element of ICT and web design. Education is necessary to shift this perspective and ensure that accessibility is ingrained in the mindset of developers and designers.

In conclusion, the IGF site’s failure to meet accessibility criteria, its lack of inclusiveness, and the persisting challenges in ensuring accessibility in the digital realm highlight the importance of prioritizing accessibility from the start and continuously monitoring its implementation.

Education and awareness are essential in fostering a more inclusive and accessible online environment for all users.

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Internet New Zealand, known as .NZ, has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities by prioritising them in their fund distribution. Their aim is to ensure that funds generated from the sale of domain names are channelled back into the community, with a particular focus on benefiting people with disabilities.

This commitment is a positive step towards reducing inequalities, as outlined by SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

One notable aspect of .NZ’s approach is their recognition of the diverse needs of applicants. They allow individuals to apply for funds in any way that works best for them, acknowledging that different people have different abilities and preferences.

This inclusive approach ensures that individuals with disabilities are not hindered by barriers or limitations when seeking support.

In their quest to empower people with disabilities, .NZ has funded various projects that cater specifically to their needs. In the first year of focusing on funding projects for individuals with disabilities, .NZ successfully funded nine projects.

These projects covered a wide range of areas, from content creation to innovation aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity. Noteworthy examples include projects focused on smart access and the development of human-generated transcripts for deafblind individuals. These initiatives demonstrate .NZ’s dedication to supporting innovative ideas that can make a tangible difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

While .NZ has made commendable efforts in prioritising accessibility and inclusivity, they acknowledge that there is still work to be done.

They are aware of the need for continuous improvement to enhance access for all individuals. This recognition shows their commitment to creating a more inclusive online environment and aligns with the goals of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

In conclusion, Internet New Zealand (.NZ) has taken significant steps to support people with disabilities through their fund distribution efforts.

By prioritising individuals with disabilities and funding projects that address their unique needs, .NZ is actively working towards reducing inequalities and promoting inclusivity. While they recognise the need for further improvement, their commitment to accessibility is evident. With their continued dedication, .NZ has the potential to make a lasting impact in creating a more accessible and inclusive online landscape.

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Ishii emphasises the necessity for a legal and financial framework that supports web applications for communication. The current Nippon Foundation Telecommunication Relay Service in Japan is unable to provide assistance for communication through internet-based apps like Zoom, Teams, Meet, WhatsApp, LINE, and others.

However, it is worth noting that over 25 countries already have legislation in place that supports official telecommunication relay services.

Ishii supports the establishment of a framework that can sustain continuous support for human assistance, such as sign language interpretation, within internet-based communication.

This is particularly important given that most countries currently only support conventional telephone communication and do not provide specific support for communication via internet-based apps.

The need for a supportive framework has emerged from Ishii’s work at the Nippon Foundation Telecommunication Relay Service.

It is clear that there is a gap between existing support services and the increasingly prevalent use of internet-based communication platforms. Ishii argues that this gap should be addressed through the implementation of a legal and financial framework that can adapt to the changing nature of communication technology.

Overall, Ishii’s argument highlights the importance of ensuring equal access and support for individuals using internet-based communication platforms.

By establishing a framework that accommodates the needs of these individuals, such as sign language interpretation, they can fully participate in the digital world. The examples of legislative support in other countries serve as evidence that implementing such a framework is both feasible and beneficial.