Barriers to Inclusion: Strategies for People with disability | IGF 2023

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During the discussion, the speakers focused on the challenges and opportunities of digital inclusion for people with disabilities. They emphasized the importance of adopting a granular approach to address the specific needs of each disability type. It was argued that people with disabilities have diverse requirements, and efforts in digital inclusion need to be both broad and deep to cater to these specific needs.

Collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals was identified as a key driver for meaningful change in digital accessibility.

The speakers stressed that fostering a collaborative environment can lead to impactful initiatives and solutions that benefit people with disabilities. This collaboration could involve sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve greater accessibility and inclusion.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the inclusion of people with disabilities should go beyond technical accessibility and encompass the content and functionality of digital platforms.

The speakers argued that it is not enough to simply make digital platforms technically accessible; it is equally important to ensure that the content and functionality of these platforms are designed in a way that caters to the needs of people with disabilities.

Another important point raised during the discussion was the need for better recognition of different types of disabilities and parameters in countries.

The classification of disabilities varies from country to country, leading to inconsistencies in support and accessibility measures. Therefore, addressing this issue and working towards a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of disabilities is crucial.

Additionally, the speakers highlighted the low representation of people with disabilities at the Internet Governance Forum and the low internet use among this population in some countries.

These observations underscored the urgent need to focus on including people with disabilities in all fields, especially in internet access and participation. Increasing the representation of people with disabilities at forums and conferences, as well as improving the availability of accessible internet services, are crucial steps in ensuring their equal participation and inclusion.

In conclusion, the discussion shed light on the challenges and opportunities of digital inclusion for people with disabilities.

It emphasized the importance of a granular approach, collaboration, and recognition when addressing the specific needs of different disability types. The inclusion of people with disabilities should extend beyond technical accessibility to include the content and functionality of digital platforms.

Moreover, improving representation and increasing internet accessibility for this population are vital for their equal participation and inclusion.

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The analysis suggests that there is a pressing need for greater inclusion and visibility for people with disabilities in Brazil and Latin America. The speakers argue that in order to achieve this, policies need to be implemented and there needs to be a better understanding of these policies to make education and training programs more accessible.

It is highlighted that only 14% of people with disabilities in Brazil pursue higher levels of education, indicating a significant gap in access to quality education. Additionally, there is a large wage gap of almost 25% less for people with disabilities in terms of salaries in Brazil, further emphasizing the need for equal opportunities.

The analysis also points out the crucial role that technology plays in increasing accessibility and connectivity for people with disabilities.

It is noted that the legal system in Brazil is primarily online, which enables individuals with disabilities to participate more effectively. Social media platforms are also becoming key venues for speech for individuals dealing with disabilities, enabling them to have a voice and share their experiences.

However, the analysis also highlights the need for appropriate moderation on social media and online spaces to protect people with disabilities from online bullying and hate speech.

Instances of online bullying and hate towards people with disabilities in Latin America have been reported, and it is emphasized that moderation is necessary to safeguard individuals from online harm.

The analysis further emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting invisible disabilities.

People with disabilities that are not easily visible often face difficulties and prejudice. It is argued that their rights are not immediately recognized, and it is imperative to raise awareness and promote acceptance of invisible disabilities.

Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes the role of communities in providing internet access for disabled individuals and other minorities.

A successful example in Brazil is mentioned, where indigenous and traditional communities have taken the initiative to self-organize internet access. This highlights the potential of communities as key players in bridging the digital divide and ensuring accessibility for all.

An interesting point raised in the analysis is the question of the economic feasibility of making online content more inclusive.

There is a consideration that economic interest plays a role in determining the inclusivity of online content, raising questions about the prioritization of accessibility in commercial ventures.

Lastly, the analysis laments the lack of attendance at events discussing disability issues.

It is argued that more space and voice should be given to discuss situations for the improvement of infrastructure and technology for people with disabilities.

In conclusion, the speakers in this analysis shed light on various aspects related to inclusion and visibility for people with disabilities in Brazil and Latin America.

They stress the importance of policies, understanding, and accessibility in education and training programs. Technology is seen as a powerful tool for connectivity and accessibility, while moderation is necessary to protect individuals from online harm. Recognition and acceptance of invisible disabilities, the involvement of communities, and the economic feasibility of inclusivity are also key considerations.

The analysis highlights the need for increased attention and dialogue to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities and work towards a more inclusive society.

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Gunila Astbrink, an influential advocate in the field of accessibility and disability within internet governance, actively supports individuals with disabilities and promotes accessibility. She is championing inclusivity by accompanying three persons with disabilities to the IGF meeting and mentoring them in their journey within internet governance.

Astbrink argues that mainstream legislation and policy should include provisions for accessibility, highlighting Australia’s national disability strategy and the Telecommunications Act. She commends the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACAN) for enforcing accessibility-related policies. Astbrink emphasizes the importance of including disabled individuals in policy implementation and praises ACAN’s representation of consumers and consumers with disabilities.

She also promotes the use of public procurement provisions to ensure widespread use of ICT accessible products. Astbrink believes that organizations should have accessibility champions to collaborate with content and tech developers. She highlights the employment challenges faced by people with disabilities and stresses the need for greater opportunities and support.

Astbrink calls for more representation from the disability community in internet governance discussions and encourages individuals to voice their concerns to the IGF Secretariat and the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG). She mentions the existence of a funding program and a training program on disability in digital rights and internet governance.

Overall, Astbrink’s work aims to reduce inequalities and create a more inclusive society.

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The analysis highlights the issue of digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Judith Hellerstein, who represents multiple interests in the sector, is an important figure. She runs her own firm, Halicyn Associates, and works directly with the US government on accessibility.

Hellerstein has participated in events organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is a co-coordinator of the Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability.

Hellerstein advocates for the development of stronger digital economies and increased accessibility. She helps countries develop their digital economies and emphasizes accessibility.

Currently, only 3% of the internet is accessible for persons with disabilities worldwide. With over 1.3 billion people with disabilities globally, there is a clear need to make technology and digital services more accessible and inclusive.

The analysis supports efforts to update the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and enforce Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

These initiatives aim to legally mandate digital accessibility and ensure that companies follow guidelines to make their online content accessible to all users. Updating the ADA and enforcing WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 standards are seen as important steps in achieving greater accessibility for people with disabilities.

The analysis also points out the need for better awareness and practices in developing and designing accessible content.

Companies often fail to inform developers about accessibility guidelines, creating barriers for people using screen-readers. Issues with metadata and image descriptions also contribute to the lack of accessibility. Therefore, improving awareness and incorporating accessibility practices in the development and design of digital content are necessary.

In terms of education, there is a strong argument for making programs accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

Programs should be designed to be accessible to all, regardless of their disabilities. This applies to both online and in-person education. The analysis also highlights the importance of adequately describing pictures and diagrams used in educational materials to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully understand the content.

An example is given of a person who developed a special Braille keyboard for STEM education, underscoring the need to adapt educational materials for different learning needs.

It is acknowledged that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to meeting the educational needs of people with disabilities.

Different disabilities, such as visual impairments, hearing impairments, and cognitive disabilities, require tailored approaches to address their specific needs. Therefore, to achieve true accessibility and inclusion, it is crucial to understand and address the unique challenges faced by different groups of individuals with disabilities.

Lastly, the analysis stresses the importance of testing platforms used for education programs for accessibility.

Many programs claim to be accessible, but when used as a whole, they may not meet accessibility standards. To ensure that these platforms are truly accessible, it is essential to have accessibility testers and firms that can thoroughly audit and test the programs.

This will help identify and address any accessibility barriers, ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in education programs.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the need for greater digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Judith Hellerstein’s advocacy for stronger digital economies and increased accessibility, efforts to update the ADA and enforce WCAG guidelines, as well as the need for better awareness and practices in developing and designing accessible content, are all important steps towards achieving this goal.

Additionally, the analysis underscores the importance of making education programs accessible and inclusive, tailoring approaches to meet the specific needs of different disabilities, and testing platforms for accessibility.

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Stigmatization of people with disabilities is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across all sectors of society. However, it is particularly detrimental for people with disabilities as they often face additional challenges and barriers due to the stigma associated with their conditions.

One of the main factors contributing to this issue is the fact that some disabilities are not immediately visible, leading to misunderstandings and further stigmatization.

Education and policy play crucial roles in combating stigmatization towards people with disabilities.

Education has the power to reshape attitudes and perceptions by teaching individuals about the humanity and capabilities of people with disabilities. By educating society about the diverse range of disabilities and the unique challenges faced by individuals living with them, empathy and understanding can be fostered, reducing stigma and promoting inclusivity.

Furthermore, the implementation of effective policies is essential in addressing the issue of stigmatization.

It is important to examine whether policies exist to protect individuals with disabilities and promote equal opportunities. However, determining the existence and accessibility of such policies can be a time-consuming process. Nevertheless, it is imperative to ensure that policies are in place and readily available to support individuals with disabilities, as they serve as a foundation for fostering a more inclusive and accepting society.

In addition to education and policy, advocacy is considered a never-ending but necessary process in battling stigmatization.

Advocacy plays a significant role in raising awareness and promoting the rights and needs of people with disabilities. By amplifying their voices and experiences, advocates can challenge misconceptions and break down stereotypes, facilitating social change and progress towards a more equitable society.

In conclusion, the stigmatization of people with disabilities poses a significant challenge that needs to be urgently addressed.

Education, policy, and advocacy are essential components in combating this issue. By promoting inclusive education, implementing effective policies, and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, society can work towards creating a more accepting and inclusive environment. It is crucial that we strive to dismantle the misconceptions and prejudices surrounding disabilities, fostering a society where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and equal opportunities.

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The analysis reveals several important points discussed by the speakers. Firstly, Muhammad Kamran, a practicing lawyer from Pakistan, is highlighted as an expert in cyber crime. This establishes his credibility in the topic and sets the stage for further discussions.

The speakers also discuss the increasing prevalence of cyber crimes with the advancement of technology.

This negative sentiment implies that as technology evolves, so do the methods and sophistication of cyber criminals. This poses a significant challenge for individuals, governments, and organizations to protect themselves from cyber threats.

To address these issues, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is presented as a platform for finding solutions to cyber crime.

This positive sentiment emphasizes its importance in bringing together various stakeholders to tackle the complex issues surrounding internet governance and cyber security.

The broader impact of technology on our lives and future generations is acknowledged. This neutral sentiment indicates that technology is seen as a powerful force that influences various aspects of society.

It can bring numerous benefits but also raises concerns about its potential negative consequences.

One of the positive aspects highlighted is the use of technology to assist people with disabilities. The existence of assistive apps and devices like Google Assistant is mentioned as evidence to support this argument.

The sentiment here is positive, implying that technology has the potential to improve the lives of disabled individuals by providing them with greater accessibility and independence.

The speakers also emphasize the importance of making digital platforms accessible to everyone.

This requires implementing features such as screen readers or captioning and involving disabled individuals in policy-making. This positive sentiment highlights the need for inclusivity and ensuring that technology is designed with consideration for people with disabilities.

The topic of disability and inclusivity continues with the understanding that disabled individuals should be considered “specially abled”.

This neutral sentiment challenges societal perceptions of disability and promotes a more empathetic and positive approach towards disabled individuals.

To effectively utilize technology, it is argued that training and resources should be provided to disabled individuals. The sentiment here is positive, indicating the importance of empowering disabled individuals with the necessary skills and tools to fully engage with technology.

The mention of alternative formats such as Braille or audio versions further highlights the need for accessibility.

Collaboration between tech organizations, government, and disability organizations is seen as essential to address the challenges faced by disabled individuals. This positive sentiment acknowledges that by working together, these stakeholders can combine their expertise, resources, and influence to create meaningful change and greater inclusivity.

Furthermore, the argument is made that disabled individuals should be actively involved in policy designing.

This positive sentiment emphasizes the importance of consulting disabled persons when developing effective policies and programs. Their lived experiences provide valuable insights that can help create more inclusive and sustainable solutions.

Finally, the responsibility for promoting disability rights and advocacy is also stated to fall on disabled individuals themselves.

This neutral sentiment implies that it is not solely the government’s responsibility, but disabled individuals should also actively participate and advocate for their own rights. This promotes a sense of empowerment and agency within the disabled community.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights various important discussions regarding cyber crime, the impact of technology, and inclusivity for disabled individuals.

It stresses the need for collaboration, accessibility, and the active involvement of disabled individuals in policy-making and advocacy. These insights provide valuable considerations for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in creating a more inclusive and secure society.

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The session aims to explore policies, strategies, and technologies that promote inclusive and accessible digital services for people with disabilities. It acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in bridging the digital divide and aims to address these challenges by examining ways to close the gap and provide equal opportunities for all.

Key policy questions to be addressed include inclusive technology and digital services design, bridging the digital divide, and accessible training programs. The session emphasises the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in digital technologies and services, and highlights the ongoing efforts and commitment in this regard.

The panel discussion will feature guest speakers Judith, Gunela, Teoros, Denise, and Mohamed Kamran, who are experts in the field, and their contributions will be appreciated. The session aims to provide a platform to discuss and explore innovative solutions for promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the digital realm.

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Advocacy work is crucial in making technology and digital services accessible for people with disabilities. Currently, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. Firstly, content creators often overlook the needs of individuals with disabilities, resulting in inaccessible content.

Secondly, many users are unaware of the accessibility options on their devices, which limits their ability to access digital content effectively. Additionally, those who cannot afford devices with built-in accessibility features are left out, leading to a significant accessibility gap.

The issue is particularly pronounced in Africa, where limited awareness exists on how to make content accessible.

This lack of understanding perpetuates the accessibility gap, further marginalising individuals with disabilities. To tackle this, capacity-building initiatives are needed to educate content creators and users on the importance of accessibility and provide them with the skills to make content accessible.

Involving people with disabilities in problem-solving and content creation is crucial.

By including individuals with disabilities in the design and development of accessible content and applications, the products can better cater to their needs. Opportunities should be created to utilise the skills of people with disabilities, who often have computer science expertise.

Collaboration between organisations, governments, and civil services is essential for effective inclusion.

This collaboration can lead to increased funding and support for initiatives like the inclusive tech programme in Ghana, led by Dr. Millicent, a disabled individual. The programme organises hackathons and technology training sessions for people with disabilities, empowering them with the skills to navigate digital technologies.

Stigma in online spaces is a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities, which needs to be addressed through policy interventions.

People with disabilities often face discrimination and abuse online, amplified by misconceptions and the complexity of disabilities. Policies should be implemented to counteract this stigmatisation and create a safe and inclusive online environment.

Education and awareness are vital in combating stigma and prejudice.

Many people have misconceptions about disabilities due to a lack of understanding. By promoting quality education and raising awareness, society can develop a more inclusive attitude towards people with disabilities, reducing inequalities.

Advocacy for disability rights and awareness must continue as an ongoing process.

It is crucial to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, promote accessibility and inclusion, and challenge societal barriers. This will create a more inclusive and accessible digital landscape that empowers individuals with disabilities and reduces inequalities.