To address this challenge, ITU and the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict) launched an initiative to develop an online tool – Toolkit for Policy Makers on e-Accessibility & Service Needs for Persons with Disabilities - designed to provide all stakeholders with case studies and practical references to support implementation of the digital accessibility agenda at the country level.

The regional Forum will provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to come together to discuss the Policy Toolkit and exchange country experiences and case studies. Topics on the agenda include: Public Policies and Social and Economic Impact of ICT Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities; Promoting Accessible Telecommunications, Websites and Internet Access, Assistive Solutions; the Accessibility Agenda; plus, workshops on Self Assessment Tool, Public Procurement, and Web Accessibility.

Policy makers, regulators, operators, industry, NGOs and international organizations involved with persons with disabilities, as well as experts and ICT professionals including disabled persons from across the region and beyond are expected to participate. Speakers and panelists include: Mr Monthian Buntan, Senator, Government of Kingdom of Thailand; H.E. Luis Gallegos, Ambassador of Ecuador to the United States; Mr Axel Leblois, Executive Director, G3ict; Prof. Pairash Thajchayapong, Senior Advisor to the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) of Thailand; Ms Cynthia Waddell, Executive Director, International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet (ICDRI); Mr Gerard Ellis, Special Advisor to the Universal Access Committee of the European Disability Forum (EDF).

For the agenda, click here.

To register for the press conference and Forum, journalists should visit the Forum registration desk at the UNCC.