In October 2025, the training «Digital Accessibility and WCAG standards for persons with visual impairments» took place in the Republic of Armenia. The two-stage training, including face-to-face training and a stage of practical development of acquired skills, was organized by the ITU in collaboration with the Non-Governmental Organization "White Cane".
The training was attended by 17 students (8 men and 9 women) with visual impairments aged 15 to 45, representing various fields of activity. 13 participants had a disability of group I or deep functional impairments, 4 participants - a disability of group II or severe functional impairments. In addition, 2 volunteers without disabilities - a typhlopedagogue and an accompanying person - were involved in the program.
The purpose of the program was to provide persons with visual impairments with knowledge and practical skills in the field of digital accessibility based on international WCAG standards and the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. The program was also aimed at forming an active community of participants who can independently monitor the accessibility of the digital environment, services and web content in the Republic of Armenia.
The face-to-face part of the training was conducted by an invited expert from the UK, a digital accessibility consultant, who is engaged in improving the digital environment and ensuring equal access to technologies and has 13 years of experience in this field.
After the face-to-face stage, for 10 days participants monitored 10 key Armenian websites, providing important state and public digital services that directly affect the daily lives of persons with visual impairments. Among them are websites for applying for disability and re-examination, the website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, a website publishing job vacancies, websites of the Government and the Yerevan Municipality, a portal of legislative projects and legal acts, the police website, tax and declaration portals, as well as an audiobook portal. These resources cover key areas - social protection, employment, taxation, legal information, security and access to culture, so their accessibility is particularly important for persons with visual impairments.
As a result of the program, recommendations were developed on the administration of web resources with suggestions to improve their accessibility, which made it possible to increase the level of digital participation of persons with visual impairments and contributed to the development of an inclusive digital environment in Armenia.