Statement of the situation or prob​​lem

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one billion persons in the world live with some type of disability. According to WHO, about 80 per cent of persons with disabilities live in low income countries. Disability appears in different forms and degrees, regarding physical, sensitive or mental aspects. Also, increasing life expectancy results in elderly persons having reduced capabilities. Thus, it is likely that the number of persons with disabilities will continue to rise.
The inclusion in society of persons with disabilities is a policy of Member States. The objective of such policy is to bring about the necessary conditions for persons with disabilities to enjoy the same opportunities in life as the rest of the population. The disabilities policy has evolved, making urban infrastructure accessible and improving health and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities. Moreover, the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination are common policies of Member States.
With respect to telecommunications, at the World Telecommunication Development Conference (Hyderabad, 2010) Member States resolved, by Resolution 20 (Rev. Hyderabad, 2010), that access to modern telecommunication/information and communication technology (ICT) facilities, services and related applications must be provided on a non discriminatory basis.
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) acknowledged that special attention should be given to the needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on the overall review of the implementation of the WSIS outcomes acknowledged the need to address the specific ICT challenges facing children, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, indigenous peoples, refugees and internally displaced persons, migrants and remote and rural communities.
On 13 December 2006, UNGA approved the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which came into force on 3 May 2008. The CRPD establishes basic principles, and also a State's obligations to ensure equal access to telecommunications/ICTs, including Internet, by persons with disabilities.
Resolution 175 (Rev. Busan, 2014) of the Plenipotentiary Conference, on telecommunication/ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs, calls for the introduction of mechanisms to enhance the accessibility, compatibility and usability of telecommunication/ICT services, and encourages the development of applications enabling the use of such services by persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs on an equal basis with others.
Resolution 70 (Rev. Hammamet, 2016) of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, on telecommunication/ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs, resolves that the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) study groups should consider aspects of universal design, non-discriminatory standards, service regulations and measures for all persons, especially persons with disabilities.
The ITU-G3ict Model ICT Accessibility Policy Report highlights a series of elements relevant to the development of policies on public access to ICTs, mobile communications, TV and video programmes, web access and public procurement. The report also recognizes the need for flexible legislative frameworks that foster equitable access to telecommunications/ICTs for persons with disabilities in a constantly changing technological environment.
ITU-T Study Group 16 has conducted work and studies on multimedia coding, systems and applications, and Study Group 6 of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) has conducted work on broadcasting services relevant to ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities.
It is also pertinent to mention that broadband access and usage are highly dependent on literacy, and ICT literacy as well. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that 750 million people aged 15 and above worldwide are illiterate, i.e. they cannot read or write; and two-thirds of them are women.
Several issues encountered by both disability groups and illiterate groups of people have common solutions.
It is important to gather information and data addressing many key issues relating to accessibility to telecommunications/ICTs for persons with disabilities. Therefore, a methodology should be developed to assist the information-gathering process.
During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the issue of digital inclusion and telecommunication/ICT accessibility has gained significant momentum around the world. It becomes very important to mainstream ICTs through the implementation of policies, regulations and communication strategies (including education, employment and health) for the socio-economic development of all people, including persons with disabilities and specific needs. Accessibility principles should be implemented at the design stage of ICT applications and services to bridge the digital divide.
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Question o​​r issue for study

• ​a) Sharing good practices on implementing national ICT accessibility policies, legal frameworks, directives, guidelines, strategies and technological solutions to improve the accessibility, compatibility and usability of telecommunication/ICT services.
• b) Accessibility of e-government and other socially relevant digital services.
• c) Accessibility of new and emerging technologies.
• d) Education and training for persons with disabilities and specific needs in the use of telecommunications/ICTs, and education and training of experts to assist persons with disabilities and specific needs to use telecommunications/ICTs.
• e) Use of accessible telecommunications/ICTs to promote the employment of persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive and open society.
• f) National experience in collecting information and statistics on telecommunication/ICTs accessibility.
• g) Mechanisms to involve persons with disabilities and specific needs in the process of elaborating legal/regulatory provisions, public policy and standards related to telecommunication/ICTs accessibility.

  Expected ​output​

• a) Raising awareness among ITU members, decision-makers, persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs, and any other stakeholders, on best practices in telecommunication/ICTs accessibility.
• b) Guidelines and recommendations to assist ITU members as well as all stakeholders on accessible telecommunications/ICTs to build an inclusive society.
• c) Final report for Member States and Sector Members, operators, service providers and any other interested parties, providing guidance and best practices for the development and implementation of policies, regulatory frameworks and strategies for accessible telecommunications/ICTs for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs.
• d) Telecommunication/ICT accessibility training to stakeholders, especially policy-makers, on how to engage all national and/or regional stakeholders and share good practices and success stories on the implementation of ICT accessibility policies, regulatory frameworks and services.
• e) Highlight ITU products and services available to the members to empower national stakeholders in ensuring telecommunication/ICT accessibility.
• f) Identify mechanisms for the use of telecommunications/ICTs to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, including telework.
• g) Identify methodologies that make it possible to compile telecommunication/ICT statistics focused on users with disabilities, in order to monitor the impact of the implementation of ICT accessibility policies, practices and technological solutions.