Agenda

According to WHO, over 1 billion people are estimated to experience disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the world's population, with up to 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 years and older having significant difficulties in functioning, often requiring health care services.[1] 

Assistive technologies and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are powerful tools for advancing welfare and wellbeing for all in building inclusive communities. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Process underlines the importance of access to information and knowledge for persons with disabilities. WSIS Action Line C3: “Access to Information and Knowledge” and other relevant Action Lines, include action points on inclusion of persons with disabilities, mainly focusing on improving access to information and knowledge. 

One of the key activities at the WSIS Forum is the ICTs and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and Specific Needs special track, which highlights the innovative technologies in the development of inclusive society and aims to mainstream accessibility in the development of international telecommunications/ICT standards, whilst fostering discussions on key accessibility issues. WSIS engaged different accessibility communities, including hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, autism, etc.

The side event will look into the global framework, such as WSIS Forum, for action as well as good practices to enhance cooperation to ensure everyone's right to participate in the information society – regardless of age, gender, location, financial means, or ability in most meaningful and effective manner by taking full advantages and benefits provided by the ICTs solutions and resources. Discussions will also shed light on intellectual property as a key driver of technology development and innovation, as well as the opportunities availed through technological breakthrough for the empowerment of people and communities around the world. 

This session seeks to stimulate discussions around the following topics: 

• The power of technologies and the underpinning innovation ecosystem in fostering digital and social inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life
• Stakeholders' initiatives and efforts to ensure the accessibility of ICTs and the promotion of the usage of ICTs and assistive technologies for persons with disabilities?
• How could the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines contribute to addressing the accessibility issues?

This side event contributes to the discussion on the importance offered by ICTs and assistive technologies in  fostering digital inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development.

This session aligns with UN SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals) and the WSIS Action Lines.

 
[1] WHO, ‘’Disability and Health’’, available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health#:~:text=Over%201%20billion%20people%20are,often%20requiring%20health%20care%20services