Draft ECOWAS ICT Accessibility Policy (2018) v1 post Burkina Faso and Gambia Workshops
ECOWAS ICT Accessibility Policy (DRAFT)
1. DEFINITIONS
“Assistive Technology”1 or AT” is any information and communications technology,
products, devices, equipment and related services used to maintain, increase, or
improve the functional capabilities of individuals with special needs or disabilities.
Assistive technologies represent a separate hardware or software added to equipment
or services to enable persons with more severe disabilities to overcome the barriers they
face to access information and communication. Are used to enable or compensate
users with functional, motor, sensory or an intellectual limitations
“Accessible Publishing” means making information available in an accessible format,
which may include, but is not limited to, alternate formats such as Braille, audiotape, oral
presentation or electronically for individuals with reading impairments;
“Auxiliary Aids and Services” means aids and services that assist persons with
disabilities to understand communications and include, but are not limited to:
(a) Qualified sign language interpreter services; note takers; computer aided
transcription services; written materials or exchange of written notes; telephone
amplifiers; assistive listening devices and systems; telephones compatible with
hearing aids and cochlear implants; closed caption decoders; open and closed
captioning; voice, text and video-based telecommunications products and
systems, including videophones and captioned telephones, or equally effective
telecommunications devices; videotext displays; accessible electronic and
information technology; or other effective methods of making aurally delivered
information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing;
(b) Qualified readers; taped texts; audio recordings; Braille materials and displays;
screen reader software; magnification software; optical readers; secondary
auditory programs (SAP); large print materials; accessible electronic and
information technology; or other effective methods of making visually delivered
materials available to individuals who are blind or have low vision;
(c) Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and
(d) Other similar services and actions
"Accessible Communication" includes any means and formats of communication,
whether delivered aurally, visually or tactilely, including languages, display of text,
1 As referred in the presentations of the BDT Focal point on Digital Accessibility
3