Draft ECOWAS ICT Accessibility Policy (2018) v1 post Burkina Faso and Gambia Workshops
Standards must be put in place to promote accessibility by PWD to online
content. See section 7.4 of this Policy.
(5) Putting in place measures and taking steps to promote broadcasting
accessibility, whether broadcasting is delivered on an analogue or digital
platform. Broadcasting accessibility covers television, radio and electronic
programming guides and is key as television is mentioned explicitly in article
30(1) (b) of the UNCRPD. It is addresses access by the deaf or hard of hearing;
blind or low vision users; those with cognitive disabilities; and persons with
physical disabilities to broadcasting services. See section 7.5 of this Policy.
(6) Putting in place measures and taking steps to support accessible
procurement policies for both public and private sector organizations to give
priority or preference to accessible or universal design technologies. See section
7.6 of this Policy.
7.1 Mainstream e-accessibility in ICT policy and law amendments
Many countries in the region are in the process of amending their telecommunications,
broadcasting or ICT policy and/or legislation to address issues such as convergence and
the introduction of broadband. This ECOWAS ICT Accessibility policy shall be used as a
basis to inform Member State new ICT policies and laws and to ensure that, in that
process of reviewing their legal and policy instruments, key amendments to promote
accessibility are incorporated into new laws. Alternatively, where laws and policies are
not already under review, Member States may initiate amendment processes to their
existing laws specifically to promote e-accessibility and harmonize its definitions
throughout all the legislations regarding ICTs’ as well as human rights and inclusion.
In developing legislation, regulations or implementing “soft law” strategies, the
involvement of organizations of PwD is crucial.
The ECOWAS and its Member States will use effective communications and will also
introduce the use of accessible publication formats in all of its processes; it will,
importantly, increase awareness of the methods and benefits of accessible publishing.
Accessible publishing will enable PWD relating to sight to access official ECOWAS
documentation, and in each country will enable them to access all government
documents. This will enable equal access to information and thus facilitate equal
participation by PWD in society.
7.2 Promoting effective participation and increasing representation by PWDs
ECOWAS Member States shall be responsible for effective implementation of the
relevant aspects of the policy through their relevant Ministries’ mandates. It is the duty of
government to ensure the full realization of the rights of PWDs.
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