Draft ECOWAS ICT Accessibility Policy (2018) v1 post Burkina Faso and Gambia Workshops
The ECOWAS notes that the exclusion of PWDs in the design and implementation of
programmes and strategies, renders many programmes ineffective in addressing PWDs’
issues. In addition to including PWD in the relevant planning and decision making
sessions, the ECOWAS and its Member States will at all times encourage effective
participation by PWD through supporting consultative sessions, including through the
ICT Accessibility Advisory Committee, through the use of accessible publication formats
and effective communication.
To that end, ECOWAS Member States shall ensure enactment of national laws and
policies for PWDs with a consultative role from Disabled Persons Organizations, PwD,
the Private Sector, Community Based Organizations, Faith-based organizations, Civil
Society Organizations and Development Partners, amongst others.
7.3 ICT product and service accessibility (Mobile Accessibility)
7.3.1
Context
Mobile telephony is central to economic and social participation, and plays a significant
role in the broadband revolution in the West African region. Thus it can promote social
inclusion, and enable accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural
environment, to health and education and to information and communication, in enabling
PwD to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The penetration of internet users in the ECOWAS have been growing at rates superior of
the 30% in the last 17 years.7 Most of the penetration is the result of the increase in the
use of mobile services. Hence the relevance of accessible policies for ICT products and
services.
The scope of the mobile accessibility policy priority area includes:
(a) Mobile services (voice, data, broadband), including emergency and directory
services
(b) Mobile industry customer support services including call centres, customer
support centres, web sites, and points of sale.
(c) End-user devices (including basic phones, feature phones, smartphones,
tablets, and assistive applications and services).
7.3.2
Principles
The following principles, must be adhered to and underpin mobile accessibility policy
initiatives in the region:
(a) Non-discrimination;
(b) Equality of opportunity;
(c) Accessibility; Affordability; and Awareness;
7 Growth between 2000 and 2017 according with ITU
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