Draft ECOWAS ICT Accessibility Policy (2018) v1 post Burkina Faso and Gambia Workshops
broadcasters and producers of audio-visual content, as well as streaming video content
platforms.
Particularly important disabilities relevant for broadcasting include: deaf or hard of
hearing; blind or low vision; cognitive disabilities; and physical disabilities.
The scope of the broadcasting accessibility policy priority area includes:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Television, regardless of platform, i.e. analogue, digital, internet, etc.
Radio, regardless of platform i.e. analogue, digital, internet, etc.
Electronic Programming Guides and Programme Information
Video programing for online plaatforms
The focus of this part of the policy includes not only the content itself, but also the
information and devices needed by people to enjoy audio-visual content. Where
television and radio are provided over equipment such as a Personal Computer or
handheld device (e.g. smartphone) running a software application or accessing a
website, this part of the policy should be read with the sections on web accessibility.
7.5.2
Principles
The following principles must be adhered to and underpin the accessible provision of
broadcasting / video programing services in terms of this policy
(a) Non-discrimination;
(b) Sustainability;
(c) Accessibility;
(d) Availability
(e) Awareness, and
(f) Affordability.
7.5.3
Objectives and Measures
The objective of this policy is to provide an enabling framework to support the
development of a culture and practice of broadcasting / video programing accessibility
through:
(a) Each Member States identifying and mitigating the identified leading barriers to a
fully accessible broadcasting ecosystem and through identifying policies,
standards and funding mechanisms;
(b) Each Member States putting in place measures to ensure that PwD have access,
on an equal basis with others, to broadcasting services, devices, systems,
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