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6) National Policies/Projects Using ICTs to Make Workplaces/Public

Spaces Inclusive

The Model ICT Accessibility Policy Report (6.1) serves as a comprehensive

framework for national policymakers and regulators engaged in the development of
ICT accessibility policies.

It emphasizes collaboration with persons with disabilities and ICT stakeholders.

Notable examples of such policies are found globally, with Brazil, the European
Union, South Africa, Japan, and the United States of America standing out.

These nations showcase varying approaches and initiatives toward creating

inclusive environments.

Case: Brazil

a. Demographics and Ratification of UNCRPD (2008):

- Brazil, with 23.9% of its population comprising persons with disabilities, ratified the
UNCRPD in 2008. (6.2)

- According to the 2010 census, there are 45 million persons with disabilities in Brazil,
making up about 23.9% of its population.

b. Accessible Tourism Guide and Federal Initiatives:

- The federal government in Brazil has initiated the Accessible Tourism Guide.

- This guide serves as a platform where users can rate the accessibility of tourist
destinations.

- Approximately 530,000 establishments are included in the database, significantly

contributing to fostering inclusivity.

Case: European Union

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a. European Disability Strategy 2010-2020:

- The European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 has been a pivotal instrument in

shaping actions within the EU to align with the UNCRPD.

- Key actions include the adoption of the first European ICT accessibility standard
and legislative revisions in various transport sectors.

b. Web and Mobile Accessibility Directive:

- The EU has adopted the Web and Mobile Accessibility Directive for public sector
bodies.

- The directive sets clear guidelines, including the full accessibility of government
websites to people with disabilities.

- It mandates the availability of archival content in accessible form, closed-captioned

videos, accessible online services, and regular monitoring and reporting by member
states.

c. Demographics and Ratification of UNCRPD (2008):

- Brazil, with 23.9% of its population comprising persons with

disabilities, ratified the UNCRPD in 2008.

- According to the 2010 census, there are 45 million persons with

disabilities in Brazil, making up about 23.9% of its population.

d. Accessible Tourism Guide and Federal Initiatives:

- The federal government in Brazil has initiated the Accessible Tourism

Guide.

- This guide serves as a platform where users can rate the accessibility
of tourist destinations.
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- Approximately 530,000 establishments are included in the database,
significantly contributing to fostering inclusivity.

(6.3) Following list from this reference:

• Archival content and documents will be available on demand in accessible form.

• Government videos must be closed captioned. Live video has a window of 14 days
since first broadcast to get captions.

• Online services, like paying fines or fees, will have to be accessible.

• The European Union government websites must indicate if (and why) parts of their
website are inaccessible.

• The European Union member states must regularly monitor and report to both the
public and the European Commission on the accessible status of their web services.

Case: South Africa

a. Emergence of Disability Rights Movement (1980s):

- The disability rights movement in South Africa originated in the 1980s during the
broader struggle against apartheid.

- Disabled People South Africa played a pivotal role in mobilizing and organizing
individuals with disabilities to resist oppression based on both race and disability. (6.4)

- A key demand was for disabled individuals to have the right to mainstream
education with necessary personal assistance, appropriate assistive technology, and
specialized teaching. (6.5)

b. Post-Emergence Developments:
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- South Africa ratified the UNCRPD and its Optional Protocol, affirming its
commitment to disability rights.

- The country established the Ministry of Women, Children, and Persons with
Disabilities to address the needs of these populations.

- An Integrated National Disability Strategy was developed to comprehensively

address disability-related issues.

c. Parliamentary and Government Initiatives:

- South Africa’s Parliament implemented policies with substantial support measures

for Members of Parliament and employees with disabilities. (6.6)

- The Department of Public Works in South Africa created a Disability Policy

Guideline.

- The guideline emphasizes a transition from policy to practice, aligning with the
principles of universal design. This involves designing products, environments,
programs, and services that are usable by all people to the greatest possible extent
without requiring adaptation or specialized design.

- It underscores the importance of assistive devices for specific groups of persons

with disabilities.
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Figure 9: Sign Language Interpretation Service at the Parliament of South

Africa

Source: Zero Project, “South Africa’s equal access for Members of Parliament”.
Available from https://zeroproject.org/policy/southafrica/.

Case: Japan
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a. Government Action Plan and Legislation (1995-2002):

- In 1995, Japan adopted the “Government Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities:
A Seven-Year Strategy to Achieve Normalization.”

- Legislation promoting barrier-free access in transportation was passed in May

2002, facilitating access to public buildings and addressing information disparities
through ICT system improvements.

b. Ubiquitous-Net-Japan (U-Japan) Policy (Since 2010):

- Japan launched the ICT policy of Ubiquitous-Net-Japan (U-Japan) in 2010, aiming

to connect everyone and everything using user-friendly and universal design
principles.

- The policy adopts both universal and individualized design approaches to enhance
accessibility and eliminate barriers for persons with disabilities.

c. Main Measures and Enforcement (Since 2010):

- Measures include subsidies for R&D to improve communication services,

enforcement of laws promoting telecommunications use by people with disabilities,
ensuring information accessibility on local government websites, and adherence to
national and international accessibility standards for telecommunications equipment
and services.

Case: United States of America (USA)

a. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Tax Incentives (1990):

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- The ADA, passed in 1990, comprehensively covers accessibility issues for persons
with disabilities, applicable to state and local government offices, public spaces, and
employment.

- The USA offers tax incentives, encouraging spending on equipment, materials, and
labor to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities.

b. Closed-Captioning Requirement (Since 1993):

- Since 1993, all TV sets sold in the USA must have closed-captioning receivers,
providing a text version of on-screen dialogue for deaf or hearing-impaired viewers.

c. Section 508 of Rehabilitation Act and WCAG 2.0 Compliance:

- Section 508 mandates the accessibility of government websites and federally

funded organizations, ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.0.

- Accessibility guidelines cover software and hardware compatibility for individuals

with visual, hearing, or motor difficulties.

d. Education Mandates and Training (Department of Education):

- The Department of Education mandates full accessibility of technology in schools

providing educational benefits to students with disabilities.

- Training sessions by the Access Board focus on ADA Accessibility Guidelines,

covering the built environment and transportation, ensuring widespread accessibility
across the country.
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REFERENCES:

6.1 International Telecommunication Union, Model ICT Accessibility Policy Report

(2014). Available from http://www.itu.int/en/ ITU-D/Digital-Inclusion/Persons-with
Disabilities/Documents/ICT%20Accessibility%20Policy%20Report.pdf.

6.2 James Thurston, "Public Policy & Digital Inclusion in Brazil", Global Initiative
for Inclusive ICTs, 20 September 2017. Available from
http://buyict4all.org/blog/public policy-digital-inclusion-in-brazil.

6.3 Emily Griffin, "EU Commits to Web Accessibility Rules", 3Play Media, 4 May
2016. Available from http://www.3playmedia. com/2016/05/04/eu-commits-to-web-
accessibility-rules/.

6.4 South African Human Rights Commission, “Towards a barrier-free society: A

report on accessibility and built environments”, November 2002. Available from
https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/Reports/towards_barrier_free_society.pdf
2002.pdf.

6.5 Disability Rights Charter of South Africa, 2008. Available from

https://www.safmh.org.za/documents/policies-andlegislations/Disability%20Right
%20Charter.pdf.

6.6 Department of Public Works, South Africa, Disability Policy Guideline (no
date). Available from
http://www.publicworks.gov.za/PDFs/documents/WhitePapers/Disability_Policy_G
uideline.pdf.

6.7 Yokota Kazuma, “Policy for the Information and Communication Accessibility in
Japan”, presentation made at the International Conference for Information Society
and the Elderly: Global Perspectives, no date. Available from http://www.
soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/joho_tsusin/eng/presentation/pdf/080227_2.pdf.

6.8 These subsidies are provided by the National Institute of Information and
Communications Technology.
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6.9 National standardization (JIS X8341-4).

7.0 International standardization (ITU-T recommendation F.790).

7.1 Community Tool Box, “Section 4. Ensuring Access for People with Disabilities”.
Available from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-ofcontents/implement/physical-social-
environment/housing-accessibility-disabilities/main.