Digital Accessibility: Eliminating Digital Barriers Among Persons with Disabilities

Session Format: Panel Discussion.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the grassroots level in Africa are experiencing the digital divide perpetuated and reinforced as digital solutions being developed do not incorporate web accessibility features that can make the digital space easily accessible for over 80 million disabled people in Africa. Meanwhile, There are different accessibility features being designed to break the barriers experienced by PWDs, but if they’re not incorporated into websites and other digital solutions, they would not serve the growing needs of PWDs. The session will explore the challenges experienced by persons with disabilities in the digital space, and how innovations in technology can be incorporated into digital solutions and drive independent living and digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. Bringing together tech experts and persons with disabilities, the session will examine how digital accessibility can help to eliminate every form of digital barrier and enhance sustainable internet for all. The session will also propose new and modification of existing legal and policy frameworks on digital accessibility, to eliminate digital barriers among persons with disabilities in Africa.