#KeIGF2024 : Digital Creative Industries: AI & Film
–
How can we raise awareness among policymakers and stakeholders about the
specific needs of PWDs and underserved communities regarding internet
access?
There is need to continue with research to collate the data on disability
and the issues around internet access in Kenya. The issues range from, why
they use internet less, their safety while online, given the rise of online
gender-based violence, the issue particularly intersects in a powerful way
and cyber security concerns in the country. One other issue that is
pertinent is how emerging tech connects with disability. We will be able
to make targeted recommendations and find impactful solutions once we have
the correct data.
I am calling for solidarity from policymakers and stakeholders when it
comes to the needs of PWDs with regards to the internet.
–
What innovative solutions can bridge the affordability gap for internet
access, devices, and assistive technologies for these groups?
One of the desired solutions that has come up in our discussions with PWDs
is the possibility of having special tariffs for persons with disabilities
using the internet. This tariff would be highly subsidized and targeted. I
think it would greatly benefit young Kenyans with disabilities who often
have competing needs and internet sometimes falls low on the list.
The public wi-fi hotspots offered by the government, with good execution
and maintenance is another way pwds can access the internet for cheap.
Community and government-led solutions can provide devices and assistive
tech to schools, libraries and community centres.
–
How can we encourage the development and adoption of accessible online
content and interfaces?
This is a human rights issue, and PWDs have the right to access to
information in accessible formats. However, as much as I dislike to
commodifying digital accessibility, one of the best reasons to create
accessible online content is that it increases the number of people that
can access what you are offering. Accessibility is not just for PWDs, it
makes things better for persons who do not consider themselves disabled as
well. The metrics with accessible interfaces are especially relevant to
businesses.
Programs like KICTANet’s Aceesibility for PWDs are happy to provide the
capacity-building on accessible content. There’s an urgent need to support
these programs so that they can sustain their advocacy efforts.
On Wed, Jun 12, 2024 at 5:57 AM Nicodemus Nyakundi via KICTANet <
[email protected]> wrote:
> Cephas,
>
> As a country, we have made some progress in online accessibility but we
> still have a long way to go.
>
> Focusing on website accessibility, the KICTANet Disability program
> conducted a research on the usability of public websites by PWDs, but none
> of the websites were 100% accessible. The worrying trend, though, was that
> most of the websites lacked basic accessibility functions like Alt-text and
> captions, and surprisingly none of them had audio descriptions.
>
> The report is available in the following: LINK
> <www.kictanet.or.ke/reports/#>
>
> Inaccessible public websites are great barriers that we can’t overlook
> especially considering the government’s ongoing digitization of its
> services.
>
> We have legal provisions as a country including the National ICT Policy
> and Kenya Standard (Ks 2952) on Accessibility among others, that should
> cater to the accessibility of digital platforms to PWDs.But as the report
> highlights, the guidelines are not being followed.
>
> I am interested to know who should be held accountable
>
> Best,
> Nic. Nyakundi
> ICT Accessibility & Equality for PWDs
> *KICTANet* <www.kictanet.or.ke/>
>
> <www.linkedin.com/in/nicodemus-nyakundi-68a9a587/>
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 12, 2024 at 10:33 AM Cephas Joseph via KICTANet <
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
>> David,
>>
>> Considering online accessibility, ability for PLWDs to navigate web
>> places, we need website owners to consider adding
>> accessibility functionalities on their webpages. From screen reading, voice
>> navigation, contrast, dyslexia friendliness, text transformations etc based
>> on accessibility profiles of users. This aligns to and helps stay ahead of
>> global accessibility laws and best practices.
>>
>> Do we have a digital accessibility policy/regulations/laws in Kenya?
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Jun 12, 2024 at 10:05 AM David Indeje via KICTANet <
>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> Dear Listers,
>>>
>>> Welcome to day 3 of our online moderated *#KeIGF2024* conversation.
>>>
>>> *Today’s discussion is about Bridging the Digital Divide when it comes
>>> to digital inclusion and accessibility for PWDs and underserved
>>> communities.*
>>>
>>>
>>> – How can we raise awareness among policymakers and stakeholders
>>> about the specific needs of PWDs and underserved communities regarding
>>> internet access?
>>> – What innovative solutions can bridge the affordability gap for
>>> internet access, devices, and assistive technologies for these groups?
>>> – How can we incentivize infrastructure development in underserved
>>> areas to ensure wider internet coverage?
>>> – How can we encourage the development and adoption of accessible
>>> online content and interfaces?
>>> – What steps can be taken to improve digital literacy programs and
>>> resources in underserved communities?
>>> – How can we guarantee the long-term sustainability of support funds
>>> like USF to ensure continued investment in digital inclusion initiatives?
>>>
>>> If you are part of a PWD or underserved community, what are the biggest
>>> challenges you face in accessing the internet?
>>>
>>> If you are working on digital inclusion initiatives, what successful
>>> models or approaches can you share?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> —
>>> *Kind Regards,*
>>>
>>> *David Indeje*
>>>
>>> *@**KICTANet* <www.kictanet.or.ke/>
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>>>
>>>
