Accessible Tech for All: Inclusive Digital Services Pledged on World Disability Day
A commitment to make technology safe, inclusive, and accessible for all was announced on World Disability Day at the national celebration program held on 21 May, Thursday at the BIDA auditorium at Agargaon in Dhaka.
The event was chaired by ICT Division Secretary Kazi Anowar Hossain. The welcome speech was delivered by a2i Project Director (Additional Secretary) Mohammad Abdur Rafiq.
Calling for a special budget allocation for persons with disabilities, Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said in his address as the chief guest that accessible websites and applications have been developed under the principle that no one should be left behind.
He said all future digital services would now be designed with persons with disabilities in mind. “This is not charity; we see it as their right. Through new technologies, we want to bring them into the mainstream of society. We want to transform the country’s 4 million children with disabilities into national assets,” he said.
The minister further said, “Through technology, we will ensure dignity for persons with disabilities in society. The ICT Division will do whatever is necessary for persons with disabilities.”
Special guests at the event included State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, Country Director of Sightsavers International Amrita Regina Rosario, and Senior Director and Head of the Inclusive Citizen Sector at Friendship Ayesha Tasin Khan.
During the event, participants demanded that websites and digital services be made accessible for all, that category-based benefits be ensured for persons with disabilities under social schemes, that accessibility in banking and financial services be guaranteed, and that special access routes be maintained in buildings for persons with disabilities.
Honorary speeches were delivered by CRP founder Valerie Ann Taylor and accessibility advocate Bhaskar Bhattacharya. In his remarks, Bhaskar Bhattacharya expressed hope for government support in developing accessible technologies within Bangladesh.
Speech and hearing-impaired participant Umme Hafsa delivered her remarks in sign language. Another physically challenged participant objected to the use of the term “special lead.” A visually impaired attendee called for all 1,030 social service offices across the country to be made accessible for persons with disabilities.
Responding to the complaints and demands raised at the event, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul said the government is trying to ensure facilities and opportunities for persons with disabilities. She added that although many laws already exist, the government remains committed to implementing them effectively.
DBTech/IH/MM/OR
