ADC discusses digital accessibility at IGF 2022 in Peru
Through our PUEDA – For an Accessible Digital Environment project, ADC attended a new edition of the Peruvian Internet Governance Forum, where we were part of the panel Digital divide and human rights in Peru, organized by Hiperderecho and the Secretariat of Government and Digital Transformation.
During the session, ADC project officer Maria Sol Abichain shared thoughts and recommendations on web accessibility drawn from PUEDA’s experience, mainly the research study Access to Information and Communication Services and People with Disabilities and the guide Making Products Accessible in the Digital Environment.
“ADC faced a big challenge when informing on the topic through virtual channels and making accessible digital products. Not only was there a lack of knowledge among the public in general, but also within the design, web development and communication professional fields,” she stressed.
Abichain then highlighted the need to teach different actors in society about digital accessibility and pointed out: “We must provide training in web accessibility to professionals related to ICTs, such as developers, designers and communicators, as well as all people involved in the defense of rights, both in the public and private sectors and within academia”.
Regarding connectivity, human rights, and the digital realm, our rep considered that “connectivity is a precondition to access other rights. However, if we log in through a web connection and the digital platforms or apps we intend to use are not accessible, then there are barriers; it means that many people will not be able to access and benefit from web content. Both access and accessibility are closely related and fundamental to guarantee rights,” she concluded.
Abichaín shared the panel with Ximena Gil (Telefonica Peru) and Technology in Education expert Lena Morales (Peruvian Ministry of Education).
The Peruvian Internet Governance Forum is a space for conversation on the issue in which people on behalf of government, civil society, academia, the tech community, and the private sector discuss the use and development of the Web in Peru.
