- As digital platforms become integral to society, the necessity for inclusive information and communication technology (ICT) for people with disabilities is paramount.
- How do we effectively measure and enhance ICT accessibility?
- Mada, Qatar’s assistive technology centre, presents MARSAD, a tool assessing Qatar’s ICT accessibility, guiding inclusive policymaking to bridge the digital divide for those with disabilities.
The seamless integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into our daily routines has revolutionised how we connect, work, and consume information. It has redefined the borders of our global village, enabling us to share knowledge and experiences across continents with the click of a button. However, this digital evolution presents a paradox. While it has undoubtedly streamlined global communication and made it more efficient, it has simultaneously erected barriers for a significant segment of the population. Approximately one billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, and for them, the digital landscape can be a terrain fraught with obstacles. The crux of the problem lies in the absence of accessible design within ICT. When digital platforms and tools are not designed with accessibility in mind, they can severely limit full societal participation for individuals with disabilities, confining them to the margins of the digital revolution.
The importance of ICT accessibility and inclusive policies
In response to this critical challenge, Mada, Qatar’s Assistive Technology Center, dedicated itself to a comprehensive study spanning from 2019 to 2021. This initiative wasn’t just an academic exercise but a determined pursuit to forge pathways to inclusion. The outcome of this rigorous inquiry was the creation of the MARSAD tool. This strategic instrument is more than just a piece of technology; it is a beacon of progress aimed at dismantling the digital barriers that hinder accessibility. MARSAD was meticulously crafted to probe the depths of ICT infrastructure across governmental and semi-governmental entities in Qatar, identifying the chasms that need bridging.
MARSAD’s role is pivotal. By providing a detailed assessment of the current state of ICT accessibility, it empowers these bodies to recognise the areas where they fall short and to implement the necessary enhancements. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, has equal access to the digital resources that many of us take for granted. This tool represents a significant step towards an inclusive society where the benefits of ICT can be universally enjoyed, fostering a world where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to and thrive within our interconnected digital ecosystem.
It’s about ensuring that future generations, regardless of ability, have equitable access to information and communication technologies.
Under the leadership of Dr Achraf Othman, Mada’s team embarked on a mission to meticulously assess the state of ICT accessibility. They scrutinised various digital products and services for compliance with international standards and evaluated their practical usage in Qatar. Such thorough examination was vital not only for understanding the current landscape but also for crafting policies and legislation that genuinely address the inclusion of people with disabilities, thereby ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.
Revealing the digital gap
Othman’s team’s study findings cast a spotlight on the significant deficiencies within the ICT framework, which pose obstacles to crafting an inclusive digital realm – a critical ingredient for sustainable progress. These shortcomings stand in stark contrast to the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goal 11, which envisions cities and communities that are inclusive, secure, resilient, and sustainable. Accessible ICT dovetails with the ethos of sustainability, particularly principles like intergenerational equity and the accountability of those who impact the environment negatively, to ensure that people with disabilities have their needs met in a way that can be upheld by future generations.
ICT accessibility.
Sustainability is not an adjunct but a fundamental thread in the fabric of ICT accessibility. It goes beyond present-day tech solutions to guarantee that access to information and communication technologies remains unbiased, supporting not just the current populace but also anticipating and serving the diverse needs of those to come. Upholding these tenets of sustainability is crucial to the mission of creating an equitable digital landscape for all abilities.
MARSAD e-readiness assessment tool
One of the key takeaways from the study was the crucial role of data collection and analysis in shaping effective disability-inclusive policies. Without robust data, policymakers are navigating in the dark. The MARSAD e-readiness assessment tool emerged as a beacon in this regard, offering a structured method for evaluating the national ICT accessibility adoption rate and forming actionable recommendations for improvement.
Awareness and capacity building are the twin pillars supporting the adoption of accessible ICT. The research team found that raising awareness about ICT accessibility, coupled with providing appropriate advice and technical knowledge to staff members, was vital for success. It’s not just about having the tools and technology; it’s about empowering those who implement and use them with the right knowledge and skills.
The MARSAD tool itself is noteworthy for its comprehensive approach to assessment. It goes beyond mere tick-box exercises to provide a nuanced picture of the ICT accessibility landscape. This empowers stakeholders to identify specific areas that need attention and craft targeted strategies for improvement.
As the world continues to digitise at a rapid pace, the imperative for inclusivity in ICT becomes ever more pressing, not just in Qatar but globally.
But the work doesn’t end with assessment. The research group’s study underscores the need for countries to prioritise the development and implementation of effective inclusive policies and legislation. Ensuring that ICT products and services comply with international accessibility standards is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment to digital inclusion.
The future of ICT accessibility: recommendations and strategies
In summary, the Mada study brought to light the multifaceted nature of ICT accessibility, linking it to broader themes of sustainability and inclusion. The MARSAD e-readiness assessment tool stands as a testament to the power of targeted evaluation and the potential for data-driven policymaking. As the world continues to digitise at a rapid pace, the imperative for inclusivity in ICT becomes ever more pressing, not just in Qatar but globally.
Recommendations for a more inclusive future
By investing in accessible ICT, we are not just adhering to international standards or achieving development goals; we are upholding the right of every individual to participate fully in society. The team’s study’s message is clear: understanding the current state of ICT accessibility is the first step towards an inclusive digital transformation that leaves no one behind.
What motivated you to focus your research on ICT accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and how do you see this work impacting the daily lives of those individuals in Qatar?
We embarked on this research journey driven by a deep commitment to inclusivity and equality. Our goal was to dismantle the barriers in ICT accessibility faced by individuals with disabilities in Qatar. We recognised the pivotal role of technology in empowering lives and understood that access to these resources was essential for ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Our efforts were aligned with Qatar’s national vision and the standards set by international conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). By enhancing ICT accessibility, we aimed to open a plethora of opportunities for those often left behind. Our work was transformative, providing access to vital information, services, education, and employment opportunities.
As we progressed, we saw the tangible impacts of our work. People with disabilities in Qatar were no longer on the periphery of the digital world. They found new ways to connect, learn, work, and participate in community life. Our research was more than a technical endeavour; it was a step towards building an inclusive society where ‘we’ truly means everyone, and every individual has the opportunity to flourish.
Can you share any particular challenges or surprises you encountered while developing the MARSAD e-readiness assessment tool?
As we developed the MARSAD e-readiness assessment tool, we encountered a mix of challenges and surprises that shaped our journey. One significant challenge was the varying levels of ICT accessibility awareness across different organisations in Qatar. We found that while some institutions were well-versed in the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities regarding ICT, others were just beginning to understand its importance. This disparity meant we had to tailor our approach, balancing between educating and assessing, to ensure effective engagement with all stakeholders.
Another challenge was the technical aspect of making the tool comprehensive yet user-friendly. We needed MARSAD to be robust enough to capture the multifaceted nature of ICT accessibility, yet simple enough for organisations of different sizes and technical capacities to use effectively.
A pleasant surprise came from the enthusiasm and openness we encountered. Many organisations were eager to participate and learn from the assessment. This receptivity exceeded our expectations and reinforced the importance of our work.
Lastly, navigating the dynamic field of ICT, where technology and standards continuously evolve, was both a challenge and an opportunity. It pushed us to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that MARSAD remained relevant and effective in assessing and improving ICT accessibility in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
These experiences, with their ups and downs, were invaluable. They not only shaped MARSAD but also enriched our understanding of the diverse landscape of ICT accessibility in Qatar.
How do you envision governments and institutions practically implementing the recommendations provided by the MARSAD tool, and what barriers to implementation might they face?
As we look towards the practical implementation of MARSAD tool recommendations by governments and institutions, we envision a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we see these entities integrating the tool’s insights into their strategic planning, using the data-driven analysis to prioritise and address gaps in ICT accessibility. This means not just retrofitting existing systems, but embedding accessibility into the DNA of future digital infrastructures and policies.
We also anticipate a collaborative effort, where institutions share best practices and learn from each other’s experiences in implementing the MARSAD tool’s recommendations. This peer learning can be a powerful catalyst for wider adoption and improvement across different sectors.
In your study, you highlight the importance of awareness and capacity building. Could you provide examples of successful awareness campaigns or educational programmes that have led to better ICT accessibility practices?
In our study, the emphasis on awareness and capacity building is pivotal, and we’ve observed several successful initiatives in these areas that have significantly enhanced ICT accessibility practices.
One notable example is the awareness campaign led by the Mada Assistive Technology Center in Qatar. This initiative focused on educating the public and private sectors about the importance of ICT accessibility. Through workshops, seminars, and media campaigns, Mada effectively raised awareness about the needs of individuals with disabilities and the role of technology in addressing these needs. This campaign not only increased understanding but also sparked action, leading to the adoption of more inclusive technologies in various organisations.
Furthermore, we’ve seen universities and educational institutions play a significant role in capacity building. For instance, some universities have integrated ICT accessibility into their curriculum, preparing the next generation of IT professionals to prioritise accessibility in their future work. These educational programmes not only impart technical skills but also instil an understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of accessibility.
Looking towards the future, how do you believe ICT accessibility will evolve, and what emerging technologies do you think will play a pivotal role in this evolution?
Looking towards the future, we believe ICT accessibility will evolve significantly, driven by both technological advancements and a growing global commitment to inclusivity. The landscape of accessible technology is poised to become more integrated, intuitive, and user‑centric.
One of the key emerging technologies that will play a pivotal role is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Metaverse. AI has the potential to revolutionise accessibility by enabling more personalised and adaptive user experiences. For instance, AI-driven voice recognition and synthesis can greatly enhance communication tools for people with speech or hearing impairments. Similarly, AI can improve the accuracy of real-time captioning and sign language translation, making digital content more accessible.
Another significant technology is Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). These can be harnessed to create immersive and accessible learning experiences, especially for people with learning disabilities. AR and VR can also aid in navigation and spatial awareness for individuals with visual impairments, offering a more interactive and engaging way to interact with the digital and physical world.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is also set to play a crucial role. IoT devices can be used to create smarter, more accessible environments. For example, smart home technologies can help individuals with mobility challenges control their environment more easily, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
Moreover, advancements in wearable technology are likely to increase accessibility. Devices like smart glasses, hearing aids, and even smart clothing can be designed to provide sensory enhancements and feedback, assisting people with various disabilities in navigating and interacting with their surroundings more effectively.
