By Bode Adewumi
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was marked by the GSMA few days ago, with a programme with the theme: ‘Principles for Driving the Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities’. The Principles aim to further inspire the mobile industry to help close the mobile disability gap.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),there are over one billion people with disabilities; of them, only 1 in 10 has access to the assistive technology they need to live independent lives.
Furthermore, the WHO estimates that 80 per cent of persons with disabilities Live in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs). By combining multiple assistive technologies in a single device, mobile phones are cost-effective tools to enable greater nclusion and participation for persons with disabilities.
The ‘Principles’ set out a framework for action, together with recommended activities, to help address the barriers that currently prevent persons with disabilities from accessing and using mobile-enabled products and services.
Research conducted by the GSMA in LMICs shows that persons with disabilities are less likely to own smartphones and use mobile internet than persons without disabilities.
Action is required to address the barriers and requirements of persons with disabilities, drive innovation, place persons with disabilities at the heart of the design process and realise the social and commercial opportunity of reaching this underserved segment of the population. By doing so the mobile industry can make meaningful change and help ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.
“Removing the barriers faced by persons with disabilities requires informed action from all stakeholders,” said Mr Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA.
“It’s time for the mobile industry to take steps to ensure our products and services are accessible, unlocking the power of connectivity so that all people thrive. I am delighted that Dialog Axiata PLC, Optus, Orange Group, Safaricom PLC, Telefónica Group, Turkcell, Vodacom South Africa and Zain Group have already signed up to the Principles and I look forward to many more industry participants joining us in this commitment,” he added.