inABLE  Partners with KEBS to promote digital inclusion

inABLE has partnered with KEBS to develop the national ICT Accessibility Standard which will promote the digital inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) and older persons.

The non-profit organization that empowers the blind and visually impaired with computer assistive technology will see to the completion of the development and eventual enactment of a National ICT Accessibility Standard.

This comes after  13 years of active advocation by inABLE for the digital inclusion of PWDs in Kenya and Africa through sustainable partnerships. It will help make public and private sector digital products and services such as websites and mobile applications more accessible and usable by all Kenyan citizens.

According to the Founder and Executive Director of inABLE  Irene Mbari Kirika, the partnership will propel them towards fulfilling the promises set forth in the 2019 Kenya ICT Policy by positively impacting on public and private sectors’ digital products and services by making them more accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities.

KEBS Managing Director(MD) Benard Njiraini stated that the creation of the national ICT Accessibility Standard comes at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic exposed a consequential digital divide and the dire need for accessible digital platforms.

“As the world quickly shifted to digital platforms, including virtual meetings, working from home, homeschooling and even the government shared more public health information, the lack of access to vital online services disconnected millions of people, especially PWDs, “Njiraini said.

According to the MD, KEBS is committed to delivering meaningful and operational standards that enhance the lives of Kenyans, and are therefore excited to be working with a dedicated organization like inABLE towards making this possible.

The project will be in line with the gazetted 2019 Kenya ICT policy that is very inclusive and accommodative of the digital needs of PWDs in Kenya. The policy mandates full accessibility for PWDs through availing ICT services and emergency communications to the public and for PWDs, reviewing existing legislation and regulations to promote ICT accessibility for PWDs.

It will also ensure that websites of government departments and agencies comply with international web accessibility standards and are accessible for PWDs and promote Research and Development for ICT access for PWDs, among others.

BY PHILLY OPERE