ITU focuses on the role of emerging technologies in improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities

Two events were organised by the Information and Telecommunication Union (ITU) on the role of emerging technologies in promoting information and communication technology (ICT) for accessibility. The first event, Accessible America on 20-22 November 2019 in Quito, Ecuador. Focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide persons with disabilities unbiased access to digital technologies; it also showcased ICT accessibility best practices that help improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. The second event, Accessibility Europe, was held between 4-6 December 2019 in St Julian, Malta, to tackle the future of ICT accessibility in reducing inequalities. During the event, views and expertise on ways to advance the ICT accessibility agenda in Europe were also shared. On the two events, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that ‘with the world becoming ever more digital, accessibility to ICTs must be one of our most urgent priorities. These collaborative regional platforms bring together a broad community of expert stakeholders from government, the private sector and civil society, and are an effective way of accelerating progress towards building a more inclusive information society.’