e-Accessibility through Emerging Technologies

Location

Amman, Jordan

The use of emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and extended reality, metaverse, mobile video chat, eye control and robotics – in enhancing accessibility is promising. However, more efforts are needed to deploy such technologies to improve the lives of older persons and persons with disabilities in the Arab region.

The main objective of this meeting is to present and discuss “e-Accessibility through new and emerging technologies”, a draft technical paper offering insight and recommendations on advancing e-accessibility through new technologies. The paper provides guidance to Arab policymakers on how to develop/update their national policies to take advantage of such technologies.

Live streaming: https://youtube.com/live/8IXfXBxhpg4?feature=share

Outcome document

Meeting outcome

38 people participated in the event of which 20 joined the organizers in Amman and a further 18 joined remotely via Zoom.

The key takeaways are:

Leveraging the potential of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance existing solutions for digital accessibility and ensure that these technologies are accessible by all individuals, including persons with disabilities and older people.
Aligning university plans with academic resources, research funding, and youth talents, through the establishment of dedicated work teams or innovation centers, and the necessity of attracting talent through various activities such as competitions.
Maximize local funding and research opportunities to elevate digital accessibility solutions through cutting-edge technologies.
Integrate international digital accessibility standards into core development structures, ensuring compliance and fostering inclusivity.
Cultivate and activate a growing community of practice in the region to encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint problem-solving efforts in the field of e-accessibility.

Discussion

Session 1: Digital Accessibility and Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, virtual reality would improve digital accessibility options for persons with disabilities. These new technologies should be developed with inclusion in mind.

The XR Accessibility User Requirements (XAUR) is the first standard, albeit non-binding, that offers guidelines on the accessibility of virtual reality. It is also believed that future versions will in systematically include other types of emerging technologies.

AI has brought new accessibility features for documents, wearable technologies and adaptable assistive technologies. Events like hackathons and conferences drives further innovation and capacity development in the field.

Session 2: Proposed ESCWA Template for the e-Accessibility of New Technologies

The ESCWA national policy template for e-accessibility offers a guide covering all aspects of policymaking from concerned authorities, to governance and monitoring and evaluation. It has also been translated into a online digital tool to help ease the formulation of draft policies.

The current study expands the general template to the specific field of emerging technologies. It proposes guidelines on using emerging technologies to enhance digital accessibility. Arab policymakers can use the guidelines to formulate policies for the effective and inclusive deployment and use of these technologies. Including, their use in the design of other inclusive products and services.

Initiatives: Arab Digital Inclusion Platform