Update: The Impact of the UNCRPD on the Internet Presented by Cynthia D. Waddell Executive Director, International Center for Disability Resources on the.

Update: The Impact of the UNCRPD on the Internet

Presented by Cynthia D. Waddell

Executive Director, International Center for Disability Resources on the

Internet

Workshop 110: Global Internet Access for Persons with Disabilities

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Internet Governance Forum Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt15 – 18 November 2009

Overview- Impact of UNCRPD

UNCRPD Background & Monitoring CommitteeEqual Access to the InternetFreedom of Expression and Access to InformationAccessible Web ImplementationBest Practices and Resources Available

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UNCRPD- Background

Adopted by General Assembly 13 December 2006Opened for Signature on 30 March 2007 with Highest Number of Signatories on Opening Day in HistoryEntered into Legal Force on 3 May 2008

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UNCRPD- Background

Significant Provisions Address Information and Communications TechnologySignatories to the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities include the European Community and most recently the United States

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UNCRPD- Background

As of November 9, 2009:143 signatories to Convention 87 signatories to Optional Protocol 72 ratifications of Convention 45 ratifications of Optional Protocol

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UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

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Monitoring Committee

Housed in the Office of the High Commissioner on Human RightsMembers elected by Conference of States Parties in January 2009Beginning in 2010, MC will receive comprehensive Reports from States Parties on measures taken to meet Convention Obligations

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Monitoring Committee

Two additional forms of monitoring are provided if States Parties have also ratified the Optional Protocol– Individual complaints can be submitted

by an individual claiming breach of her rights under the Convention

– Monitoring Committee is empowered to investigate gross or systematic violations of the Convention

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Equal Access to the Internet

States Parties Shall Ensure Internet Access for Persons with Disabilities, on an Equal Basis with Others, by– Implementing Minimum

Standards & Guidelines for Accessibility of Services Article 9(2a)

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ISO/IEC JTC1 Special Working Group on Accessibility, standards inventory at http://www.jtc1access.org/TR29138.html

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative www.w3.org/WAI

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Ensure that Private Entities offering services to the public take into account accessibility Article 9(2b)– Online Conferencing Systems-

Captioning? Compatible with AT?– Webcasts, Teleconferencing & IPTV –

Captioned/Audio Description?– VoIP- All Features Accessible?

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Promote access to new ICT and systems, including the Internet Article 9(2g)Promote accessible ICT at early stage in Design, Development, Production and Distribution to minimize cost Article 9(2h)

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Freedom of Expression and Opinion & Access to Information

Right to seek, receive and impart information on an equal basis with others through all forms of communication Article 21Ensure that Information intended for the public is provided in accessible formats & technologies in timely manner without additional cost Article 21a

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Freedom of Expression and Opinion & Access to Information

Urge Private entities providing Internet services to the public to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats Article 21cEncourage mass media and providers of information through the Internet to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities Article 21d

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Accessible Web Implementation

Statistical & Data Collection Collect Statistical & Research Data to Assess Convention Implementation & to Identify Barriers Data Itself to be Accessible Article 31

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Accessible Web Implementation

International Cooperation Facilitate Research & Access to Scientific & Technical Knowledge; Provide Technical & Economic Assistance; Technology Transfer - Article 32

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Implementation

1 September 2009 Compilation of National Legislation Measures Undertaken for Implementation available at http://www.un.org/disabilities/documents/COP/compilation_1september.pdf

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Best Practices for Government

Mainstream Disability Issues for Sustainable DevelopmentSupport Cross-Disability Stakeholder Engagement

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Best Practices in Procurement

Canada-Accessible Procurement Toolkit at www.apt.gc.ca Ireland-Accessible IT Procurement Toolkit at accessit.nda.ie United States-Buy Accessible Wizard at www.buyaccessible.gov

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Resources

eAccessibility Policy Toolkit for Policy Makers Implementing the ConventionJoint ITU/G3ict Project (Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs, an initiative of the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development)www.e-accessibilitytoolkit.org/

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Resources

Web Accessibility: Web Standards and Regulatory Compliance

By Jim Thatcher, Cynthia Waddell Published by Apress 2006ISBN: 1-59059-638-2Published in Japanese 2007ISBN: 978-4-8399-2220-7

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Resources

Handbook for Parliamentarians on the ConventionAvailable Free at www.un.org/disabilities

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Resources

Involving People with Disabilities in the Standardisation Process by Dr. John Gill, Chief Scientist Royal National Institute of Blind PeopleAvailable Free at www.tiresias.org/publications/disabilities_standardisation/index.htm

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Internet Governance Forum Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt15 – 18 November 2009 24

Contact

Cynthia Waddell, Juris DoctorE-mail: [email protected]

Executive Director and Law, Policy and Law, Policy & Technology Subject Matter Expert

International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet

Update: The Impact of the UNCRPD on the Internet Presented by Cynthia D. Waddell Executive Director, International Center for Disability Resources on the.

Documents

internet workshop

internet states parties

convention slide

global internet access

disabilities slide

internet freedom of

convention obligations

resources available