Global

The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. May 17th marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

This year, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day has adopted the theme: "Connecting Persons with Disabilities: ICT Opportunities for All" to address the special requirements of persons with disabilities.

During this year's WTISD, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) calls upon all stakeholders (policy makers, regulators, operators, and industry) to raise awareness on the need to adopt policies and strategies that would meet the ICT needs of people with disabilities by ensuring that both equipment and services are accessible. This move would not only ensure an inclusive information society, but would also enable Member States to meet their obligations under Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2006.

Among other issues, the Convention requires that States shall take appropriate measures to:

1. ensure ICT and emergency service access to persons with disabilities on an equal basis.
2. promote access for persons with disabilities to new ICT, including the internet.
3. promote design, production, and distribution of accessible ICT at an early stage.
4. ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
5. provide information in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different kinds of disabilities in a timely manner and without additional cost.
6. urge private entities that render services to the public to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities.
7. encourage mass media (including information providers through the internet) to make their services accessible.

Click here for more information about the day.