Accessibility resources for human rights in action

In this session, members of different European Union (EU) organizations discussed the EU Accessibility Act implementation and other strategies to promote universal accessibility in a human rights perspective.

A few interesting points and key take-home messages from this session:

• One interesting practical point from Austria representative was that their government accessibility committee hosts monthly breakfast meetings with Disability Persons Organizations (DPOs) to discuss key development issues. And 6 months a year with a larger group of experts to benchmark progress and brainstorm solutions for implementations.

• Standardization: DPOs should be involved in developing standards and monitoring implementation, and communicating/participating at accessibility development tables.

• Accessibility creates a competitive advantage and not an economic burden - and work with industry to create products (e.g. accessible tablet or control heating and cooling to cars) that respond to that. Think of the "market" as not only individuals with disabilities but aging population and others. 

• U.S rep mentioned how public procurement can be used towards promoting participation: If a vendor claims they're conformant (with accessibility standards) how do you ensure that these products are indeed conformant? The Mandate 376 was mentioned  21st century communication act that has fines imposed for products that are not made accessible. Social media is also a powerful accountability platform. 

Keiko