Sumona is an independent woman with a physical disability. She works in online outsourcing and earns an income through this work. Her earnings are deposited into her mobile banking account, which is linked to a SIM card. Unfortunately, she has not been able to purchase a SIM card in her own name.
Due to Sumona’s disability, she cannot provide fingerprints. Despite visiting various ministries, starting with the Election Commission, she was unable to resolve the issue. Eventually, a private telecom company provided her with a SIM card, but it was registered in the name of an official at the company.
While technology is advancing and making life easier through digital means, accessibility to technology remains challenging for persons with disabilities in society due to high cost of assistive technology, lack of universal design, limited awareness about the needs, inadequate policies and enforcement, language barriers, lack of coordination between stakeholders. Undermining the capacity, charity-based approach.
"The process the government uses to identify individuals with disabilities is rigorous. If we link the data from their Suborno cards with NID cards, their identity and authenticity are easily established. I believe there should be no further obstacles in accessing services," said Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, policy adviser to the Bangladesh government’s ICT Reform under the ICT Division.
"We must address the outdated policies during the current interim government period. The Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013 should also be reviewed to determine if modifications are needed," he added.
Taiyeb made these remarks during a discussion meeting titled “Accessibility of Persons with Disabilities to Digital Services” on Monday.
The event was jointly organized by BRAC, the Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-SCAN), CBM Global Disability Inclusion, and the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) at BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka.
Speakers at the event highlighted that persons with disabilities face numerous obstacles in areas such as passport issuance, banking services, using ATMs, purchasing train tickets, and obtaining SIM cards etc. These barriers often discourage them from adopting digital methods.
Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of B-SCAN and the network Protibondhi Nagorik Shagathaner Parishad (PNSP), emphasized that making digital services accessible can significantly improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
"Most digital services are not adequately accessible for persons with disabilities. Additionally, there is no service policy for those with multiple disabilities.
During the event, the organizers presented findings of the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Digital Services project supported by CBM-G and implemented by CDD, and recommendations from grassroot stakeholders’ consultation by B-SCAN and BRAC previously.
The presentation highlighted gaps on both the demand and supply sides of digital services. A large number of persons with disabilities lack the necessary knowledge and skills in digital technology, and there are limited ICT training opportunities for them.
The presentation also pointed out that government websites are only partially accessible, citizen charters are not user-friendly, and regulatory frameworks for accessibility are lacking. Moreover, mobile-based digital services are not universally accessible.
Broja Gopal Saha, Deputy Director of CDD, said: "While persons without disabilities have various technological service needs in their daily lives, persons with disabilities often have additional needs. The key questions are whether platforms are accessible and easy to use. With ongoing reforms, this is an opportunity to make lasting changes by addressing policy gaps. Strengthening implementation methods is equally crucial."
Masuma Billah, Programme Head of the Gender Justice and Diversity Programme at BRAC, highlighted the issue of joint initiative to change the situation of persons with disabilities. She said: "This is important to work together to make services accessible. Mainstream development organizations should work closely with organizations of persons with disabilities for creating greater impact.”
Sharing the example of BRAC, she highlighted the necessity of a dedicated department of the Government on disability who will coordinate with all relevant ministries and Departments to make their services accessible.
Around 50 persons with disabilities, representing various organizations, attended the event. They shared their challenges in accessing technology and described how they have faced exploitation due to the inaccessibility of digital services. Representatives from different government and non-government organizations were also present in the event and committed to contribute meaningfully for ensuring accessibility for all including persons with disabilities.