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International Conference

International Conference

The major objectives of this international conference “From Exclusion to Empowerment: Role of ICT for Persons with Disabilities” are to promote the human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities and to encourage all stakeholders to take concrete measures for the empowerment of persons with disabilities through the use of ICTs.

The conference From Exclusion to Empowerment 2014 will establish clear thematic linkages between the following articles of the UN Convention (UNCRPD):

Girl working on an adapted computer

Article 6 – Women with Disabilities;

Braille Keyboard

Article 9 – Accessibility;

Students using ICTs

Article 21 – Freedom of Expression and Opinion, Access to Information;

Two boys on a computer

Article 24 – Education;

Blind people working on computers

Article 27 – Work and employment;

View of the Planary hall

Article 32 – International cooperation.

Major Objectives

  1. Raise public awareness among policy and decision makers, disabled people organizations, public and private organizations, education, industry, information and media professionals as well as civil society at large, of the significance and complexity of disability issues, and the sense of urgency for taking concrete measures and action;
  2. Provide assistance to UNESCO’s Member States in the implementation of international commitments regarding the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities and ICTs in a comprehensive and coherent manner;
  3. Identify existing challenges and barriers arising from the most recent international experiences in different areas of disability that may help to develop programmes and services for people with disability and people working in the field;
  4. Showcase technical solutions and share good practices as well as encourage constructive dialogue among people working in the disability field;
  5. Better understand and promote the application of affordable and accessible ICTs and ATs for persons with disabilities to access information and knowledge, education, rehabilitation, employment, and to participate more fully in society;
  6. Encourage various stakeholders to design and provide accessible and affordable content, services and concrete solutions, as well as programmes for persons with disabilities, particularly to access information and knowledge;
  7. Encourage national and international cooperation among various stakeholders;
  8. Mobilize resources for joint initiatives; and
  9. Propose an action plan on the implementation of UNCRPD (Outcome document).

Structure

The international conference programme will include more than 100 thematic presentations over 3 tracks organized as plenary and breakout parallel sessions.
Keynote speakers for the plenary and breakout sessions will be selected by UNESCO, the Planning Committee, and partners involved in the organization of the international conference. There will also be smaller, more interactive and participatory breakout sessions made up of practice-oriented presentations. The leaders of the themed track will be asked to provide inputs to the preparation of the Outcome Document.
One of the plenary sessions will be dedicated to the adoption of the Outcome Document of the Conference.

Outcomes

The expected outcomes of the conference, exhibition, and film festival are:

  1. Recommendations provided on specific actions to improve the status quo of people with disabilities with regard to the role of ICTs in increasing access to education, public information, social services, and job opportunities.
  2. Innovative solutions, best practices, and case studies from different parts of the world documented and shared that illustrate stakeholders’ engagement and benefits for introduction of policies, products, and services to harness the potential of people with disabilities
  3. Outcome document prepared capturing the main debates, discussions, and solutions presented for informed decision making, then globally distributed among various stakeholders and integrated into new follow up activities.
  4. Best films produced and distributed within the framework of the international film festival for international awareness raising campaign.
  5. All stakeholders encouraged to take concrete actions for the empowerment of persons with disabilities through the use of ICTs.
  6. Partnership initiated, communication forged, and networks established among various stakeholders.
  7. New contacts established, projects initiated for integration of new services and technical solutions in order to access information and knowledge, education, rehabilitation, and employment persons with disabilities in society.

Download the Outcome document - Drafting Group - 2014