Abstract
The rapid development and widespread adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have fundamentally changed almost every aspect of our lives. Governments and industry leaders have all acknowledged that ICTs have the capacity to increase the quality of people’s lives by improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning, and the productivity of industry and governments. Given the increasingly central role of communications in people’s lives, society and the economy and the fact that much of an individual’s future success may rely on his/her ability to use ICT, access to ICT must be made as equitable as possible. People with disabilities (PWDs) are often unable to access telecommunications devices and services because these devices and services lack the necessary accessibility features. Countries therefore have to take steps to ensure that telecommunications services and associated services are accessible for PWDs.
This document discusses the equivalency issues in regard to the provision of telecommunications services to PWDs. The experiences of different jurisdictions in dealing with these issues form a part of the discussion. Measures are proposed to improve PWDs access to and choice of telecommunication services for which comments are invited from stakeholders.
Associated Documents:
- Consumer Advisory Committee on Utilities – Response to Consultation on Equivalence of Access & Choice for PWDS in Telecom Markets
- Flow – Response to Consultation on Equivalence of Access & Choice for PWDS in Telecom Markets
- Jamaica Association for the Deaf – Response to Consultation on Equivalence of Access & Choice for PWDS in Telecom Markets
- Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities – Response to Consultation on Equivalence of Access & Choice for PWDS in Telecom Markets
- Jamaica Society for the Blind – Response to Consultation on Equivalence of Access & Choice for PWDS in Telecom Markets
- Jamaican Associations on Intellectual Disabilities – Response to Consultation on Equivalence of Access & Choice for PWDS in Telecom Markets
- The Jamaican Deaf Community – Response to Consultation on Equivalence of Access & Choice for PWDS in Telecom Markets