DUBAI: The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) organised the “Digital Accessibility” Forum, the first of its kind nationally in Dubai, which aims to enhance national efforts to achieve universal digital inclusion.
The forum focuses on enabling all segments of society to access digital technology and e-services, while ensuring the provision of the necessary infrastructure that takes into account the needs of different groups, including People of Determination and senior citizens. The forum discussed several vital issues, such as promoting innovation in digital service delivery and developing digital standards that support ease of access to public- and private-sector platforms. The forum also reviewed best international practices in digital accessibility and the importance of building integrated and equal digital societies.
Mohammad Ibrahim Al Zarooni, Deputy Director-General of the Information and Digital Government Sector at TDRA, affirmed in his speech during the forum, “T
rue digital transformation lies not only in technology, but in our ability to ensure that these technologies are available to everyone without exception. Allowing People of Determination and senior citizens full access to technology is not just a goal, it is our shared duty. This is where the Digital Accessibility Policy we launched in 2024 comes into place as a landmark in our journey towards digital inclusion.”
He added, “Digital accessibility is the foundation of successful digital transformation, as we develop strategies and programmes that ensure digital services are accessible to all segments of society, regardless of their abilities or where they reside. We continue to work on improving the digital infrastructure to make sure that the UAE is a world-leading country in this respect.”
Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for the Community Development Sector at the Ministry of Community Development, said, “I would like to thank and acknowledge the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory A
uthority for their great efforts in organising the Digital Accessibility Forum. This quality milestone serves as a converging point for all authorities concerned with implementing the National Policy for Digital Accessibility, as well as local and international experts and speakers, to share visions, ideas, efforts, and plans to ensure implementation.”
She added, “The National Policy for Digital Accessibility, which encompasses seven key provisions to ensure digital accessibility for all segments of society, including People of Determination and senior citizens, comes in implementation of the national trend supported by the UAE’s wise leadership, and which the UAE government is working to achieve by launching more enabling policies for various segments of society. This is in addition to its role in enhancing national efforts to bring about an inclusive society, free of barriers, to access digital services with ease and high efficiency. The National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, launched by t
he Ministry, has dedicated an entire section to accessibility and set a goal of enabling them to easily access various information in ways that fit their abilities.”
The forum was attended by a panel of local and international experts, in addition to several government officials and representatives of tech firms. Experts discussed various topics related to the digital accessibility policy of the UAE, as well as best international and local trends, practices, and experiences from Zayed University, ESCWA, and Amazon.
Source: Emirates News Agency