Persons with disabilities have the same civil, political, social and economic rights like everyone else, but due to the increase use of digital technologies in the public and private administration often they cannot access those rights. Accessible digital technologies and knowledge to use those technologies are key in helping persons with disabilities participate equally in the society and the economy and in providing easier access to public services.
On Friday, 24 November, 2017, MEP Marlene Mizzi will be hosting the public conference Accessibility Without Discrimination at the Phoenicia Hotel, supported by the S&D group in the European Parliament, from 9am to 2pm.
This conference aims at raising awareness on the subject whilst safeguarding the interests of people with disabilities. Digitalisation of the economy and the society, developing eGovernment, Digital Single Market and smart cities have created millions of opportunities for citizens and businesses, and yet, people with disabilities in Europe are excluded or prevented from using basic digital products and services due to a lack of accessibility or knowledge requirements.
Accessibility Without Discrimination is being organised with the assistance of the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It will be open to the general public but will mainly target employers and employees alike as well as persons with disability who are continually faced with various challenges. It will bring together a variety of stakeholders, government policymakers and civil society organisations in order to address this important issue.
Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, as well as Silvio Schembri, Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, have kindly agreed to participate in this event. The conference will also include presentations from Enable Ireland, a non-profit state-funded organisation that provides free services to children and adults with disabilities and their families in Ireland; and Vickie Gauci, an Occupational Therapist who is studying at the University of Leeds, focusing mainly on disability activism, assistive technology and universal design.