Description (short summary):
UNESCO promotes the concept of knowledge societies that are inclusive, pluralistic, equitable, open and participatory. It furthermore promotes better understanding of issues related to disability and mobilises support for the recognition of the dignity, rights and well-being of the disabled, and of the benefits of their integration in society.

This publication outlines how ICTs improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities - for example, in accessing education and healthcare - by providing access to information and knowledge, new employment and socialisation opportunities. The empowerment of those persons, particularly through the effective use of ICTs, is the fulfilment of fundamental human rights.

ICTs provide opportunities for flexible learning, for sharing information and for networking with disability advocates in other countries, for facilitating employment and self-sufficiency and, most importantly, for increasing independence. ICTs are particularly effective tools in the outreach to marginalised communities both in terms of accessing information and knowledge and of encouraging the participation in the development of ICT content and applications for the disabled. Even in the absence of a well-coordinated and well-planned infrastructure, ICTs can offer to people with disabilities new opportunities to compensate for physical and functional limitations, access to knowledge by adapting media to their impairment, and furthermore enhance their social and economic integration.

Number of pages: 11