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Disability Leadership in Digital Rights and Internet Governance


Ms. Manique Gunaratne was a Resource Person at the “Capacity Building for People With #Disabilities  in Internet Governance” organised by the Asia-Pacific School on Internet Governance (APSIG) in Dacca, Bangladesh in June 2022. The programme was held at the Imprean Hotel in Bangladesh. APSIG, founded in 2015, is the premier regional initiative that imparts capacity building in Internet Governance in the Asia-Pacific region. Annual editions of APSIG enable Internet Governance practitioners--especially the organizers of national Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs) and national Internet Governance Forums (IGFs)-to enhance their

capacity through lectures and presentations by international experts and through

discussions. The present consultation is a special initiative targeted at Persons with

Disabilities, with the objective of developing leadership within the  communities and

enabling them to participate in global, regional and national initiatives in Internet

Governance.

The “Disability Leadership in Digital Rights and Internet Governance” participants were from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. At the first Disability Leadership Training Workshop in Digital Rights and Internet Governance meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh June 2022 agreed on the following:

Expressing our appreciation to the organisers: the Asia Pacific School of Internet Governance in partnership with the Internet Society Accessibility Standing Group, the local host, the Bangladesh Chapter of the Internet Society and the support of Article 19 and the APNIC Foundation.

Respecting the culture, language and diversity of disability in being equally treated in the digital space.

Effective participation by persons with disability in relevant decision-making processes based on the recognition of the disability movement’s mission: Nothing about us without us.

We, as disability leaders in South Asia agree that we advocate for:

1. The ratification and  implementation of international instruments such as the

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Marrakech Treaty and the Sustainable Development Goals (as related to persons with disability) in our region.

2. The commitment by Governments to make ICT and the digital environment in our countries accessible for persons with disability by formulating and implementing legislation and regulation in accordance with the international instruments. This includes making e-government services accessible adhering to the current version of W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. This commitment should be enforced by the governments with designated trained staff as well as reasonable financial resources. Furthermore, research and development in accessible technology be supported for low cost availability of digital products to persons with disability. 

3. Making educational facilities and curriculum at all levels accessible through an equal delivery mechanism. Developing and delivering university courses on digital accessibility.

4. Providing an enabling environment facilitated by accessible digital resources in the public and private sector for creating employment opportunities for people with disability.

5. Businesses and the private sector making their online services accessible and adhering to the current version of W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

6. International donor agencies and IGOs providing accessible technologies, both hardware and software, to people with disability in their developing country programs. This includes training in the effective and safe use of the Internet.

7. Internet organisations welcoming people with disability in their deliberations and making their programs and communications accessible. Concurrently, people with disability will build knowledge to proactively and productively participate.

8. The accessibility of communication, advertisement and public messaging through the provision of alternate formats.

 

 

AI: Group of twelve people standing indoors in front of a banner. Most are lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, facing the camera, while the two women at the right are turned toward each other in conversation. The group includes men and women of South Asian descent, dressed in a mix of business casual and traditional clothing. The banner behind them displays the event name: "Disability Leadership Workshop on Digital Rights and Internet Governance." Logos of APNIC Foundation, APSIG, and other organizations are visible, along with flags representing different South Asian countries on the banner. The setting looks like a conference room with patterned carpet and wood paneling on the walls. The mood appears formal yet friendly.


Indoor event scene with two women in the foreground. One woman, with short white hair and glasses, stands holding a microphone, wearing a colorful patterned blouse and light pants. She appears to be speaking or preparing to speak. The other woman, with dark hair tied back and wearing a red and black sari, is seated at a round table, looking up at the standing woman and smiling. On the table in front of them are a glass of water, a smartphone, some cables, and a pink item. In the background, several people are seated at tables in a spacious, well-lit room with wooden ceiling panels and beige tablecloths. The atmosphere suggests a formal or semi-formal gathering, possibly a conference or meeting.

 

This image captures a presentation or award ceremony at a professional event, likely a workshop or conference focused on internet governance. ​Key elements in the picture: ​People: There are six people standing in a line in front of a branded backdrop, suggesting a formal group photo. ​Center: A woman with short, light hair and a pink scarf is holding a certificate or plaque. She is surrounded by the other participants. ​Left Center: Two women are standing close to the central figure. One is wearing a red and black patterned traditional garment (possibly a saree), and the other is in a blue and white top. ​Right Center: A man wearing a light khaki or grey suit jacket and glasses is next to the central woman, also touching the certificate. ​Far Right: A woman in a white saree with blue/purple border and designs is smiling at the camera. ​Far Left: A man in a dark shirt is standing behind a dark podium or lectern, looking towards the center of the group. ​Background/Branding: ​A large white banner or screen forms the backdrop. ​Logos: The banner features several logos, including "Internet Society Bangladesh Chapter," "APNIC Foundation," "APSIG," "Internet Society Accessibility Standing Group," and "ARTICLE 19." ​Text: The main text on the banner reads: "Global Leadership Works" (in smaller font, partially obscured) and clearly "Digital Inclusion and Internet Governanc." The word "Governance" is partially cut off or obscured. ​A small flag, possibly of Nepal (a red square with a white shape and blue border), is visible on the banner. ​Setting: The event appears to be indoors in a well-lit venue, possibly a hotel conference room, with a dark floral or patterned skirting visible at the bottom of the backdrop. ​The image documents a moment of recognition or completion at an international workshop or leadership program focused on digital inclusion and internet governance, involving participants and sponsors from various organizations.



Group photo of 18 people indoors, with a mix of men and women, some seated in the front row on gold-covered chairs and others standing behind them. The group is positioned in front of a banner that reads "Disability Leadership Workshop on Digital Rights and Internet Governance," with logos from APNIC, APSIG, and the Internet Society, as well as flag images of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. The room has a modern decor with patterned carpet, wooden accents, and soft, warm lighting. Most of the people are smiling and dressed in smart casual or business attire.


#Manique Gunaratne


Tel. – 0094117801801

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