Disability Rights and ICT in Africa: 2024 Conference on Legal Frameworks, Innovations, and Inclusion

Conference Title: Disability Rights, Information, and Communication Technologies in Africa

Date: November 13–14, 2024

Location: Hybrid (In-person and Virtual)

Organizer: Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria

Conference Overview

The Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria is pleased to announce the upcoming Annual Disability Rights in Africa Conference, set to explore the intersection of disability rights and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Africa. This year’s conference, themed “Disability Rights, Information, and Communication Technologies in Africa,” seeks to critically assess and discuss the evolving landscape of disability rights within the context of technological advancements across the continent.

Objectives

1. Examine Current Legal and Policy Frameworks: The conference will scrutinize existing laws, policies, practices, and ideologies concerning the rights of individuals with disabilities in Africa, focusing specifically on their interaction with ICTs.
2. Promote Innovative Solutions: Discussions will center on novel and effective solutions designed to enhance the human rights of individuals with disabilities through the strategic use of ICTs.

Following the conference, selected papers will be invited for refinement and potential publication in the 2025 edition of the African Disability Rights Yearbook.

Background

Technological progress in recent decades has significantly transformed global interactions, economic activities, and educational systems. Despite the proliferation of ICTs, many individuals with disabilities in Africa continue to face digital exclusion. Major barriers include high technology costs, inadequate infrastructure—especially in rural areas—insufficient funding for infrastructure enhancements, and low levels of digital literacy. Addressing these challenges is vital for ensuring that all segments of African society can benefit equitably from technological advancements.

As technology will play a crucial role in facilitating the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all societal spheres, there is a pressing need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders. These include regional bodies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, to improve ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities. Strategies might involve reviewing and enhancing legal frameworks, launching awareness campaigns, building capacity, and improving digital literacy. The conference aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to devise strategies and promote ICT accessibility across Africa.

Participants

The conference seeks to gather a diverse array of stakeholders committed to advancing disability rights through ICT. Participants will include:

• Individuals with disabilities
• Civil society organizations focusing on disability rights
• Legal academics and researchers
• Policymakers
• Telecommunications industry representatives
• Government officials

Potential Topics

We invite submissions on a wide range of topics related to disability rights and ICT, including but not limited to:

• Legal frameworks for ICT and disability rights in Africa
• Digital inclusion and exclusion of persons with disabilities
• Assistive devices and their impact on education
• ICT’s role in skills development and employment
• Access to government services via ICT
• Information accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Use of ICT in elections by persons with disabilities
• Affordability and accessibility of assistive devices
• Accessibility of mobile applications and services
• Socio-economic barriers to ICT access
• Collaboration strategies for enhancing ICT accessibility
• ICT’s impact on persons with disabilities during crises
• Improving digital literacy among persons with disabilities
• Advocacy for digital rights
• Intersectional issues and best practices for digital inclusion

Submission Guidelines

Abstracts should adhere to the following requirements:

• Language: English
• Length: 300-350 words
• Format: MS Word document (not PDF)

Each abstract should include:

• Title of the abstract
• Author’s name
• Affiliation
• Qualifications
• Email address

Submission Deadline: 31 August 2024

Authors will be notified of abstract acceptance by 9 September 2024. Accepted presenters must submit their full presentations by 31 October 2024.

Inquiries

For further information, please contact: Sabeeha Majid
Email: sabeeha.majid@up.ac.za

For more information, visit website

We look forward to your submissions and to engaging in meaningful discussions on advancing disability rights through ICT at this year’s conference.