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Main : Contributions
: ThailandICT Policy Report
Thailand
By Mr. Pat Watanasin
Social Worker
Bureau of Promotion and Protection of Persons with Disabilities,
Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand
In Thailand, people with disabilities have the rights to access information and
communications technology (ICT) rendered by the public sector. This includes public
facilities such as community radio, video content, public telephones, web sites,
electronic devices, communication devices, communication devices, e-learning and so forth.
Moreover, ICT developers must ensure that devices for the public are compatible with
disabled people's needs in the future. As Thailand is aiming to be an information society,
information accessibility is a basic human rights and anti-piracy or digital rights
management technology must not create a block for persons with disabilities.
According to the guidelines on accessible ICT and assistive technology devices proposed
by Ministry of Social Development and Human Security , at least 70 percent of people with
disabilities should have access to ICT services by 2006 (in accordance with the national
ICT master plan (2002-2006). In addition, Thai government should define a national
standard on the ICT accessibility by working with relevant organizations and exiting
international standards. Thai government should set up a national taskforce to develop,
distribute and train on sign language, Braille, Finger Braille, and tactile sign language
by the year 2003. Moreover, stating in 2003, Thai government should include related human
resource development along with placement of sign language interpreter, Braille
transcriber, finger Braille interpreter, human reader and alternative media producers.
Finally, people with disabilities should buy assistive technology devices with the
exemption of duties by 2003.
Meanwhile, a strategic plan currently being drafted on ICT accessibility for persons
with disabilities. This upcoming plan is expected to be ratified and made law over the
next year. The taskforce is basing its plan on the Biwako Millennium Framework for action
towards an inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities
in Asia and The pacific (BMF) and Recommendations on Policy/Legislative Guidelines
concerning Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility for Persons with
Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific Region.
Furthermore, the ICT Ministry will set up an organization to promote ICT accessibility
for people with disabilities next year. Computer training for people with disabilities
will also be offered from 2003 to 2006. Thailand is now setting up a center to verify web
sites for the disabled.
In conclusion, accessible ICT is extremely important to the lives of people with
disabilities as it serves to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities. To
increase the social integration of people with disabilities, accessible ICT must
contribute to restoration of critical human functions and lessen the extent to which one
is perceived as "disabled". What is more, accessible ICT should be designed for
and used by people with disabilities with the intent of eliminating, ameliorating, or
compensating for one or more functional limitations. The extent of its utility for people
with disability depends on several factors, such availability, simplicity, initial cost,
adaptability, repair record, performance, operating cost, and ability to enhance personal
functioning. More importantly, policy and regulations must be implements if accessible ICT
is to play a greater part in the lives of people with disabilities.
Thank you for your attention.
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