Introduction

1. Norms and Standards related to Accessibility
   1. International normative guidance
   2. International instruments in the field of disability
   3. International development instruments
   4. World Summit on the Information Society: Geneva and Tunis outcomes
   5. Internet governance in practice
   6. WSIS follow up
   7. Manila Declaration on Accessible Information and Communication Technologies
2. Select Review of Issues and Trends in Information Structures and Technologies
   1. Factors influencing Internet usage
   2. Web 2.0
   3. Convergence and implications for accessible ICT for all
3. Achieving the Accessibility Value Proposition
   1. Defining accessibility operationally
   2. Value proposition of accessibility for all
   3. What is reasonable?
   4. Contribution of the proposed international convention
   5. Internet governance and accessibility with reasonable adaptation
   6. Lessons in promoting and implementing accessible ICT: Republic of the Philippines
   7. Return on investments in accessible ICT matters!
   8. Planning and management considerations
   9. Suggested areas for further research on accessible ICT for all
   10. A final observation

Notes to the text

The paper is concerned with accessibility as both normative and substantive concern in policy design, planning and evaluation. Its focus is on achieving the value proposition accessibility with special reference to the global Internet. The premise of the paper is designs that provide flexibility to accommodate the needs, interests and capacities of end users remove barriers to full and effective participation, on the basis of equality, in social, economic and cultural life, and in civil and political affairs. The paper, first, reviews international norms and standards and discusses ways in which they address – or fail to address – accessibility as a specific policy concern in international development strategies and action programmes. It then reviews recent trends in information and communication technologies and structures, including the emergence of concern with Web 2.0 concepts. The third, and final, section reviews and discusses issues associated with promoting and implementing an "accessible ICT for all" agenda, drawing on lessons learned in a cooperative programme on mainstreaming and capacity building for Internet accessibility in the Republic of the Philippines. * Clinton E. Rapley, Director of Planning Services, Associates for International Management Services, 47 Mt. Pleasant Road, Mt. Tremper NY 12457 (USA); rapley@intlmgt.com / http://www.WorldEnable.Net.