The 16th Conference Of States Parties: Progress And The Path To Digital Inclusion
Key Highlights :
The 16th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City this year. This annual event brings together states, representatives, and advocates from around the world to discuss the rights and needs of disabled people. This year’s conference was especially important, as it focused on digital inclusion and accessibility.
Debra Ruh, disability rights advocate and founder of Ruh Global IMPACT, was in attendance at COSP16. Ruh’s mission is to foster inclusion, champion accessibility, and uphold the rights of persons with disabilities. To this end, she co-hosted an event at COSP16 titled “Mastering ICT/digital accessibility: Paving the way for a digitally inclusive world for ALL.”
Ruh reflects on the conference with an air of optimism, noting the hopeful atmosphere and the rise in awareness surrounding disability issues. However, she is also realistic about the challenges that remain. She believes that the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a step in the right direction, as it sets a high bar for other nations to follow.
Digital accessibility was a major focus of COSP16. Ruh believes that the event took thoughtful strides towards addressing this issue, including efforts to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies, provision of content in alternative formats, and adoption of inclusive design principles.
However, Ruh emphasizes that digital accessibility is a dynamic and evolving pursuit. As technology advances, conversations and efforts around digital accessibility must also evolve. Through continual advocacy, action, and adaptation, we inch closer to an all-encompassing and inclusive society.
The 16th Conference of State Parties to the UN CRPD has illuminated the path forward, making strides towards true digital inclusion and accessibility. With the learnings from COSP16, we are undoubtedly on the right path. The beacon of commitment ignited by the Conference of States Parties continues to burn bright, guiding the way for transformative changes and unwavering progress in upholding the rights of Disabled people.
