Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized the world and is continuing to do so at a faster pace than ever before. It has become a part of our lives – be it daily news, appliances, phones, computers, etc. It is ubiquitous in cities and is increasingly being seen even in villages. It is changing the way we communicate, study, work, shop, pay bills, entertain ourselves, socialize, gather information, even access physical spaces and so on. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the use of information and communication technology in a major way.
Technology is a great enabler and equalizer for persons with disabilities. Due to technology, there is now greater flexibility for people to work/study, attend conferences and training, seek medical advice, etc. online, from the comfort of their homes without any need for traveling or worrying about other physical barriers. However, technology can also exclude and become a barrier if it is not accessible or unavailable. For example, an app for a doctor’s consultation that cannot be read by a screen reader makes it inaccessible to users with visual disabilities; unavailability of a sign language interpreter during an online class makes it impossible for deaf people to attend; and if one does not have a smartphone/computer/assistive technology, one is totally cut off.
