ICT products and services are the most scalable and used tool of our modern societies. Cities all over the world are using ICT to inform and serve citizens. At the same time this digital transformation is generating a massive amount of data that can be used to increase the efficiency of the city.
As cities digitally transform, it is fundamental they ensure the accessibility of all products and services or risk widening the digital divide and excluding a significant percentage of the population. Disability – whether temporary, situational or permanent–is something that can affect people at any time. Designing with and for people with disabilities leads to greater innovations for everyone. ICT accessibility is not only important for persons with disabilities but also benefits the increasing elderly population, migrants that do not speak the native language and persons with low literacy.
Procurement policies are a critical lever in increasing accessibility. They set out the expectation, standards and criteria for how goods and services will be purchased, and through this, the city can ensure the acquisition of universal designed products and services to safeguard the equitable development and participation of all.