Web accessibility initiatives in the Philippines
Since 2009 unhampered access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has been in the second National Human Rights Action Plan of the Philippine government.
Three targets are set to improve the situation: 1) By 2005, persons with disabilities should have at least the same rate of access to the Internet and related services as the rest of citizens in a country of the region.
1993–2002 – United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) proclaimed the “Declaration of Asia-Pacific Decade for Disabled Persons”.
May 2002 – UNESCAP adopted the resolution “Promoting an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region in the twenty-first century” naming it the “Biwako Millennium Framework” May 3–7, 2003 – Interregional Seminar and Regional Demonstration Workshop on Accessible Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) to Persons with Disabilities was held at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila, Philippines where 11 countries from Asia-Pacific were represented.
Search for Good Practices – The National Computer Center (NCC) and NCWDP periodically review participants' websites for improvements and ideas.
December 12, 2005 – Second “Disabled Friendly Website Award” was given to Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) with Ms. Lourdes Borgonia, a blind person, as web designer.
March 18 and 25, 2006 – Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf (MCCID) developed four accessible websites for GOs and NGOs needing technical assistance and continues to do so.
Ervin Reyes, deaf bronze medalist in the web design category during the 6th International Abilympics Skills Competition held in New Delhi, India was the lecturer.
May 16–19, 2006 – Following three successful workshops organized by DSWD and NCWDP the Webmasters' Interface on Accessible ICT for PWDs held a national event in Mango Park Hotel, Cebu City.
It brings together the country's webmasters, policy-makers, disability advocates, and ICT practitioners to forge a vision for accessible web content.
June 29, 2006 – Post evaluation and appreciation meeting about the Cebu activity was held at Max's Restaurant, Quezon City.
Also, the third “Disabled Friendly Website” award was given to Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf with Remberto I. Esposa Jr. as the web designer.
July 27, 2006 – After the proposal presented by Esposa and Reynaldo Mendoza, former web designer of De La Salle University website, the NCWDP board approved the recommendation of forming an ad hoc or core group of webmasters that will implement the consensus made by Cebu City participants.
August 27, 2006 – After five years of negotiations, countries meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York have agreed on a new treaty to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Visual Validation Checklist January 7, 2007 – A few months after it was established, a total of 30 web developers and advocates from the Philippines and in other countries have joined PWAG.
February 19–23, 2007 – "Workshop on Accessible ICT" was held at Baguio attended by both the IT personnel and focal persons from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
July 20, 2007 – As an offshoot of the successful staging of Baguio Workshop on Accessible ICT held last February, focal persons for Persons with Disabilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 1 held an "E-Accessibility Forum" last July 20 at Zigzag Hotel, San Fernando City, La Union.
Prayer and Walk for Unity for UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD) Ratification was held on May 12 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.
Attach ALT (alternative) text to graphic images so that assistive computer technology such as screen readers can reach the content; 4.
To educate and encourage the general public on the benefits of including accessibility on their websites by providing information and assistance through workshops, seminars, e-groups, and other forums; 2.
