Our primary goal in attending the second National Summit of Community Networks was to address the question of why we conducted and published our study report on Best Practices for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Kenyan Community Networks.
This year’s summit was hosted by the Kijiji Yeetu Community Network in collaboration with the Internet Society Kenya Chapter. It brought together members from the Association of Community Networks of Kenya (ACNKe), regulatory bodies such as the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), and other stakeholders. The focus of the summit was on the theme: Building sustainable models for community networks.
Often, the digital accessibility issues affecting persons with disabilities are evident, yet we seem to overlook them, whether intentionally or unintentionally. While it may not be your fault (yet it is your responsibility), these oversights often stem from societal norms or governance structures. Interestingly, most barriers to digital inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) are external; they do not typically arise from the individuals themselves, but rather from the environment surrounding them.
Digital inclusion is not just a project; it is an ongoing process—a continuous evolution characterised by collaboration and fairness. Community networks play a crucial role in this process, particularly in bridging the digital divide for PWDs. By breaking down and demystifying digital inclusion within these communities, we can effectively connect the internet to PWDs, empowering them to participate in and contribute to developing the digital economy in Kenya.
Reading through the above-mentioned report, you will come to understand that “while community networks strive to bridge the digital divide, barriers have made it challenging to implement inclusive practices that ensure persons with disabilities in the community have equal access to the network’s benefits.”
The barriers include:
Misconceptions and Attitudinal Barriers
- The belief that PWDs do not need or benefit from community networks.
- The perception that individuals with disabilities engage with community networks only as a necessity, primarily in a passive manner.
- The assumption that all PWDs are illiterate or lack the cognitive ability to use or contribute to community networks.
Training and Educational Barriers
- Lack of enough training opportunities for PWDs
- The technical languages and Language barriers
- Lack of knowledge in communication mediums, such as Kenyan Sign Language, used by the country’s deaf community
Financial and Resource Barriers
- Financial limitations and inadequate funds to establish and sustain accessible community networks for PWDs.
Technological Barriers
- A lack of specialized knowledge required to create and maintain accessible community network infrastructures.
- The challenge of accessing community networks is further compounded for individuals with multiple disabilities, as many assistive technologies are designed to address only a single disability, failing to accommodate those with more complex needs.
Infrastructure Barriers
- Frequent power shortages significantly affect individuals who rely on electrically powered assistive technologies, leading to increased operational expenses.
- The type of internet connectivity may also influence the quality of content available to end users.
Policy and Regulatory Barriers
- The absence of clear enforcement protocols for accessibility standards has resulted in inconsistent adherence to these guidelines.
“Often our fears and discomfort about interacting with persons with disability are based on lack of knowledge, uncertainties, and stereotypes that can influence your attitudes.”
Overcoming these barriers as community networks is simple. Start today. Audit your own digital spaces for accessibility gaps. Engage with disability advocacy groups to learn firsthand about their needs. Share resources and best practices within your network.
Remember, digital inclusion is a continuous process. It should not be a one-time effort. Instead, it should be a continuous learning process that allows for ongoing improvement and adjustment to meet the increasing accessibility needs.
Nicodemus Nyakundi is a Digital Rights and Accessibility Program Assistant at KICTANet. He has a background in IT and advocates for the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities.
