title: Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, assistive technology and information and communication technology requirements: where do we stand on implementation?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article presents 2013 data from a survey provided by G3ict and Disabled Peoples International (DPI). The Progress Report identifies the degree that each of the CRPD dispositions on ATs and ICTs accessibility are enacted in local laws, policies and regulations and their impacts.
  
  
  METHODS
  The initial methodology used to develop the survey involved several steps. First, a systematic review of CRPD AT and ICT technology requirements was conducted. Second, 57 variables were identified. Third, variables were grouped into three clusters representing countries': (a) legal, regulatory and programmatic commitments; (b) capacity to implement; and (c) actual implementation results. Surveys were completed by experts in a total of 74 countries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With respect to select CRPD AT and ICT dispositions, respondent countries report an: (a) average degree of compliance within their general legal and regulatory framework at 66%; (b) average 29% of the capacity to implement; and (c) average degree of implementation and impact of 42%. Implications for Rehabilitation Survey results reflect low levels of ratifying countries implementation of laws, policies or programs that promote awareness-raising and training programs about the CRPD and its AT and ICT technology requirements. Implication 1: CRPD ratifying countries need to promote disability-inclusive AT and ICT policies and programs identified as priority areas by key stakeholders Implication 2: Government leaders and key policymakers need to address gaps in capacity building such as professional training of professionals in the areas of AT and ICT accessibility and programming through disability-inclusive cooperative development practices.
authors.affiliation: G3ict Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies , Atlanta, GA , USA.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: Axel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leblois
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cesa Bianchi
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Montenegro
mesh_terms: D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D014943:Global Health; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000600:supply & distribution*
keywords: Accessibility; compliance; digital access; global survey; inclusive development; inclusive practices; treaty implementation