Promotion of access to ICTs by persons with disabilities in Peru

As part of the inclusion policy to be followed in implementing information and communication technologies (ICTs), different measures have been taken in Peru to promote greater access to ICTs by persons with disabilities.  First, progress has been made by formulating policy guidelines for promotion of greater access to telecommunications in rural and preferential social interest areas.  These establish that, inter alia, disability aspects must be taken into account in rural telecommunication projects and ICTs implemented with state funds.  The measures described below have also been adopted:

Regulatory measures:

General Persons with Disabilities Act 

Said act establishes a legal protection and prevention regime with a view to the social, economic, and cultural development and integration of persons with disabilities.

The regulations to the above act govern the following telecommunication facilities:

1. Public telephones, to be placed at appropriate height;

2. Public telephones, to have assisted hearing devices.

Law on the Use of Audiovisual Media for the Hearing Impaired in Television Programs and on Public Cable Channels 

Nationally produced informational, educational, and cultural programs transmitted by the state channel incorporate additional visual communication media that use:

1. Sign language interpretation;

2. Teletext;

3. Subtitles.

Non-state open signal channels and the public cable channels incorporate these facilities on an optional and gradual basis. 

Law on Promotion of Internet Access for Persons with Disabilities and Modification of Physical Space in Public Internet Kiosks

General objective:

Said law provides that it is in the social interest to promote access to use of the Internet and information technologies by persons with disabilities

Specific objectives:

• Adaptation of portals and web pages

• Modification of public Internet kiosk spaces

• Training via special computer programs

• Access for students with disabilities

The Regulations to the Law on Promotion of Internet Access for Persons with Disabilities and Modification of Physical Space in Public Internet Kiosks are currently being drafted.

Equal Opportunity Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2003-2007:

The Plan establishes action areas to:

• Prevent disability;

• Strengthen skill development and rehabilitation services;

• Achieve family, educational, work, and social integration;

• Facilitate access to sports, recreation, culture, and tourism, public space, communications, and transportation, and priority access and facilities, in order to benefit from state-promoted programs.

In telecommunications:

With regard to access to telecommunications, steps have been taken to issue regulations to the above-mentioned Law on the Use of Audiovisual Media for the Hearing Impaired in Television Programs and on Public Cable Channels.

The Regulations thereto in fact make mandatory the gradual incorporation of visual communication media in news programs.

In programs, especially news programs, the state channel has now implemented in programs the closed caption system for the hearing impaired.

In addition, the Plan provides for the proposal to the Agency for Oversight of Private Investment in Telecommunications (OSIPTEL) of provisions facilitating access by persons with disabilities to public telecommunication services.  The action thus far taken in compliance has been to issue a framework of principles to be followed in drafting said provisions.

Implementation of the Messaging System for the Hearing Impaired:

This system was implemented in the framework of the Program of Telecommunication Access Applications, for which the National Telecommunication Research and Training Institute (INICTEL) has responsibility.

Using this system, the hearing impaired can access telecommunication networks.  It is conceived for use in intermediation centers, which act as spokespersons for hearing impaired individuals with others who are not impaired. 

The text terminal is a piece of equipment connected to the telephone network so that hearing impaired persons can communicate by exchanging text messages.  System users can send messages via their text terminals from home to any permitted destination (text terminal, telephone, or e-mail).

Two text terminals are now being used by the National Council for Integration of the Hearing Impaired (CONADIS).  Point of contact: [email protected].

Other actions:

• Ratification of the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities,” Guatemala, June 7, 1999
   

• “Without Barriers,” state radio program

Objective:  To develop better guidance and information on the rights of persons with disabilities

Miriam Castañeda
Legal Adviser
Secretariat of Communications of Peru