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:
-
Public telephones, to be placed at appropriate
height;
-
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:
-
Sign language interpretation;
-
Teletext;
-
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
Additional Information: This document was presented at
the VIII meeting of PCC.I of CITEL, as
part of document CCP.I-TEL/doc. 789/06.
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