Photo 5 Panel Discussion on Enabling the disabled through digital solutions, MDRF 2019 Discussion in Session 3 on ‘Enabling the disabled through digital solutions’ centered on requirements for the inclusion of accessibility features for persons with disabilities. The discussion revolved around the daily struggles and inconveniences encountered by persons with disabilities (PWD) in Myanmar and the lack of inclusion for PWDs in many aspects. It was pointed out that there are over 2.3 million disabled persons in Myanmar, a substantial proportion of the population. However, the basic institutions, establishments, facilities and infrastructure largely lack the features for the accessibility and the inclusion of PWDs in Myanmar. Public transportation, shopping centers and public facilities are required to facilitate accessibility features for the ease of PWDs. For example, accessibility features such as voice automation and closed captioning are integrated in some vehicles of the Yangon Bus Service for accessibility of PWDs. However, such systems are not integrated in all of the vehicles. And some of the commercial establishments are found to have removed the voice announcement system features from elevators. The panelist pointed out that the National Building Code of Myanmar dictates the inclusion of accessibility features in buildings for PWDs. The code requires that accessibility features such as voice announcement and automation in elevators, hydraulic lifting mechanism for wheelchair bound citizens and automated door systems should be incorporated for the accessibility of PWDs. Current technology support the accessibility features in smart phones with screen readers, text-to-speech functionalities and GPS integrated walking canes for visually impaired persons. However, these kinds of accessibility-focused technologically integrated tools are not accessible for PWDs in Myanmar due to lack of technology and funding. Environments designed for normal persons are a serious limitation for the inclusion of PWDs. Moreover, stereotypical views regarding the PWDs with visual impairment as limited to professions such as massage therapists and singers are also apparent in Myanmar. With existing 14