Introduction
Myanmar Independent Living Initiative (MILI), established in 2011, is a self-help
organization led by disabled persons that has been working at various levels and
fighting for equal rights, inclusion and independent living of people with multiple
types of disabilities in Myanmar. MILI promotes disability access in employment,
education, health, disaster-risk reduction, social-enterprise, social, political,
electoral and public sectors.
LIRNEasia is a pro-poor, pro-market think tank established in 2004. It has been
working on catalyzing policy change through research to improve people’s lives
in the emerging Asia Pacific by facilitating their use of hard and soft
infrastructures through the use of knowledge, information and technology.
Myanmar ICT Development Organization (MIDO), established in 2012, uses
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool for the development
of the country by narrowing the digital divide in Myanmar; using ICT for the
country’s development and the safeguarding of human rights; and encouraging
the emergence of good Internet policies for ICT users.
A half-day workshop for Parliamentarians was held on 14 December 2017 at the
Summit Parkview Hotel, Yangon. The objectives of the workshop were;
a) To provide an opportunity to introduce the concept of ICT accessibility for the
disabled
b) Present the working document based on conversations with the disabled
community at a workshop held on 12-13 December, to the Members of
Parliament
c) Get the Parliamentarians input on how to proceed with implementing ICT
accessibility in the country.
All three objectives were met. The concept of accessibility, Myanmar’s progress
in the ICT sector, and international commitments, along with global experiences
and the economics of implementation, were presented to the Parliamentarians.
The working document from the previous day’s workshop, which specified a
number of recommendations including the signing and ratification of the
Marrakesh Treaty, was presented. Much engagement was seen from the MPs,
with the Parliamentarians inviting the organizers of the workshop to submit
proposed legislation to the Parliament to be taken up officially.