Digital Inclusion: 5 Ways To Include Girls With Disabilities

The intersection of gender and disability compounds the barriers faced by girls and young women in digital spaces. As technology continues to shape our world, it becomes imperative to address the unique obstacles that girls with disabilities encounter, ensuring that digital inclusion efforts are not only gender-sensitive but also attuned to their specific needs.

UNICEF's comprehensive guide sheds light on the challenges faced by this demographic and presents five strategic ways to foster digital inclusion for girls with disabilities.

1. Engage Disability Allies in Development

In many nations, people with disabilities remain invisible and isolated from societal activities. To bridge this gap, it is crucial to involve people with disabilities in every phase of digital solution development. Establishing partnerships with local organizations focused on persons with disabilities can uncover local communities and ensure inclusivity. Collaborating with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) enhances digital skilling and improves the accessibility of digital platforms, promoting a more responsive approach to the needs of girls with disabilities.

2. Uphold Disability Etiquette

Respecting disability etiquette is fundamental to fostering a respectful and safe environment for individuals with disabilities. Interactions should be characterised by kindness, respect, and a willingness to understand individual experiences. By avoiding assumptions and seeking guidance on preferred treatments, developers can create a more inclusive digital space. Employing appropriate language in communications and ensuring accessible information empowers individuals with disabilities, promoting equality and reducing discrimination. 

Some terms to AVOID include handicapped, disabled person, cripple, invalid person, mentally defective, retarded person, normal person, etc. Instead, we should use person/people with disabilities, people with physical disabilities, people with intellectual disabilities, and people without disabilities, respectively. 

3. Host Accessible Events

Digital inclusion extends to events, whether online or in-person. Prioritize accessibility by actively seeking participants' accommodation needs and tailoring discussions accordingly. Embrace diverse formats, including braille, large print, audio, and sign language interpretation. Strive for plain and inclusive language, and simplify discussion formats to cater to varying cognitive abilities. The goal is to create an environment where every participant, regardless of ability, can actively engage and contribute.

4. Understand Digital Usage Patterns

To facilitate digital inclusion, developers must understand the digital behaviours and challenges specific to girls with disabilities. Tailor questions to capture their experiences, awareness, and usage of digital platforms. This involves exploring their independence in using smartphones or tablets, familiarity with accessibility features like screen readers, and engagement with websites, apps, or social media. A nuanced understanding of digital use is crucial for developing solutions that cater to diverse needs.

5. Develop Inclusive Digital Content

Creating digital content that resonates with the target audience, including girls with disabilities, is pivotal. Inclusivity goes beyond platform design; it extends to content development. Actively involve girls with disabilities in crafting content, ensuring it addresses local perceptions of disability and related challenges. An inclusive approach to content creation enhances the relevance and effectiveness of digital services and platforms.

The UNICEF report emphasizes the urgent need to break down digital barriers for girls with disabilities. By actively involving disability allies, upholding etiquette, hosting accessible events, understanding digital usage patterns, and developing inclusive content, we can pave the way for a more inclusive digital future. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that the benefits of digital services and platforms are accessible to all, irrespective of gender or ability.