Draft ECOWAS ICT Accessibility Policy (2018) v1 post Burkina Faso and Gambia Workshops The ECOWAS notes that the exclusion of PWDs in the design and implementation of programmes and strategies, renders many programmes ineffective in addressing PWDs’ issues. In addition to including PWD in the relevant planning and decision making sessions, the ECOWAS and its Member States will at all times encourage effective participation by PWD through supporting consultative sessions, including through the ICT Accessibility Advisory Committee, through the use of accessible publication formats and effective communication. To that end, ECOWAS Member States shall ensure enactment of national laws and policies for PWDs with a consultative role from Disabled Persons Organizations, PwD, the Private Sector, Community Based Organizations, Faith-based organizations, Civil Society Organizations and Development Partners, amongst others. 7.3 ICT product and service accessibility (Mobile Accessibility) 7.3.1 Context Mobile telephony is central to economic and social participation, and plays a significant role in the broadband revolution in the West African region. Thus it can promote social inclusion, and enable accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, to health and education and to information and communication, in enabling PwD to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The penetration of internet users in the ECOWAS have been growing at rates superior of the 30% in the last 17 years.7 Most of the penetration is the result of the increase in the use of mobile services. Hence the relevance of accessible policies for ICT products and services. The scope of the mobile accessibility policy priority area includes: (a) Mobile services (voice, data, broadband), including emergency and directory services (b) Mobile industry customer support services including call centres, customer support centres, web sites, and points of sale. (c) End-user devices (including basic phones, feature phones, smartphones, tablets, and assistive applications and services). 7.3.2 Principles The following principles, must be adhered to and underpin mobile accessibility policy initiatives in the region: (a) Non-discrimination; (b) Equality of opportunity; (c) Accessibility; Affordability; and Awareness; 7 Growth between 2000 and 2017 according with ITU 12