Disability Community Urged to Lead Push for Inclusive Telecomms Law

Disability rights organizations in Zimbabwe are intensifying calls for individuals and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to actively engage in upcoming public hearings for the Postal and Telecommunications Amendment Bill. These consultations are described as critical for shaping Zimbabwe's digital future and ensuring inclusive access to information and communication technologies (ICTs).

The push for participation follows Zimbabwe's inaugural National Disability Symposium, which highlighted discussions on inclusion and equal participation in national development. Signs of Hope Trust encouraged people with disabilities to attend the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on ICT, Postal and Courier Services hearings, emphasizing the opportunity to strengthen digital inclusion and improve access for marginalized communities.

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We encourage persons with disabilities and organisations of persons with disabilities to attend the consultations in their respective areas and contribute towards laws that directly affect access to information and communication.

While recognizing the Second Republic's initiatives to expand connectivity, organizations note that many people with disabilities, particularly in rural areas, still face significant barriers to digital access. The proposed Bill's provisions for universal access, affordable services, and consumer participation are welcomed, as are amendments to the Universal Services Fund that recognize inclusion and accessibility.

Samantha Sibanda, Executive Director of Signs of Hope Trust, urged disability communities to voice their needs. "We encourage persons with disabilities and organisations of persons with disabilities to attend the consultations in their respective areas and contribute towards laws that directly affect access to information and communication," she stated. Joyce Matara, Acting Director of the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (Nascoh), added that the hearings offer a rare chance to influence legislation impacting communication and digital services, stressing the importance of full participation for accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of life now affected by technology.

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Technology now affects nearly every aspect of life, including education, employment, healthcare and access to public services. It is important that persons with disabilities participate fully in these consultations so that issues of accessibility and inclusion are fully reflected within the law.