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G3ict

Qualitative Data Collected by Variable for Malta

Country Laws and Regulations

General Law protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:

Definition of ICT accessibility:

Definition of Reasonable Accommodation:

N/A

Universal Service Obligation includes Persons with Disabilities:

N/A

Country Capacity to Implement

  • Government agency for Persons with Disabilities:

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) and The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA): FITA

  • Government agency for accessible ICTs:

The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) and The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA): FITA

FITA was founded by MITA and CRPD in order to address ICT and Disability issues such as discrimination and accessibility in ICT. The Malta Communications Authority is responsible for monitoring and regulating telecom services. Further to the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the MCA is also responsible for implementing this Directive at a national level.

The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) is responsible for accessible ICT. While not specifically dedicated to this goal alone, the Malta Communications Authority is responsible for promoting accessibility across websites and APPs of public entities. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities covers the accessibility of ICTs as part of its role as guardian of anti-discrimination law.

  • Process to involve DPOs in ICT accessibility policy making:

MITA carries out consultation with FITA on issues linked to this topic. FITA in turn relies on the feedback of disability NGOs in order to formulate policy recommendations.

As part of the requirements defined through the Web Accessibility Directive, FITA coordinates two annual focus groups involving persons with disabilities and disability NGO representatives. The feedback of these focus groups is submitted to the Malta Communications Authority in order to feed directly into the selection of assessment samples and the implementation of the Directive.

  • Country refers to international ICT accessibility standards:

The Foundation for ICT Accessibility applies these and other relevant standards as outlined at Foundation for ICT Accessibility

  • ICT accessibility courses available at universities or professional education services:
  • FITA provides ICT Accessibility training to ICT professionals and information sessions as described at FITA Information Sessions
  • FITA also partners with the eSkills Malta Foundation in order to promote ICT Accessibility training and activities for the annual EU CodeWeek.
  • The University of Malta has a Disability Studies Unit which leads to a degree in Disability Studies. Many credits are allocated to the subject of ICT Accessibility.
    • SPOT project ‘discover accessible’: Spot Project
    • Know-ur-Rights: Know ur Rights
    • MCA on increased accessibility of Public Websites
    • CRPD investigation into inaccessibility of public and commercial websites

Country Policy and Programs Outcomes

  • Web:

-Country Policy: The EU standard EN301549 as required by the EU Web Accessibility Directive and enforced by the Malta Communications Authority. For websites and APPs owned by private and commercial entities, FITA carries out assessments in line with WCAG 2.1

  • TV and multimedia:

N/A

  • Mobile telephony:

N/A

  • E-books and digital contents:

-Country Programs: The Public Library provides a Talking Books and e-Books section.

There is increasing cooperation between FITA and the Public Library and some worthy efforts by private publishers. See Maltese Audiobooks and Talking Books and Dyslexia services at Talking Books and Dyslexia

FITA has plans to promote group subscriptions via Public Library membership to online e-book library services like Libby (APP) and UK and US based library systems.

  • Promoting the Internet Availability and Usage among Persons with Disabilities:

-Country Programs: FITA organizes monthly information sessions for different audiences who wish to learn more about ICT accessibility, including the web. See service reports at FITA Information Sessions

  • Inclusive ICTs for all in education:

-Country Policy: Creating inclusive schools : guidelines for the implementation of the National Curriculum policy on inclusive education National Curriculum Policy on Inclusive Education

-Country Program: Special Needs and Inclusive Education in Malta – External Audit Report

A National Curriculum Framework for All; 2012

  • Enabling ICTs for all in employment:

-Country Policy : JobPlus - Guidance for Inclusive Employment Services

FITA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Malta Employers Association. Through this platform, relevant information on ICT Accessibility is circulated directly to employers. FITA also vetted the MEAINDEX website in order to ensure its accessibility Malta Employers Index

  • E-government and Smart Cities for all:

N/A

  • Enabling Assistive Technologies and ICTs for independent living:

Non-institutionalized Independent living within the community is an existing service.

  • Procurement of accessible public goods and services for all citizens:

N/A