Roundtable on Pushing for Greater ICT Accessibility in European Procurement

Date: July 16, 2020

Location: Online

Public procurement has a direct impact on the daily lives of European citizens, on employment opportunities, health outcomes, and the social inclusion of disadvantaged or discriminated groups, including persons with disabilities. In January 2014, the EU adopted a Directive on Public Procurement that included specific requirements to reference in tenders accessibility for persons with disabilities. But the reality today is that in most member states accessibility criteria still are not yet included broadly or consistently in public ICT procurements.

This roundtable discussion will explore why more progress has not been made on including accessibility in ICT procurements across member states. It will include a focus on how procurement can be an effective driver of greater inclusion of persons with disabilities, including with examples from Europe and globally. It will set the stage for a renewed commitment for greater progress on implementing the European Procurement Directive and preparing for the European Accessibility Act.

Speakers include Hector Minto, Microsoft; Catherine Naughton, European Disability Forum (EDF); Ima Placencia, European Commission; Donal Rice, Ireland Centre for Excellence in Universal Design; James Thurston, G3ict (Additional participants to be confirmed).

The roundtable will be co-hosted by the European Disability Forum, G3ict, and Microsoft and held on July 16, 3 pm-5 pm (GMT+2).

Learn more and register for the Roundtable on Pushing for Greater ICT Accessibility in European Procurement.