New IF Statement on Technologies and Accessibility in Education

New IF statement on Technologies and Accessibility in Education

Technology has always played an important role in facilitating the mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities, including the global Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) community. Now more than ever people and communities are becoming increasingly reliant on technologies for various aspects of private and public life, including in education. 

The topic of accessibility, inclusive education and transition from childhood to adulthood are high priorities for the IF community. Technologies, including assistive technologies and mobility aids, play an enormous role in achieving these priorities. As technologies evolve ever quicker it is vital that the voices of the people most affected are heard before they are implemented in institutions that are as important within our societies such as schools. 

Therefore, earlier this year, Dr Sylvia Roozen, Secretary General of IF, moderated a session at the 2024 Zero Project Conference. The theme of the conference was education and ICT and the session focused on the topic of upscaling projects to further inclusive education for persons with disabilities. At the conference, Dr Roozen emphasised that technology alone will not succeed in furthering inclusive education for persons with SBH unless it is accompanied by strong actions to raise awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities and to combat stigma. 

The topic of technology and education brings to light a lot of important issues which are at the core of the rights of persons with disabilities and the challenges that the SBH community encounter day to day. Subsequently, IF has published a statement on technologies and accessibility in education. 

The IF statement highlights why it is so vitally important to approach any reforms, especially the introduction of new technologies and reforms must always be done with an inclusive mindset. 

You can read the new IF statement on technologies and accessibility in education here:

IF Statement on Technologies and Accessibility in Education

You can download the Infographic from the left here.