A daylong workshop titled ‘Dissemination Workshop on Accessible Digital Service & Reading Material’ was held in the Chattogram district, with an aim to make government digital services more accessible, inclusive, and effective for people with disabilities. It was jointly organized by a2i, Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), and the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC).
The chief guest at the workshop was Sheikh Mohammed Tauhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer, Chattogram City Corporation.
Special guests included Mohammed Monirul Islam, Deputy Director of the Divisional Social Service Office; Professor Dr. Mohammad Sanaullah Chowdhury, Dean at Faculty of Engineering, University of Chittagong; Mosammat Rasheda Akhter, Education Officer (Senior Assistant Secretary) of Chattogram City Corporation; Professor Dr. Basana Muhuri, President of Nishpap Autism Foundation; and Dr. Mohammad Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive of YPSA. The workshop was chaired by Mr. Md. Rashidul Mannaf Kabir, Project Director (Joint Secretary) of a2i, and moderated by Nasim Banu, Director, Social Development, YPSA.
Also present were Vashkar Bhattacharjee, Accessibility Consultant at a2i, and representatives and stakeholders from various non-governmental organizations working with people with disabilities in the Chattogram division.
The main objectives of the workshop were to increase awareness of current inclusive government digital services among people with disabilities, expand their participation, listen directly to their experiences and needs, and identify existing challenges. Participants presented several important recommendations based on their own experiences. The discussion also highlighted the need for the effective expansion of digital services and increased technical support for people with disabilities living in the coastal and remote hilly areas of Chattogram. It is hoped that the recommendations from the workshop will play a significant role in future policymaking and the improvement of service quality.
