Jagath Ratnayake Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka

1. Building Capacity for Harnessing ICTs for Disempowered / MarginalisedCommunities in Sri Lankae-NABLE Jagath Ratnayake Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka -ITU Workshop on Accessibility to ICTs, 23 July -2010 ,Shanghai, China-

2. Overview • e-NABLE Project • Problems • Current status • Future Trends • Conclusion • Short Video Clip

3. e-NABLE Project • In 2005, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) - the national regulatory agency for telecommunications, with the assistance of telecommunications operators in Sri Lanka initiated a project called “ e-NABLE”. • The project serves as a critical enabler for socio-economic development of marginalized people and/or persons with disabilities in accessing to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) education by creating an equitable information society. • By implementing the project, ICTs use for empowerment of disadvantaged citizens, marginalized communities.

4. e-NABLE Project • In 2006, TRCSL submitted a project proposal to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and ITU provided financial and technical assistance in implementing the “ICTs for Disempowered Marginalized Communities in Sri Lanka” as part of the e-NABLE initiative. • The TRCSL, conducted a study through a survey from 32 institutions including special schools, Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), villages, and other related places for people with special needs administered by Government and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). • The objective of the study was to identify problems and needs of ICT in those institutions and communities.

5. ICT Needs / Problems • Most schools and VTCs had introduced ICT in their education programme with only one or two used computers. • These computers are maintained and operated using their own limited funds. • These schools and centres have a common problem of competent teachers/ instructors. • Need of proper training for teachers/instructors as well as increasing the number of qualified trainers.

6. ICT Needs/Problems • Following ICT equipment were required for schools and centres: • Computers or laptops with accessories • Printers, scanners, photocopiers, facsimile machines • TVs and VCD/DVD players • Multimedia projectors • Internet and email facilities • Computer networks • Separate computer rooms with air conditioning systems • Computer tables and chairs • ICT educational materials for their libraries • Most importantly, the following assistive devices were very much in need: • Braille printers • Hearing aids (e.g. FM group hearing system) • Specially developed software for persons with disabilities e.g. speaking computer software

7. Present StatusDisable Persons by Type of Disability,Census of Population & Housing- 2001-Sri Lanka (18 Districts) Source: Department of Census and Statistics

8. Current Status of the National/ Provincial Schools with Special Educations Unit , Special Schools and Vocational Training Centres in Sri Lanka Source: Ministry of Education Non Formal Education Unit , Dept. of Social service

9. Ranaviru Villages in Sri Lanka(Special needs soldiers villages) as at December 2009 Source:Ranaviru Authority of Sri Lanka

10. Government Policies • Progress of legislation to recognize and support people with disabilities in Sri Lanka: • 1988 Public Administration Circular – 3% of vacancies in public services and public companies should be filled by people with disabilities “possessing requisite qualifications and whose disabilities would not be a hindrance to the performance of duties” • 1992 Trust Fund Act for the Rehabilitation of the Visually Handicappedprovides for education and training opportunities; financial assistance; housing provision and welfare schemes; marketing of products made by people with visual impairments; action to eliminate conditions which prevent gaining of equal rights and opportunities. • 1996 Right of persons with Disabilities Act No. 28established the National Council and the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities • 1996 Social Security Board Act 17provides for a pension and insurance for people with disabilities in the case of accidents or old age • 1996 National Health Policyprovides for the improvement of the quality of life: reducing preventable diseases, running health programs on disability and health measures to prevent disability. Also provides for early childhood development of children with disabilities in rehabilitation; and Development Centers with individual services, pre-schools, house visits, assistance devices, parental counseling and awareness for children suffering from acute and chronic mental illnesses • 1997 General Educational Reformsintroduced the inclusion of children who have disabilities in the ordinary classroom (an approach which started in the early 1970s). Changes in teaching, the curriculum, counseling, career guidance, school-based management and new strategies for teacher education, were all promoted to benefit children who have disabilities within inclusive education. Child assessment on entry to and continuously through primary school also helps to identify children with disability. • 1999 Ranaviru Seva Actprovides for the care and rehabilitation of members of the armed forces and police force who have become disabled in the line of duty • 2003 National Disability Policyprovides the most comprehensive and progressive and holistic framework in Sri Lanka to date, for equality and opportunity for people with disabilities. This policy promotes community-based rehabilitation (CBR) and partnership with NGOs. • 2006 -10-17 Gazette Notification informed all Government & Private institutions buildings to develop access facilities and also taking steps to develop ICT facilities for person with disabilities. • Telecommunications: It is specially stated as a condition in the Telecommunications Service Providers license (Fixed & Mobile) making it obligatory for the service providers to ensure telecommunication facilities to the people with disabilities and the elderly. • Telecommunications Ten Year Development Plan (2006-16) provides improve access of marginalized groups without gender bias to telecommunications facilities to facilitate and enforce the implementation of universal access throughout the country.

11. Current Status • Partners of the project.. • TRCSL • TRCSL as a national counterpart and implementing agency will be directly responsible for implementation of the project and towards this end encourage participation from users and beneficiaries who will benefit from the ICT facilities and services to be provided by this project. TRCSL will therefore facilitate, monitor and appraise ITU and the project partners on the implementation of this project. • Licensed operators • Providing required services and facilities under this project. • International Telecommunications Union • ITU as the lead implementing agency will assist in designing and scoping the project. ITU will act as a link to other successful similar projects worldwide and supply world experience to enable the project realize its objectives. ITU will also mobilize partners both nationally and internationally to participate in the project and bring in their specialized resources

12. ITU /TRC Project Phase 1 • ITU assistance project (Phase – 1) provided financial and technical assistance to 28 centers. • About 2,292 people including students, marginalized people and people with disabilities benefited from these ICT equipment and facilities.

13. ITU Assistance Phase 2 • ITU assistance project (Phase – 2) provided financial and technical assistance to 69 centers. (33 Schools, 02 Universities, 17 Vocational training centers, 17 Ranaviru villages.) • About 4678 people including students, marginalized people and people with disabilities benefited from these ICT equipment and facilities.

14. ITU Phase Two

15. An agreement for operation & Maintenance of ICT equipment with these centers. Agreement For Provision and Maintenance of Information and Communication Equipment Between Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, _____________ And _______ School/ Vocational Training Center for People with Disabilities At -------------------------------------------------------

16. Commemorating ITU World Telecom & Information Society Day -2008 ConnectingPersons With Disabilities : ICT Opportunities for All

17. Visit by ITU Regional Officials

19. Provision of Ten ADSL Connections under the e-NABLE Project by Sri Lanka Telecom Ltd. (Licensed Operator)

20. Computer centers opened at Deaf & Blind School / VTC in Kandy & Ranaviru Village Paradisewatta

21. Provision of Ten HSPA Connections under the e-NABLE Project by Mobitel (Pvt.) Ltd (Licensed Operator)

23. Opening of a Computer & Speech Training Centre Subaghya Special School, Monaragala – A new computer and speech training centre with facilities for a FM hearing system and ICT  equipment was opened at Wellassa Subagya Special School at Kumbukana in Monaragala District . 

24. Future Activities • Training the Trainer programme • Software/Application Development • Arranging an ICT Quiz programme among Schools & VTCs • Conducting Research and development • Conducting a National Workshop with the participation of disabled persons • Taking steps to develop ICT’s in schools & Vocational Training Centers & Universities • Monitoring & Evaluation

25. Conclusion • Project has progressed very successfully. • This project has created a public awareness to help these marginalized communities living / working in villages, schools and Vocational Training Centers by equipping the special schools, MCTs and villages with basic sets of ICT equipment and facilities including Braille printers and other specific technologies to enhance accessibility. • The project has harnessed the power of ICTs for people with disabilities and has empowered them to live and work with confidence and has ensured their security and acceptance in the societies. • Has improved the living standards of persons with special needs. • Linking with other institutions for further improvement of facilities. • Opportunities have opened up for person with disabilities and institution’s to participate at international events, improve and develop their knowledge and skills. • ITU assistance greatly appreciated. • Assistance from interested organizations are most welcome.

26. “Disability is not Inability” Video clip www.trc.gov.lk Jagath_r@trc.gov.lk