Rajshahi workshop highlights need for accessible digital platforms

A dissemination workshop on "Accessible Digital Services" was held today at the District Social Services Complex in Rajshahi to promote inclusive, user-friendly digital platforms for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

The event was jointly organised by the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme, the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD), and CBM Global Disability Inclusion.

Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Afia Akhtar attended as Chief Guest. Professor Dr Md Rokanujjaman, Chairman of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Rajshahi, and Md Bayazid Hossin Woaresy, Assistant Director of the Rajshahi District Social Services Office, were present as Special Guests. The session was chaired by Md Rashidul Mannaf Kabir, Joint Project Director (Joint Secretary) of a2i.

Participants reviewed the accessibility of national and private digital platforms such as the National Portal, myGov, Helpline 333, mobile financial services, banking and telecom apps, and job and news sites. They identified common barriers and suggested practical steps to make services easier to use for people with visual, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments.

Explaining the concept of digital accessibility, Md Nahid Alam, Cluster Head of the Centre of Innovation at a2i, said that all websites, tools, and technologies must be designed to allow people with disabilities to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the web. "a2i is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all and translating that mandate into tangible outcomes," he added.

Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar noted, "Digital services are truly for all only when everyone can use them. From today, we will treat accessibility as a required step in every service."

Md Rashidul Mannaf Kabir stressed that small changes—such as improving screen-reader compatibility or text readability—can remove major barriers and benefit all users, including older adults and first-time internet users.

During the inaugural session, 50 smartphones were distributed among 10 self-help groups of Rajshahi City Corporation and Bagha Upazila to enhance digital literacy and inclusion for PwDs.

As the government's digital transformation arm, a2i is working to make public and private platforms more accessible nationwide. Inputs from the workshop will inform policy and guide future improvements in digital service quality and inclusion.