Evaluating ICT Accessibility in Qatari Public Institutions: The Role of the MARSAD Tool in Fostering Inclusion and Sustainability

Abstract

Technology has made social inclusion possible for people with disabilities worldwide. It ensures access to media, education, employment through assistive technology. To create inclusive policies and laws, decision makers must understand ICT products and services, their compliance with international accessibility requirements, and their use in the country. This study presents MARSAD, an e-readiness assessment instrument developed and implemented by Mada Center to discover factors that influence ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities living in the State of Qatar. It measures the national ICT accessibility adoption rate and makes recommendations to increase digital access for government and semi-government organisations' digital platforms. 14 educational and cultural institutions used the tool. Participating institutions have significant ICT infrastructure gaps to provide an inclusive digital environment, which is in line with sustainability and SDG 11, to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Based on MARSAD outcomes, member institutions were willing to invest in making improvements. The method can be used as a basis for e-readiness assessment studies to provide accessible ICT products and services for persons with disabilities and the elderly.