As part of its efforts to promote inclusive digital transformation within Palestinian local government units (LGUs), the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) organized a training session on Inclusive Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Held on Zoom, the training brought together 10 LGU representatives, including staff members of LGU technical departments and gender units, and members of the APLA Taskforce for the Inclusion of Marginalized Groups in LGUs. The training event aimed at enhancing participants’ awareness of the importance of designing inclusive digital environments that ensure access to information and services for all, without discrimination or exclusion.
Delivered by Ghada Zumlot, a disability expert, the training introduced participants to the key concepts and best practices of digital inclusion, including inclusive design, removal of technical barriers, and POUR (perception, operation, understanding, durability) principles. Training themes also covered Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to digital content.
The session highlighted the importance of LGUs adopting integrative technical policies, which combine access tools on websites, apps and digital services. This should enhance inclusive municipal operations and reflect LGU commitment to the values of social justice. In the final open discussion, participants shared experiences and stressed the need to broaden action in this area. Digital inclusion should be integrated as a key element of LGU institutional plans.
The training was supported by the GIZ Designing Inclusive Digital Governance (INDIGO) Programme in the context of activities of the APLA Taskforce for the Inclusion of Marginalized Groups in Palestinian LGUs. The programme works towards gender mainstreaming and inclusion in LGU functions, promote experience sharing, and develop inclusive plans to be adopted by stakeholders. This will ensure that all groups are involved in the development process, including creation of a fairer and more equitable digital environment in local government.