Universal design for HCI in a developmental context: myth or reality? The South African example

Abstract

Approximately 4 million people in South Africa suffer from disabilities and are emarginated from society. The ability to effectively communicate and to access/share information has been recognised as key need and the quickest route towards social integration and economic upliftment. In response to these challenges, the Meraka Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with national Disabled Peoples’ Organisations and relevant South African Government departments have conceptualized a comprehensive national networking, communication and data sharing initiative for people with disabilities, known as the National Accessibility Portal (NAP), which is being built around Universal Design and HCI principles appropriate within a ‘developmental’ reality. The goal of NAP is to use custom made, innovative, cost-effective and appropriate ICT based technologies to support people with disabilities, to empower them economically and to enable them to play a full, participatory role in society. The system’s goal is to address challenges and needs related to all types of disability, without discrimination and towards full inclusion: the deployment countrywide is intended to be accessible to all, multicultural, appropriate for both urban and rural living and to address issues such as language, social context, training, inclusion and logistics. The final aim will be a system accessible on an ‘anywhere/anytime’ basis. But is this a dream or reality in a developmental context? What are the preconditions for success? The paper gives an overview of the challenges, specific to a rapidly developing SA, encountered in the scoping and execution of a project of such magnitude. It also describes how the success and relevance of technical outcomes and HCI choices must be linked to socioeconomic, historic/cultural analysis and current realities