The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 15 per cent of world population are with disabilities. However, information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential for making significant improvements in the lives of these persons, allowing them to enhance their social and economic integration in communities by enlarging the scope of activities available to them.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually since 1992 on 3 December to promote an understanding of disability issues and to mobilise support for the dignity and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life.

UNESCO is one of the UN agencies that promotes and supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 2006. The UN Convention represents the universal framework, which reaffirms that all persons with all types of disabilities can enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.