Voting is a fundamental right for every citizen, regardless of race, gender, beliefs, or physical or mental ability. That’s why on 3 May, 2008, the United Nations´ treaty Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities became effective.
This treaty, which by now has 158 signatories and 143 parties, defines disability as including “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
Article 29 of the treaty requires that all contracting states protect “the right of persons with disabilities to vote by secret ballot in elections and public referendums“.
Although there is still plenty to be done to grant equal access to voting in a global scale, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future as assistive technology (AT) – a term that encompasses all the devices used to aid people with disabilities to perform tasks.
Why? Because they are opening important windows of opportunity for voters with disabilities.
During a normal electoral process, every voter, including those with special needs, has to go through the same steps to cast a vote. They need to be able to registered, receive clear and organized information about the process, understand who the candidates are, and where to go and how to vote. Last but not least, they need to be able to cast their vote freely and in secret.
To overcome the challenges these processes poses, AT offers different solutions, depending on the special need to be addressed.
For voters with sensory impairments, AT provides information in different forms, such as speech, Braille or text. Electronic voting machines capable of using different interfaces are an excellent option.
Audio assistance is available for illiterate or visually impaired voters. Special devices can synchronize the information displayed on screen with audio to support all operations during the voting process. Additionally, voters gain control, being able to ask for information to be repeated, for example.
Voters with physical difficulties can also benefit from technology. Different AT devices are available to help them interact with the ballot and cast their vote.
Voting machines can be connected to switches, like “sip-and-puff”” or “buddy buttons”, to help individuals exercise their right to vote independently. These switches make the interface easier to use and allow the voter to navigate the ballot in more intuitive ways.
Image courtesy of nipitphand / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Sources
http://elections.itif.org/reports/AVTI-002-McGrew-2012.pdf
http://www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E&b=6350111&ct=12169565
