Oman’s Accessibility Story

Oman has outperformed many nations in persons with disabilities accessibility adoption in, and currently ranked 16 according to Accessibility Rights Evaluation (DARE index 2020) conducted by G3ict^[63]. Digital accessibility and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Omani society, received great attention and commitment form the Omani government. They since issued the important “law of The Disabled Care and Rehabilitation” in 2008. The law established rehabilitation centers to further the cause of disability. Likewise, the Information Technology Authority (ITA) of Oman developed its main portal to be fully accessible for all citizens and residents in 2009. This was also complemented with awareness programs within government organization to build web accessible sites in accordance with best practices and international accepted guidelines. This was also extended to the private sector to ensure that all sectors are in line with of the government e-transformation plans.

Oman’s e-accessibility policy^[64] has two major components of e-accessibility; the first is based on the use of ICT device by all persons with disabilities and the availability of data and information in a form that suits their impairment. The second component addresses the use of assistive-ICT products and tools to access e-services and applications. The policy calls on all government entities and companies to private business adheres to the policy requirements by provide equal access for persons with disabilities to all types of information, services, applications and websites, and to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities in their regulations and practices. The policy also calls on adopting and compliance with (WCAG) 2.0 for all websites and e-services.

Oman tourist sites and websites or hotels are marketed by the major booking services, as one of the best equipped places in the world not only for physical accessibility but also digital accessibility.

The official Oman e-government Portal, Omanona^[65] includes all e-services provided for the public in an accessible fashion with links to 285 e-services and 168 accessible forms. It also includes a dedicated page on accessibility that defines the term with a link to Oman’s policy. In addition, the page provides a list of accessibility guidelines, features and shortcuts derived from WCAG standards to assist users and persons with disabilities on the site accessibility.