How OPDs Are Shaping Digital Inclusion in Africa:A Fireside Chat with Kate Sonka and Shuaib Chalklen

This Fireside Chat brings together Kate Sonka and Shuaib Chalklen to examine the growing influence of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in shaping digital inclusion across Africa. The discussion builds on the breakout session, The Africa We Want: How OPDs Are Shaping Tech Access in Africa, and offers practical insights into how OPDs are advancing accessibility, influencing policy, and creating space for youth-led advocacy at the Inclusive Africa Conference 2025.

Moderated by Kate Sonka, Executive Director of Teach Access, the conversation features Shuaib Chalklen, Executive Director of the African Disability Forum and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability. Together, they reflect on lessons learned, ongoing challenges, and the collective effort required to ensure digital technology serves everyone, including persons with disabilities.

The discussion explores:

How OPDs have contributed to digital accessibility standards and policies
Barriers OPDs face when working with technology developers, governments, and donors.
How young persons with disabilities can engage in advocacy or take part in OPD-led initiatives

This session underscores the importance of centering OPDs in digital transformation efforts and highlights the role of collaboration in achieving lasting inclusion across Africa's digital landscape.

About the Speakers
Kate Sonka is the Executive Director of Teach Access, a nonprofit organization working to bridge the digital accessibility skills gap. With a background in bilingual education and academic technology, she leads efforts that support inclusive teaching and learning in higher education and industry.

Shuaib Chalklen is the Executive Director of the African Disability Forum and served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability. He has been instrumental in advancing disability rights across Africa and continues to lead high-level advocacy on accessibility and inclusion.

Digital inclusion in Africa, OPDs and accessibility, disability advocacy, accessible technology, Teach Access, African Disability Forum, Shuaib Chalklen, Kate Sonka, youth with disabilities, inclusive policy, digital rights, technology for all, accessibility standards, UN Special Rapporteur on Disability, assistive tech Africa.

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