7 - Targeted Strategic Initiatives Supporting the integration of students with disabilities in state schools and higher education institutions through the use of ICTs Developing e-learning programs and techniques to serve people with disabilities Providing training for teachers – an essential pillar in the education process for people with disabilities – in the use of ICTs to enhance integration Developing the mental abilities of people with intellectual disabilities and the sight impaired through development of nonformal education Enhancing opportunities for employment: Ensuring equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities according to their academic and vocational levels Empowering people with disabilities to maximize their independence and improve their quality of life Opening the labor market to people with disabilities and raising their employability through basic IT training Providing training and work opportunities in cooperation with call centers and major ICT companies Building information infrastructure for people with disabilities: Establishing a national disabilities observatory to develop and maintain databases related to persons with disabilities, covering: types and causes of disabilities; geographic distribution; qualifications and skill levels; training required by people with disabilities and those involved in their teaching and training; and details of the official and non-governmental entities serving and representing people with disabilities Establishing a national network of vocational rehabilitation centers for people with disabilities Raising awareness about specialized software that facilitates communication for people with disabilities Promoting research, development and innovation in ICTs for people with disabilities: Promoting research and development in technologies for people with disabilities, giving priority to low-cost technologies available in Arabic Implementing a project in cooperation with the Ministry of Scientific Research to promote research in the field of integration of people with disabilities through ICTs Supporting international cooperation in the field of ICTs for people with disabilities: Participating actively in regional and international conferences and forums concerned with ICTs for people with disabilities Preparing periodic reports on activities related to ICTs for people with disabilities 78 79 Holding an annual conference on ICTs for people with disabilities Table 7.5: ICT for Empowering People with Disabilities Initiative, PWDs – Primary Programs Programs Activities Establishment of an accessible web portal covering issues of concern to people with disabilities Table 7.5: ICT for Empowering People with Disabilities Initiative, PWDs – Primary Programs Promoting equal opportunities in education: Information and Knowledge Access Support Program Provision of specialized software in Technology Homes and establishment of e-libraries Harmonizing information systems in accordance with global standards Provision of courses in sign language and audio programs to facilitate correct pronunciation of letters for the hearing and sight impaired Output Web portal 100 Technology Homes equipped with specialized software Development of an Egyptian information directory Development of the Unified Egyptian Sign Language Program Development of audio programs Provision of low-cost video calls for persons with hearing impairments Facilitation of access to online financial and banking services Service and Access Development Program Enhancement of e-government services Establishment of a hotline for people with disabilities Adaptation of post offices, telephone exchanges and other public service outlets Provision of telemedicine services for people with disabilities Provision of low-cost video calls for people with hearing impairments through at least one mobile service provider Hotline serving people with disabilities Adaptation of 50% of post offices and telephone exchanges Provision of telemedicine services in 10 governorates Provision of free access to audio book libraries Equality in Education Program Supporting the integration of students with disabilities in state schools and higher education institutions Development of e-learning programs to serve people with disabilities Provision of the technology needs of 150 inclusive schools Training of 300 teachers Training of teachers disabilities Development of non-formal education Employability Enhancement Program Provision of job opportunities for people with disabilities through call centers Provision of jobs for 200 persons with disabilities Provision of training for employment Provision of basic IT skills training Provision of basic IT skills training for 100,000 persons with disabilities Cooperation with major ICT companies to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities Cooperation with 50% of ICT companies to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities