Barcelona, 27 February, 2023: Access to mobile technology can be life changing for people with disabilities as it enables ease and connectivity. Smartphones can cluster multiple assistive technologies into one device, enabling more independent living. However, the latest GSMA Mobile Disability Gap Report revealed that across all markets included in the 2020 GSMA intelligence consumer survey, people with disabilities are less likely to own a smartphone and be digitally connected and are even less likely to use or be aware of mobile internet than people without disabilities.

The research found that the disability gap typically widened at each stage of the mobile internet journey. In almost all the countries surveyed, disabled users were more likely to own basic phones, which have no or fewer built-in accessibility features and may not be internet-enabled. Evidence of the disparity in digital connectivity was also found within Washington’s Pew Research Centre research. The study found that Americans with disabilities are three times more likely to never go online than those without a disability.

At Mobile World Congress 2023, the Valuable 500 and global technology giants amongst the likes of Google, IBM and Microsoft, will explore the critical role of inclusivity to enable competitive collaboration and business growth. Inclusion and diversity are the currency of innovative design and thriving societies and the telecommunications industry has considerably paved the way. Several major technology platform providers are focused on building increasingly accessible products that empower consumers and fuel inclusive innovation across their developer ecosystems. By collaborating with the disability community and championing its mantra of Nothing Without Us, companies can lead this transformation in how we innovate.

The global collective committed to disability inclusion within business, the Valuable 500, have seen a huge uptake within the sector with companies from the telecommunications and information communications technology sectors making up over 10 percent of all members of the 500-strong collective. Two executive members of the Valuable 500 will be appearing on Diversity4Tech panels alongside tech accessibility advocates at MWC. Caroline Casey, Founder of the Valuable 500, will be participating on a panel which explores why DE&I is essential for sustainable innovation within the tech sector. The EY Tech Horizon 2022 survey results found that more than a quarter of technology transformation leaders acknowledge that insufficient progress in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce poses a significant challenge. However, only 44% include diversity targets in their transformation strategies and initiatives.

Chief Partnerships Officer, Crosby Cromwell, will be moderating a Branding DE&I discussion centring on how brands have adapted to reflect their learnings within the DE&I space and how they will communicate their actions. Moving from commitments to shifting the focus on to sustainable social strategies for the long term. Each executive will exemplify how businesses can better serve the 1.3 billion people worldwide with a disability.

I believe corporate innovation should promote general well-being and not just personal or corporate gain. We should change the world with innovative technology… It is important for companies to seriously think about how we can use our technologies to realise a better society and to put it into practice, even if it is just a small action.

Jun Sawada, Executive Chairman, NTT

I strongly believe that it is both our collective responsibility to include people with disabilities and it is a great opportunity for the business world to capture this talent… Telefonica represents a pioneering example of collaboration between companies and employees for a social purpose… Let’s move forward together cooperating at sectorial and multi sectorial level. It is easy and beneficial for all if we commit to it. It is time to be brave and take a step forward to defend our beliefs. It is time to accelerate together – it is time for real inclusion.

Ángel Vilá, Chief Operating Officer, Telefónica

The lack of connectivity to the internet poses a huge barrier to persons with a disability. Whilst technology exists to enable easier access to banking, healthcare, employment, and entertainment, its failure to accommodate disabled users in turn exacerbates their exclusion from these fundamental services. At a time when the pandemic has accelerated digital transformations across the globe, it is more essential than ever that tech companies continue to adapt to include the disabled population. From inclusive product design to service delivery, there is a huge amount of work to be done across the industry. By 2019, accessiBe, an AI-based web accessibility solution, had reviewed over 10,000,000 websites and found that 98% of menus, 83% of buttons, and 71% of forms failed to pass their accessibility compliance checks as per the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 90% of those who require Assistive Technologies (AT) cannot access them. Digital accessibility is crucial if we are ever to achieve inclusion for all. Although the use of digital AT is proven to enhance the independence and productivity of people with disabilities, many members of this community remain digitally excluded. The telecommunications and technology sectors have a responsibility to address disability inclusion and close the digital divide.

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About the Valuable 500

The Valuable 500 was launched at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in January 2019. Today the Valuable 500 is the largest community of Global CEOs committed to disability inclusion in business.

Since its creation, the Valuable 500 has achieved its initial goal of getting 500 multinational organisations to make a public commitment to disability inclusion in their organisation, igniting a historic global movement for a new age of diversity in business. The Valuable 500 and their global impact partner The Nippon Foundation, will be working closely with the World Economic Forum and International Disability Alliance – bringing together a leading philanthropic organisation with the most prestigious global business network and the voice of the global disability community.

By engaging with the world’s most influential business leaders and brands, the network now has a market cap of over $23 trillion, combined revenues of over $8 trillion and employs a staggering 22 million people worldwide. Its members include 15 global CEOs and companies who will be spearheading the programmes and services to be offered under Phase 2 of the transformation programme.

The Valuable 500 is determined to create a community that supports and empowers its 500 members to systematically transform their businesses, so they include the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide, thereby unlocking their business, social and economic potential.

We believe that if business takes a lead, society and government will follow. Truly inclusive businesses can build truly inclusive societies.