Muted Online Voices: The Role of the Internet in Amplifying Freedom of Expression of Persons with Disabilities in Ethiopia

Abstract

Little is known about the role of the Internet in facilitating the rights of
persons with disabilities to express themselves in Ethiopia. The objective
of this article is thus to provide insights into the role of the Internet in
amplifying the opinion and action of persons with disabilities by
scrutinizing Internet accessibility and digital inclusion to exercise their
freedom of expression where inclusive policy-making could be a
challenge. The article acknowledges access to the Internet in Ethiopia is
minimal and the digital divide for persons with disabilities is visible,
potentially excluding them from accessing official information,
expressing their interests, and fighting against stereotypes they face. This
article refers to data from the literature, unstructured interviews with
purposively identified persons with disabilities, and an overview of the
online engagement of people with disabilities and their associations. It
also draws information from a research validation conference in which
participants voiced the challenges and prospects for freedom of
expression and information of persons with disabilities. The paper argues
that the Internet can serve as an effective communication sphere and
mode of expression to facilitate meaningful participation of people with
disabilities in Ethiopia. The paper further suggests the proposed draft
Access to Information proclamation to the Council of Ministers in mid-
2021 and Digital Ethiopia Strategy 2025 must recognize the importance
of digital technologies to respond to the information and expression
needs of people with disabilities.
Keywords: Freedom of Expression, People with Disabilities, Internet, Digital
Divide, Digital Inclusion