Lack of Digital Accessibility and its Impact on Persons with Disabilities in Libya

Abstract

Digital accessibility refers to enabling people with disabilities to easily access and use digital services and platforms on an equal basis with others. Libya is considered to be lagging in the implementation of digital accessibility across its public and private institutions; while nations worldwide began adopting digital accessibility standards at the turn of the millennium, Libya did not effectively initiate this process until 2024. When the National Digital Accessibility Policy was issued in Libya in December 2024, this guideline document laid out the necessary foundations for implementing digital accessibility standards. It is presented with a clear and specific timeline to achieve full implementation of these standards across the country. This study focuses on the impact of the lack of digital accessibility on the lives of persons with disabilities in Libya. Data were collected from individuals with disabilities through questionnaires and personal interviews, alongside direct observation of the platforms and applications citizens use daily. The aim was to examine how this lack of accessibility affects their daily lives and to generate findings that clearly illustrate the extent of the challenges they face, thereby helping to accelerate the full implementation of digital accessibility and improve their well-being.