World Wide Web Day, celebrated on August 1 annually, commemorates the birth of the World Wide Web and its profound impact on the world. This day brings attention to various internet-related issues that need addressing, from privacy concerns to responsible platform usage.
The Web, created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while at CERN, marked its first website on August 6, 1991, presenting information about the project and how to use it. World Wide Web Day holds significance as a time to reflect on the internet’s influence and to appreciate the innovators who contributed to its development.
The internet has become an integral part of daily life, enriching communication, entertainment, and knowledge-sharing. For persons with disabilities, the internet has been life-changing, enabling them to connect with like-minded individuals through online communities. Online organizations have also been established to advocate for disability rights and support those in need.
Persons with disabilities can now communicate globally using various internet tools, attend virtual meetings, and work remotely. The internet has also revolutionized education, providing access to learning materials and specialized technologies tailored to different disabilities.
Online platforms offer services accessible from home, allowing persons with disabilities to access vital resources and government services conveniently.
On World Wide Web Day, we celebrate the internet’s transformative power, especially for persons with disabilities, and strive for a more inclusive and accessible digital world.
BY ESTHER MUTURI