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Accessibility.com, LLC
Category: Standards and Guidelines

Information and Communication Technology

Also known as: ICT, Information and Communications Technology, Information and Communication Technologies, ICTs
Simply put

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a broad umbrella term for the wide range of technologies used to gather, store, send, retrieve, or process information. It covers devices, platforms, and infrastructure such as computers, networks, cell phones, radio, television, and satellite systems that help people exchange information.

Formal definition

ICT is an inclusive term encompassing all categories of technology used for the gathering, storing, transmitting, retrieving, or processing of information, including applications, networking components, and infrastructure. It is generally treated as a broader term than Information Technology (IT), extending to communication devices and platforms such as radio, television, cell phones, computer and network hardware, and satellite systems that facilitate the exchange of information. In accessibility and procurement contexts, ICT is commonly used to scope the products, systems, and services that may be subject to accessibility requirements; readers should consult the specific governing authority or standard (for example, applicable federal regulations) to determine the precise definition in force, as such definitions can vary and evolve.

Why it matters

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the scoping term that determines which products, systems, and services fall under accessibility requirements. Because ICT extends beyond traditional computing to include communication devices and platforms such as radio, television, cell phones, computer and network hardware, and satellite systems, defining something as ICT can bring a wide range of technologies into the conversation about accessibility, procurement, and compliance. For organizations, the way ICT is defined by a governing authority often shapes the boundary between what must be evaluated for accessibility and what falls outside that obligation.

Because ICT is a broad umbrella term rather than a single technical standard, its precise meaning depends on the authority or standard in force. Different regulations and standards may scope ICT differently, and those definitions can evolve over time. This matters because two organizations may both reference "ICT" while operating under different governing definitions, leading to inconsistent expectations about what is covered. Readers should treat ICT as a category label whose exact contours must be confirmed against the applicable regulation or standard rather than assumed.

Understanding ICT also helps distinguish it from the narrower term Information Technology (IT). ICT is generally treated as broader than IT, extending to communication technologies and platforms that facilitate the exchange of information. This distinction is relevant in accessibility and procurement contexts, where the choice of term can affect which infrastructure, applications, and networking components are considered in scope. This entry is general guidance and not legal advice; consult the specific governing authority and qualified counsel to determine the definition and obligations that apply to your situation.

Who it's relevant to

Procurement and Compliance Officers
ICT is frequently the scoping term that determines which products, systems, and services fall within accessibility requirements. Officers responsible for procurement and compliance need to confirm how the applicable authority or standard defines ICT, since that definition sets the boundary for what must be evaluated. Because definitions can vary and evolve, the operative scope should be checked against the current governing regulation rather than assumed.
Accessibility Engineers and Testers
Because ICT spans applications, networking components, infrastructure, and a range of communication devices and platforms, engineers and testers use it to understand the breadth of what may need accessibility evaluation. Recognizing that ICT is broader than IT helps ensure that communication technologies and platforms are not overlooked when scoping work.
Legal Counsel and Advisors
Counsel advising on accessibility obligations should note that ICT is an umbrella category whose precise definition depends on the specific governing authority or standard in force. Because such definitions can differ across regulations and change over time, advisors should confirm which definition applies rather than treating all references to ICT as interchangeable. This entry is not legal advice.
Business and Technology Leaders
Leaders making decisions about technology investments and vendor selection benefit from understanding ICT as a broad term covering the devices, platforms, and infrastructure used to exchange information. Understanding whether a given product or service is treated as ICT under an applicable standard can inform planning for accessibility and procurement obligations.

Inside ICT

Digital hardware and devices
Physical equipment used to create, process, store, and transmit information, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, kiosks, multifunction devices, and telecommunications equipment.
Software and applications
Operating systems, desktop and mobile applications, and other programs through which users interact with digital content and functionality.
Web content and online services
Websites, web applications, and internet-based services delivered to users, which are commonly evaluated for accessibility against benchmarks such as WCAG.
Electronic documents and content
Digital documents, media, and other electronic information formats that must be perceivable and operable by people using assistive technology.
Telecommunications and support services
Voice, video, and messaging communication technologies, along with related support and information services, that fall within the broad ICT category.

Common questions

Answers to the questions practitioners most commonly ask about ICT.

Is ICT just another word for websites and web applications?
No. While websites and web applications are common examples of ICT, the term is broader and generally encompasses a range of technologies used to create, store, process, communicate, and access information. This can include software, electronic documents, hardware, telecommunications equipment, kiosks, and other digital systems. Treating ICT as synonymous with the web can lead organizations to overlook accessibility obligations that may apply to other covered technologies, such as documents, multimedia, or self-service terminals.
Does meeting ICT accessibility requirements mean the same thing under every US law?
Not necessarily. Different authorities have different scopes. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act applies to federal agencies and certain federal contexts, and its standards incorporate technical criteria for ICT. Title II of the ADA applies to state and local government, and Title III applies to places of public accommodation. These frameworks are distinct, and the specific requirements, covered entities, and enforcement mechanisms differ. Because obligations vary by jurisdiction and context, and because requirements evolve through regulation and case law, organizations should consult qualified legal counsel and current agency guidance rather than assuming one standard satisfies all of them.
How do we identify all the ICT that falls within scope for an accessibility program?
A common approach is to inventory the technologies your organization develops, procures, uses, and makes available, then map each against the applicable authority. This may include public-facing websites and applications, internal software and tools, electronic documents and forms, multimedia content, hardware and self-service devices, and telecommunications products. Because ICT is broad, a thorough inventory helps avoid gaps. The specific criteria that apply depend on the governing framework and context, so scoping decisions are often coordinated with legal counsel and accessibility specialists.
What standards are commonly used to evaluate ICT accessibility?
For web content, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) published by the W3C are frequently cited as a benchmark, with Level AA commonly referenced as a target. In the US federal context, the Section 508 standards incorporate technical criteria for ICT. Which standard applies, and at what version and conformance level, depends on the governing authority and context. Keep in mind that meeting a technical standard supports accessibility but does not by itself guarantee an accessible experience for all users or immunity from legal claims.
Can automated testing tools confirm that our ICT is accessible?
Automated testing detects only a portion of accessibility issues and cannot confirm full accessibility on its own. Many criteria require human judgment, such as evaluating whether alternative text is meaningful or whether a process can be completed with assistive technology. A more complete evaluation generally combines automated checks with manual review and testing using assistive technologies such as screen readers. Automated results are a starting point, not a certification of conformance or compliance.
How should accessibility be handled when procuring ICT from a vendor?
Organizations often address accessibility in procurement by specifying the applicable standard, requesting documentation of how a product meets accessibility criteria, and validating claims through independent testing rather than relying solely on vendor assertions. Be cautious about marketing terminology, such as overlay or widget claims, that may not reflect established standards or independent verification. Because procurement obligations and available remedies vary by framework and context, involving accessibility specialists and legal counsel is a common practice. This is general information and not legal advice.

Common misconceptions

ICT accessibility is governed by a single US law that applies uniformly to all organizations.
Different authorities apply to different contexts. Section 508 generally applies to federal agencies and certain federally covered contexts, Title II of the ADA applies to state and local government, and Title III of the ADA applies to places of public accommodation. Which authority applies depends on the organization and jurisdiction, and this guidance is not legal advice.
ICT refers only to websites, so ensuring an accessible website means all ICT obligations are met.
ICT is a broad category that can include hardware, software, electronic documents, telecommunications, and support services in addition to web content. Addressing only the website may leave other covered technologies unaddressed.
Meeting a technical standard for ICT guarantees full accessibility and legal safety.
Conformance to technical criteria such as WCAG success criteria does not by itself guarantee a usable experience for all users or immunity from legal claims. Automated testing detects only a portion of issues, so manual and assistive technology testing are generally also needed, and requirements evolve through regulation and case law.

Best practices

Inventory the full range of ICT your organization provides or procures, including hardware, software, web content, electronic documents, and telecommunications, rather than focusing on websites alone.
Identify which legal authority applies to your context (for example Section 508, ADA Title II, or ADA Title III) and consult qualified legal counsel, as scope and obligations differ by jurisdiction and organization type.
Use WCAG, most commonly the AA conformance level, as a widely cited benchmark for web and digital content, while being precise about which version and level you are targeting.
Combine automated testing with manual review and assistive technology testing, since automated tools detect only a portion of accessibility issues.
Address accessibility in procurement so that ICT acquired from vendors is evaluated against applicable standards before adoption.
Treat accessibility as an ongoing effort, monitoring evolving regulations, agency guidance, and case law rather than relying on a one-time assessment.