During the Working Group meeting, public associations and authorized state bodies noted the Central Election Commission’s systematic efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have the necessary infrastructure during electoral campaigns. These measures include locating polling stations on the ground floor and equipping them with lifting mechanisms, ramps, tactile guidance indicators, call buttons at entrances, and designated parking spaces.

According to territorial election commissions, polling stations are equipped with accessibility corners for persons with disabilities and the relevant supplies (magnifying glasses, headphones, informational materials about the ongoing campaign, and voting booths designed to accommodate voters with mobility impairments).

The current campaign is accompanied by materials in accessible formats, including audio information for persons with visual impairments, videos with sign language interpretation for persons with hearing impairments, and the adapted placement of information materials at polling stations for wheelchair users. Referendum commissions are producing invitation cards with a QR code containing all necessary information about the referendum, and door-to-door visits will be conducted to clarify whether citizens require special assistance.

During the meeting, Viktoriya Shegay, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, shared information on the latest updates in the Accessibility Map on the inva.gov.kz portal.

As part of the referendum, templates for the ballot paper using Braille will be produced and made available at all polling stations across the country. The template format is designed to meet the needs of both voters who are completely blind and those with low vision. In addition, each polling station will be required to provide an audio ballot.

In addition, Kenzhegul Seitzhan, Commissioner for the Rights of Socially Vulnerable Groups under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the RK, supported the initiative to place an audio version of the draft Constitution text at all referendum polling stations.

A video course on ensuring the electoral rights of persons with disabilities has also been organized for members of referendum commissions at all levels.

The Working Group meeting also heard reports from Aktobe and Pavlodar Regions on the pilot implementation of innovative tools at polling stations, including electronic magnifiers, induction loop systems for persons with hearing impairments, visual and audio notification devices, and polling-station layouts in Braille.

At present, the implementation of similar initiatives is being explored with the relevant local executive authorities in the other regions.