The use of such technologies helps improve the quality
of life of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by increasing access to schools,
employment, community activities and other services.
Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko
Afisa Djaba, acknowledged the slow progress on the inclusion of persons with
disability.
She however says the government remains committed to
ensuring the full economic and social inclusion of PWDs to become persons
overcoming disabilities.
“Assistive technology though quite common in the
Western world is quite inaccessible in Ghana and it’s very expensive for average
people to have it… so I will urge the College of Health Sciences and the
Engineering Department [KNUST] to link up with the Ministry of Trade in
partnership with the One-District-One-Factory for we ourselves to begin to
create and develop assistive devices in Ghana and Africa as a whole,” she said.
The Minister was addressing the 5th AfriNEAD
and 7th College of Health Sciences Scientific Conference in Kumasi on
the theme: “Disability and Inclusion in Africa: The Role of Assistive
technology”.
The African Network for Evidence-to-Action in
Disability (AfriNEAD) advocates for the translation of disability research
evidence into action that will assist in the upliftment of the lives of PWDs in
Africa.
Chairperson of the Network, Prof. Gubela Mji, says
there is need for clarity among African governments to include articles under
the UN Convention for Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into policies and
practice.
The disabled around the world frequently encounter
widespread barriers or lack accessibility in buildings, discrimination in
employment, transport and information Communication Technologies.
These barriers often go to deny them the opportunities
that exist, leading to exclusion and marginalization.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, observed
the impact and benefits of assistive technology, accessible information
communication technologies have been positive on the wellbeing by improving
inclusiveness and participation among persons with disabilities.
He noted new hopes are emerging for persons with disabilities with the advent of ICT.
He noted new hopes are emerging for persons with disabilities with the advent of ICT.
“In spite of the huge challenges disabled persons face,
Assistive Technology and ICT are offering new opportunities for everyone but
they are becoming more significant to persons with disabilities,” he said.
He said the government is committed to helping to create
an equitable and fair society for all citizens to share in the country’s wealth
and prosperity.
By Kofi Adu Domfeh
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