By Christopher Tetteh, GNA
Sunyani (Bono), Dec.15, GNA – The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has called on the government and stakeholders to provide assistive devices to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and enhance their social participation.
Ms Mahamadu Sirina, the National Vice President of the GFD stated that assistive technology (AT) were crucial for promoting inclusivity and independence among PWDs.
Ms Sirina in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Sunyani, said the importance of AT devices, including mobility, communication, and visual aids, would enable PWDs to perform daily tasks independently, adding that the devices would improve their mobility, communication, social interaction and ensure their access to education and employment opportunities.
“The ATs don’t only enhance our mobility, independence, and communication, but also improve vision, hearing, and cognitive abilities,” Ms Sirina said.
“They facilitate communication and social interaction, improve access to education, employment opportunities, promote digital literacy, inclusion and support equal participation in society.”
Ms Sirina outlined the AT devices that could benefit PWDs, as mobility aids such as wheelchairs and prosthetics; communication aids like sign language interpreters, speech-to-text software and visual aids like braille displays and screen readers.
She expressed concern about the challenges PWDs faced in accessing these devices, because of the high costs, limited availability and lack of awareness and trained personnel.
She also cited societal stigma and perceptions towards disability, limited government support and funding, and inadequate policy frameworks as major obstacles.
“These challenges are hindering the progress of PWDs and preventing them from reaching their full potential,” Ms Sirina Sirina.
She said, “We need to address these issues to ensure that PWDs have equal access to opportunities and can participate fully in society.”
The GFD was calling on the government, agencies, and individuals to support the provision of assistive devices and promote accessibility and affordability.
Ms Sirina emphasised the need for increased government funding, improved policy frameworks, training for personnel, and awareness campaigns to promote inclusivity.
“We need to work together to implement sustainable solutions and ensure equal access to all,” Ms Sirina said.
“We urge the government to take immediate action to address the challenges facing PWDs and provide the necessary support to empower them.”
She said the organisation was committed to working with stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions and promote the rights of PWDs, to have access to opportunities and to participate fully in the society.
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations is the umbrella body that brings together organisations for persons with disabilities, to advocate for their rights and interests.
It is committed to promoting the rights and dignity of PWDs and ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities and participate fully in society.
GNA
Edited by Regina Benneh/Christabel Addo