The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Uganda Communications Universal Service Access Fund (UCUSAF) are teaming up with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and Eight Tech Consults Ltd to enhance digital skills among Persons with disabilities (persons with disabilities) in Uganda.
This collaboration is part of a three-year phased program aimed at bridging the digital divide for persons with disabilities, now in its third phase.
Recently, NUDIPU and Eight Tech Consults completed a critical needs assessment to support this initiative.
Phase One focused on creating a National Persons with Disabilities Digital Observatory for better data management and service access.
Phase Two emphasized raising awareness, fostering ICT innovation, and increasing technology access for persons with disabilities.
Phase Three seeks to expand digital literacy training and increase awareness of ICT access and usage, specifically targeting persons with disabilities with physical, visual, hearing, and speech impairments. Studies show that over 60% of persons with disabilities in Uganda lack basic ICT skills, with low ownership of internet-enabled devices only 24.7% own smartphones, 4.7% own laptops, and even fewer have tablets or desktops.
Most persons with disabilities use these devices primarily for entertainment and communication, underscoring the urgent need for tailored digital literacy training. The comprehensive needs assessment covered 26 districts, focusing on digital literacy proficiency, access to assistive technologies, and existing knowledge management among persons with disabilities.
Through purpose random sampling, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, the assessment engaged 306 stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, leaders of PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES organizations, and local government officials. The resulting report will highlight critical digital skilling needs and provide recommendations for customized digital literacy training programs, set to be delivered in July and August 2024 across Uganda.
This collaborative effort by UCC, UCUSAF, NUDIPU, and Eight Tech Consults is a major step toward digital inclusiveness, aiming to equip persons with disabilities with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world and enhance their quality of life.
