NUDIPU and Eight Tech Consults Ltd held a stakeholder meeting to share the findings of the recently conducted digital skills training for persons with disabilities.
Key to note, persons with visual and hearing impairments are marginalized more in terms of digital skills, but also in accessing information.
As shared by Eight Tech Consults, for the mobilised persons with disabilities:
92% did not own any smartphone. Many persons with hearing and visual impairment are illiterate,
45% of them have never been to school.
12% of the mobilised population didn’t have smartphones. Most of these people have only feature phones.
Dr Abdul Busulwa who in agreement with NUDIPU and Eight Tech shares there are various challenges persons with disabilities go through. Thanks to Uganda Communications Commission, this demonstrates a deliberate effort by the government to support persons with disabilities in improving their digital skills through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF).
“Despite having zeal to sharpen our skills, we still face challenges in accessing some software, such as screen readers, which are costly; some websites are inaccessible, including government-owned websites, where ordinarily people with visual impairment can access information,” shares Dr Busulwa.
*what we expect from the stakeholders about this inclusive ICT project*
According to Dr. Drake Mirembe, Chief Technology Officer at Eight Tech Consults, it is important to embrace skilling persons with disabilities in technology. An increase of 10% of internet penetration translates into 1 % increase in the country’s GDP. Just imagine if more people, including persons with disabilities are part of the digital world? This means they will also be contributing to the economy through the use of technology.
Promoting research and communication through influencing research agendas that promote disability inclusive and friendly communication.
Digital transformation programming is key for by OPDs
Role of accelerating employment for persons with disabilities. However, reasonable accommodation should be considered.
There is a need to offer an apprenticeship. Employers should be able to mentor and coach people with disabilities.
In her remarks, the CEO of NUDIPU Esther Kyozira shares that there is a need to popularise the digital observatory and we need to be ambassadors on this issue. The data being collected to be added in the National digital observatory will create a database that will guide planning for persons with disabilities in a more organised way.
There is a need to continue sensitizing persons with disabilities to embrace technology, as this plays a critical role in the lives of persons with disabilities.
There is a big demand for assistive gadgets for persons with disabilities, and we shall keep knocking on doors to many people who can offer these gadgets to persons with disabilities, so that they are brought on board to the tech space.
*Key takeaways*
Persons with disabilities should negotiate your way to the job, other than fronting your disability. In the revolving world, you must prove that you can use technology, explaining why Dr Abdul Busulwa from Kyambogo University has been able to demonstrate his capability.
According to Dr Anthony Wani from Sightsavers, there is a need to advocate for assistive technology for persons with disabilities if we are pushing for employment.
Uganda Breweries is introducing a digital marketing department currently and look forward to mentoring some youth with disabilities in digital marketing and support this department. They are working hand in hand with Light for the World Uganda.
