In Southern Africa, it is estimated that
85-95% of persons with disabilities who need assistive technology (AT)
do not have access. Improving access to AT is a problem that will take
concerted effort on many fronts; however, one key challenge at this
stage is simply lack of information about the availability of AT within
the target countries. Although information alone will not increase
access to AT, its absence is a major barrier to reducing the unmet need.
- Lack of information on what AT is and is
not available makes it impossible for advocates, suppliers and
policy makers to develop the best strategies to address unmet needs.
- Lack of information for persons with
disabilities means that they are not aware of what AT is available,
do not know what AT they need or where to find it.
Without access to AT, persons with
disabilities are less likely to realize other basic human rights
such as access to education, health care, employment, information,
communication, and activities of daily living. In this context, the
project will therefore contribute towards the achievement of a number of
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) – these are a new, universal
set of goals, targets and indicators that UN member states will be
expected to use to frame their agendas and political policies over the
next 15 years.
For example, Goal Number of 4 of the SDGs
focuses on guaranteeing equal and accessible education by building
inclusive learning environments and providing the needed assistance for
persons with disabilities, and the ATs plays a very significant role in
this regard.
The project will also contribute to achieving
Goal Number 8 which focuses on promoting inclusive economic growth, full
and productive employment allowing persons with disabilities to fully
access the job market. Without AT, most persons with disabilities would
find it hard to “fully” access the job market as ATs enhance their
functionality within workplaces. Similarly, Goal Number 10 emphasizing
the social, economic and political inclusion of persons with
disabilities which can be even more feasible when persons with
disabilities are accorded the opportunity to access ATs.
To address the inadequate supply of AT in
Southern Africa, AT designers and producers must also be informed of
what quantity the local market is demanding and requiring. Increases in
quantity must be accompanied by increases in quality to ensure the new
products are appropriate for persons with disabilities within their
local environment.