ICTs as enablers for the disabled

Many developing countries face challenges in bringing the benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT) to all their people — including those with disabilities. A mentally challenged patient learning computer skills / Photo credit: ITU Acting as a direct link between users and the service providers, in 2003, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) launched a project to enable people with various types of disability, as well as women in isolated communities, to gain access ICT. There has been a particular focus on the needs of disabled young people, to enable them to become members of an inclusive society. In fact, the project is named eNABLE. ITU has contributed funding to help with equipment — and the young beneficiaries are very enthusiastic about learning how to use computers. In village schools in many of Sri Lanka’s provinces, children with disabilities can benefit from well-equipped computer laboratories. For those with hearing impairments, there are solutions which help them to communicate with others. Near to the capital, Colombo, at a centre for children with hearing impairments in Dalugama, Kelaniya, a group hearing system has been installed, based on Solaris software. Normally, such children rarely receive a systematic education. The new system comprises a wireless FM microphone and personal receivers with built-in hearing aids, giving complete control over the user’s entire hearing experience. A fully equipped computer laboratory with ADSL facilities to access the Internet has been installed to help deaf children at a school in Ratmalana, on the coast of Sri Lanka’s Western Province. And a Braille-equipped computer, with software that converts on-screen text to speech, has been provided for children with visual impairments. Braille printers are also available. Similar facilities will be provided at most vocational training centres for young people with disabilities. Meanwhile, a fully equipped computer laboratory has been installed at the Wattegama Training Centre, in central Sri Lanka, and the provision of Internet access is being considered at the school for hearing impaired children in Matale, where computers are already installed. In North Central Province, a fully equipped computer laboratory has been established, to enable women and young people with disabilities to learn and earn. And at a school for hearing-impaired children, a large-screen television and a DVD player have been provided. All computers and equipment are new and of good quality, and most centres have been refurbished by TRCSL and by service providers for the users’ convenience and comfort. In giving young people access to ICT, the aim is to promote their empowerment, and to link them with others at global and national levels, where equal opportunities can be available for them to live in an inclusive society. A true commitment by all concerned has contributed greatly to the success of the eNABLE project. It has been recognized by ITU as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the world. People with disabilities can develop new skills by having equitable access to ICT, and thus also economic, social and cultural resources. Achieving this access is not easy. However, the joint efforts of many will help people in Sri Lanka use ICT to have greater economic and social interaction with the rest of the world, and in so doing, make this world a better and a brighter place for all. Source: International Telecommunication Union

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