Inable Calls For Advancement Of Digital Accessibility And Assistive Technology For Persons With Disabilities

Herman Ngatia

News
5 June 2023

Herman Ngatia

By Herman Ngatia

THE GOVERNMENT as well as the private sector have been implored upon TO INVOLVE KENYANS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES IN the tech space in a bid to spur inclusivity.

The Constitution of Kenya (CoK) states: “The concept of reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities is recognised under Article 54 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 which provides that a person with any disability is entitled to among other things, to access educational institutions and facilities for persons with disabilities that are integrated into society to the extent compatible with the interests of the person, to reasonable access to all places, public transport and information; to use Sign language, Braille or other appropriate means of communication; and to access materials and devices to overcome constraints arising from the person’s disability.”

To amplify and domesticate that, Kenya recently hosted the 4th Annual Inclusive Africa Conference 2023 courtesy of InABLE in Kenya.

Inclusive Africa promotes the advancement of digital accessibility and assistive technology for Persons with Disabilities in Africa.

Speaking in the sidelines of the Conference, Rama Gheerawo Director at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, UK noted,

“its incredibly exciting to be here at the inclusive Africa 2023 conference. Why? It’s because it’s the fourth in the series and it’s the second time that we are actually here. Inclusive Africa is a galvanising force I believe for two things: accessibility in technology and the other is Africa. There are so many people from the subcontinent here all of whom have a belief in accessible technology.”

His sentiments were echoed by Charlotte McClain Nhlapo who is the lead social Development Specialist at the World Bank who noted:

“We have lots of people with invisible disabilities and they too have accessible needs and how do we make sure that those accessibility needs are met? And I also think that linked to that I think it’s also important to start thinking about researching and understanding that accessibility needs require financing. They are not just going to happen on their own. They have to be financed.”