- International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed every year on December 3
- Apps are great technology innovations making life easier for people with a hearing disability: Creative Designer & Disability Self-Advocate Medhavi Saxena, Philadelphia University
- WHO India is providing technical support to the NITI Aayog, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Indian Council of Medical Research for improving access to assistive technologies.
NE NEWS SERVICE
PHILADELPHIA, NEW DELHI, DEC 3
Even as we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on Saturday, a study says 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product and the demand is expected to go up to 3.5 billion by 2050.
The theme for this year is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.”
The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. WHO joins this endeavour to reinforce the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.
According to the Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product. The demand is expected to be go up to 3.5 billion by 2050. The requirement may range from a spectacle to highly advanced myoelectric hand or robotic exoskeletons. However, nearly nine out of 10 people who need assistive technology do not have access to it – this has an adverse impact on the education, livelihood, health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and societies.
Our Government is equally focused on accessibility, which is reflected in the flagship programmes and creation of next-gen infra. I would also like to acknowledge all those working at the grassroots to bring a positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 3, 2022
WHO India’s subnational rapid Assistive Technology Assessment Survey in December 2021 found that the prevalence of need for assistive products was 24.5% across all ages, which translates to over 330 million people. It’s in this context, WHO India is providing technical support to the NITI Aayog, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Indian Council of Medical Research for improving access to assistive technologies.
A wooden ramp at Marina Beach in Chennai is a fabulous initiative to enable differently able people, people on wheel chair, senior citizens enjoy the beautiful beach and cool waters.Nice one @chennaicorp #InternationalDayOfDisability pic.twitter.com/EGsfiG33Iu
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) December 3, 2022
Commenting on this, Creative Designer & Disability Self-Advocate Medhavi Saxena, Philadelphia University, said, “Technology has helped improve hearing aids a lot. The latest aids have control in mobile phones. There are apps for transcription, translation, caption calls, subtitles, and video calls (lip reading). They all are great technology innovations making life easier for people with a hearing disability.”
