The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has collaborated with the National Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to set up a joint implementation committee dedicated to advancing the manufacturing and production of assistive technology.
The Joint Committee on Assistive Technology (JIC-AT), brings together members from both agencies to spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and empowerment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Saleh Farouq Gagarawa, Head of New Media of the commission on Tuesday.
The JIC-AT is tasked with several strategic functions aimed at driving the production and distribution of assistive devices across the country.
These functions, according to the commission, include: Identifying priority assistive technology (AT) devices needed by PWDs in Nigeria, developing and implementing a framework for allocating funds to support AT production, establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of AT interventions, promoting collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders in the AT ecosystem.
The commission notes, “the establishment of the JIC-AT marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance accessibility and inclusion for PWDs in Nigeria. It underscores the commitment of both agencies to leverage local resources and expertise in addressing the needs of the disability community.”
During the first inaugural meeting, Dr. James Lalu, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, emphasised on the importance of commencing local production of assistive technology to meet the needs of PWDs in Nigeria. He took a bold step forward by partnering with NASENI to make this vision a reality.
Lalu charged the committee members to remain steadfast in the implementation process and assured them of his utmost support. He reiterated the significance of this collaboration in transforming the lives of PWDs and reaffirmed the NCPWD’s commitment to fostering accessibility and inclusion across all sectors of society.
“The NCPWD and NASENI are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the success of this collaborative endeavor and to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.”
INN reports that during the distribution of palliative last week, the Executive Secretary emphasized on the need for the commission to commence local production of assistive devices to make it more affordable for Persons with disabilities across the country.