The Centre for Information, Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Nigerian government at all levels, to collaborate with CITAD in advancing the ICT skills of persons with disabilities.
This is contained in a statement signed by the CITAD Coordinator of Persons with Disabilities, Jamza Aminu Fagge, a copy made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Kano.
The statement reads: CITAD Celebrates the Inaugural World Assistive Technology Day. Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the first-ever World Assistive Technology Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the transformative impact of assistive technologies on the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs).”
He said that the CITAD is proud to join this global observance, “reinforcing our commitment to advocating for and raising awareness about the vital role of information and communication technology (ICT) in empowering PWDs.
“Together, we can create a more inclusive society where PWDs can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
“We urge policymakers, educators, and community leaders to join hands with CITAD in our mission to bridge the digital divide by investing in the ICT education of PWDs.
“By that, we can unlock their potential, promote social inclusion, and drive sustainable development.
“As we celebrate this day, let us remember that the journey towards full inclusion is a collective effort.
“We invite all stakeholders to participate actively in this endeavour, ensuring that assistive technologies are accessible, affordable, and effective for all. Together, we can make a difference.
“At CITAD, we are dedicated to ensuring that PWDs in Nigeria can fully leverage the benefits of ICT. Our initiatives focus on:
“Training and Capacity Building: We provide specialized training programs designed to equip PWDs with essential ICT skills.
“These programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of various disabilities, ensuring that every individual can harness the power of technology to overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
“Advocacy and Awareness: We actively engage with stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, to promote policies and practices that enhance the accessibility of ICT for PWDs.
“Our advocacy efforts aim to create an inclusive digital environment where no one is left behind.
“We work collaboratively with technology developers, educational institutions, and community organizations to drive innovation in assistive technologies.
“By fostering partnerships, we aim to develop and implement solutions that address the specific needs of PWDs.”
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