Assistive Technology Identified as a Means of Support for Individuals with Disabilities and Young Girls

Cross-section of participants at the workshop on ASSISTIVE Technology 

Abeokuta - By Our REPORTER

Publshed, Monday, April 22, 2024

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY has been recognised as a valuable tool for promoting independence and leadership among People Living With Disabilities (PLWD) and young girls, regardless of their age or health conditions.

The Press Officer, Mrs. Olayinka Ezemo, in the Bureau of Technology, Hubtech at Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, Abeokuta, Ogun State made the report available in a release at the end of a sensitisation workshop to mark he 2024 International Girls Day in ICT.

School girls in attendance at the sensitisation educational workshop on Assistive Technology 

The importance of ASSISTIVE technology (support machines for people living with disability) was revealed at an educational workshop entitled "Empowering Independence, Harnessing Leadership, and Utilizing Assistive Technologies for Inclusive Success." The event was organised by the Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the non-governmental organisation, Dove Nexus. 

Mr. Dayo Abiodun, the Special Adviser on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), highlighted the importance of assistive technologies and their potential to empower individuals with special needs and young girls. He emphasized the role of technology in breaking down barriers and ensuring their inclusion in society.

During the workshop, attendees were introduced to various assistive tools, including Brain Computer Interface (BCI), powered wheelchairs, and smart glasses. These technologies can enhance independence and confidence among PLWD and enable young girls to make life decisions, ultimately positioning them for leadership roles.

In a keynote address entitled "Impact of Assistive Technologies on Daily Lives and Independence," audiologist Prof. Ayo Osisanya emphasised the transformative power of these technologies. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) among youth, especially young girls, to help them realize their dreams and aspirations.

One participant, Miss Debra Ojoade, shared her personal experience with assistive technology, explaining how a pair of headphones enabled her to speak for the first time by delivering musical words directly to her brain. She called on the government to provide more affordable access to these technologies, as they can be costly for the average parent.