The Albino Foundation Public Notice
Amidst the growing needs for the development of Assistive Technology in Nigeria, Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has inaugurated a team of experts that will ensure the success of the processes in the production and distribution of Assistive devices to Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The ES performed this onerous task in Abuja, today the 19th March, 2024 with representatives from the: Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
³Addressing the meeting, Dr. Lalu highlighted the Terms of Reference for the Committee in order to have a clear policy guide in the task ahead.
He further disclosed that the Committee on Assistive Technology is basically established to address the critical needs for improved access as well as the provision of the right Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
“Today marks another milestone in the history of our nation as we begin a journey into self- sufficiency in the production and provisions of Assistive Technology using the application of universal standards.
He also explained that it is the first project through which the Commission will be engaging the services of physiotherapists, Radiologists, Otolaryngologists and other relevant professionals who will bring their knowledge and experiences to bear.
He, however added that most of the Assistive devices available in the markets do not really conform with the specific scientific and medical needs of Persons with Disabilities.
According to him, some may even worsen the medical status of the users if proper diagnosis is not carried out before usage.
The Commission’s Boss, therefore, informed that the setting up of the Committee will help rejig the rehabilitation centers across the country and enforce quality assurance through proper monitoring and evaluation of the Assistive Technology Programme (ATP) in Nigeria.
In a corroborative response, the Director, Gender Adolescence, school of Health and Elderly care division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. John Ovuoraye commended the efforts of the Commission and underscored the significance of the task team to change the narrative in the Health sector.
“I am overtly elated by the developments in the Commission which is helping to identify certain gaps in the medical practice in our various health centers and hospitals across the regions”, he added.
Ovuoraye further hinted that some persons with deafness who need medical attention have had no form of clear communication with the right physicians when they visit the hospital. Thus, the role of sign Language interpreters are becoming expedient.
He, therefore, reassures the Executive Secretary of his Ministry’s commitment to offer all the necessary assistance for the overall well- being of Persons with Disabilities anytime the needs “arise.
