In its bid to validate its stance as a forward-looking independent telecommunications regulatory agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), has given a heads-up it is mulling a Developmental Programme For Assistive Technology In Telecommunications, Cyber Era has learnt.
The programme will hold virtually 10.00am on December 10, 2020, according to the Information on the Commission’s website.
Assistive technology is a generic term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices with a focus on facilitating communication. Modern electronic machines (hi-tech) have become the new way for many individuals to communicate.
Inclusive technologies and Internet Governance policies discussions featured prominently in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF2020) in Geneva Switzerland. The thematic summary, a part of The IGF 2020 Final Report prepared by the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) and DiploFoundation, with the support of the Internet Society noted: “If digital technologies are to indeed benefit everyone, they also have to consider the needs of persons with disabilities. More efforts need to be put – by all stakeholders – in embedding accessibility by design in the development of technologies, and ensuring that applications and content are fully accessible. At the same time, including persons with disabilities in the design phase of such technologies and policies is essential.
Walking this talk a few days after the round off of the IGF 2020, underscores the sensitivity of the Nigerian Communications Commission to persons with disabilities and will serve to endear the Commission to persons in this bracket for years to come.
