ICT for Persons with Disabilities

To provide a general orientation on available ICT tools and devices for persons with disabilities that enables them to have a better life with dignity a two day long “Exclusive International Exhibition on Access to ICT for persons with disabilities held at Daffodil International University auditorium.

Center for Disability in Development (CDD) in association with Daffodil International University with the support of Karishma Enterprises from India and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organized this two day long international exhibition from September 05-06, 2012. The exhibition will provide orientation on ICT to facilitate education and rehabilitation of persons with different types of disabilities such as Visual, Low vision, Dyslexia, speech and hearing, Cerebral palsy, Autism, Cognitive and physical impairment.

Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Communication Technology, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest. Mr. Mustafa Jabbar, Chief Executive, Ananda Computers and Bijoy Digital, Ms. Shahin Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation  (MJF) and Mr.Gazi Mohammad Nurul Kabir, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Managing Director, National Disability Development Foundation were present as the special guests. Prof. Dr. M. Lutfar Rahman, Vice –Chancellor will preside over the inaugural session. The keynote presentation was delivered by Mr. Ram Agarawal, Chief Executive Officer, Karisma Enterprises, India at the inaugural session and welcome address was delivered by Mr. A. H. M. Noman Khan, Executive Director, Center for Disability in Development (CDD).

 

Addressing as the chief guest Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan said that the development work of the portals for 24000 government offices of the country is going on and these portals will be implemented with December of this year and just after implementation of the portal e- Service will also be implemented through out the country. He also informed that beside ‘e- book’, government has taken a plan to provide ‘Talking Book’ at all the schools of secondary level.

He also said that latest use of ICT can play a vital role to develop the life style of the persons with disabilities. He stressed on the participation of the persons with disabilities to enjoy the modern facilities of ICT. In this regard, he reminded the heartiest initiatives taken by the present government.

The speakers at their speeches said, this International Expo on Assistive Technology will help the persons with disabilities to empower them with independence, self reliance and the ability to perform the tasks which are not within their reach due to adequate access to appropriate technology. They also said, this exhibition will create awareness among the employers about the immense possibilities and capabilities of the persons with disabilities if they are provided with assistive devices/software in the workplace.