…Min. Hughes urges at NFMU computer donation

PUBLIC Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has called on persons in the public transportation sector, such as minibus and hire-car drivers, to show some more consideration to persons with disabilities on the roadways.

“I am very aware of the horror stories,” Hughes, with a rather lively and empathetic tone, told a small gathering on Monday at the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) on Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

The NFMU, as part of its digital inclusion agenda and on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, donated two laptops to the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD); and four tablets to the David Rose Special School.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being held under the theme, “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.”

Valmiki Singh, NFMU Managing Director, informed that the unit will also be assisting the organisations further, such as by helping to develop websites for them.

Human Resources Manager of Global Technology Jacqueline Weekes, also donated an IPad to the GCOPD on behalf of the company.

Minister Hughes noted that bringing technology to persons with disabilities has been a strong agenda for the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. She said she was excited that government has arranged for some equipment costs to be VAT free for persons with disabilities; and to further reduce certain taxes associated with a vehicle.

The minister said the disability community ought to be paid some more attention, as it is felt that enough has not been done for such persons.

She informed that during the first quarter of 2019, government will conduct a ‘Train the Trainers’ workshop.
Making an appeal to persons who provide public transportation services, Hughes said: “For those in the public transportation sector who would not bother to slow down their vehicles or give an extra moment for persons with disabilities, I am very much aware of the horror stories.”

The minister pointed out that police stations should also be equipped with contact persons so as to be able to interact or interpret persons with disabilities when the need arises.
Head Teacher at David Rose Special School Dionne McKenzie, observed that many of the children at the school have motor skills issues, and hence the tablets will help them to perform better.

The school has 127 children with special needs and hence, is in need of many more tablets, McKenzie said.

NFMU Engineer Melissa Layne, offered that the NFMU supports digital inclusion and over the years, has worked with GCOPD and Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Center to encourage the use of technology in activities.

“Technology is a powerful tool and most certainly can be used to empower persons with disabilities and ensure inclusiveness and equality. After engaging with the David Rose School and the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, we were able to learn of technologies that they employ to help them in their daily activities,” Layne noted.