TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH TECHNOLOGY
“Approximately 15% of world population lives with some form of disability. 80% of differently abled people live in developing countries and 50% of them cannot afford healthcare. ” These staggering statistics furnished by the United Nations begs the question, that are we doing enough to facilitate a conducive environment for people with disabilities?
In the developing nations, there are a host of other issues that persons with disabilities face like lack of proper healthcare, less educational and career opportunities and most importantly lack of social support. They also easily become victims of various kinds of violence. These factors lower their general well-being and stigmatize their existence. Their stifled voices and threatened existence is a painful reality that bears itself upon us beckoning us to do something about it.
The United Nations in recognition of these debilitating conditions, conduct an international observance every year on 03 December since 1992 called the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Each year the UN focuses on different issues regarding the well-being of persons with disabilities and aims to promote understanding and awareness of those issues as well as generate support of people across borders.
This year the key focus issue was “Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology”, where the need to technologically equip people with disabilities was recognized. The emphasis was on harnessing technology to facilitate a favorable and productive working environment for people with disabilities to maximize their skills and capabilities. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon shared similar views and said, “Through adaptive, assistive and inclusive technology, persons with disabilities can male most of their potential in their communities and workplace.”
This brings into perspective the role of technology and its far-reaching utility. Technology has improved the quality of our lives drastically and making use of it for the benefit of those with special needs is a major step towards their sustainable development. Closer to home, Snapdeal in cognizance of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities decided to do their bit by introducing technology to the lives of people who are differently abled. Snapdeal launched a first-of-its-kind virtual Rehabilitation and Support Store in India. Inaugurated by Parliament member Shashi Tharoor in the national capital, this store aims at providing accessibility to differently abled people a comfortable shopping experience. The store presents a range of products from walking sticks, wheelchairs to hearing aids, all available at their disposal at the click of a mouse.
The co-founder of Snapdeal, Rohit Bansal acknowledged the need to provide technological benefits to the differently abled.
With such initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and support the stigma associated with disabilities both physical and mental can soon be eradicated and the notions of liberty and equality for all can be realized.
