The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has initiated a three-day programme aimed at assessing, prescribing, fitting, and distributing assistive devices to 562 children with disabilities. The programme, which spans across 12 institutions and organisations in the Federal Capital Territory, seeks to provide beneficiaries with the necessary equipment to enhance their mobility, independence, learning, and participation. This move marks a significant shift from the previous ad-hoc distribution of assistive devices.
According to the commission's executive secretary, Ayuba Gufwam, the programme is designed to ensure that beneficiaries receive the appropriate equipment and the necessary support to use them effectively. Gufwam stated that the commission is strengthening its assistive technology services to include assessment, prescription, fitting, training, follow-up, and maintenance. This approach aims to guarantee that assistive devices are not merely distributed but are also properly utilised.
The programme's launch was marked by the handover of assistive devices to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). During the event, Gufwam emphasised that the objective of the programme is not only to provide devices but also to ensure that the right device reaches the right person. He highlighted that an assistive device is only truly useful when it is appropriately assessed, correctly fitted, and adequately explained and supported.
The commission's Assistive Devices and Technology Unit is working to establish a more sustainable approach to assistive technology provision. Gufwam noted that the unit's efforts focus on ensuring that assistive devices contribute meaningfully to the mobility, independence, learning, participation, and quality of life of persons with disabilities. The programme is supported by the ECOWAS Commission under its regional intervention.
Gufwam urged hospitals receiving the devices to ensure proper allocation, fitting, user education, maintenance, monitoring, and follow-up. He also called on UATH to designate a focal person to liaise with the commission on utilisation, repairs, challenges, and emerging assistive technology needs. This, he believes, will guarantee the success of the intervention.
The executive secretary further emphasised that the success of the programme would not be measured by the number of devices distributed but by their impact on beneficiaries. He expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for supporting the provision of the assistive devices. The programme aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of children with disabilities.
The NCPWD's initiative is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. With a focus on providing tailored support and ensuring the effective utilisation of assistive devices, the programme has the potential to improve the lives of 562 children with disabilities. The commission's efforts align with its mandate to enhance the well-being and participation of persons with disabilities.
Key points
- The NCPWD's programme aims to provide assistive devices to 562 children with disabilities across 12 institutions in the Federal Capital Territory.
- The programme seeks to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate equipment and necessary support for effective utilisation.
- The initiative marks a shift from ad-hoc distribution to a more coordinated system of assistive technology provision.
