The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has called for the development of technological features that can aid easy access to telecoms services by people living with disabilities (PWD) and the elderly.
At the telecom consumer parliament organised by the commission at the weekend in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Garba Danbatta, said there was a need to prioritise providing solutions for all persons with or without disabilities.
With the theme “Consumer protection of persons living with disability and the elderly”, Danbatta said ensuring access to the public was a core value for the commission.
He, however, added that PWDs and senior citizens are significantly not duly served, hence, the event.
“Technology has a mission to carve out a place for everyone, without exception. Disability-related advancements in science and technology have made it feasible for impaired individuals to live as independently as possible.
“Current technologies include technical improvements specifically designed for communities whose lives are shaped by their experiences with disabilities and accessibility.
“Researchers are pioneering assistive and adaptive innovations which reflect the preached culture of acceptance and bridge the divide between the abled and disabled communities.
“Accessibility for persons living with disabilities in the communications sector concerns the design and provision of communications products and services with a specific focus on ensuring that they can be used by people who urge their usage.
“If everyone is to have equal opportunities to participate in social and economic life in today’s information society, then the complete range of ICTs must be e-accessible,” he said.
Danbatta further urged telecom operators to provide innovative initiatives that would support underserved individuals.
“As you are aware, the commission as empowered by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 has the responsibility of ensuring that the needs of disabled and elderly persons are taken into consideration in the provision of communications services.
“In recognition of the requirements of the NCA regarding this group of people and in line with the NCC’s consumer-centric approach to regulation, the commission has taken a number of telecom service provisioning initiatives toward the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and the elderly in the communications sector.
“Therefore, incorporate principles into the individual code of practice for providing services to PWDs and the elderly. Develop appropriate policy frameworks to deal with the issue of accessibility for persons with disabilities in the telecom sector.”
General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASPODA), Dare Dairo lauded the effort of NCC in creating room for people with special needs.
Speaking on inclusion, Dairo said the incoming government should also provide positions of leadership for people with disabilities.
“It is important for the government to critically look at social inclusion, financial inclusion, and social integration of persons with disability and I am happy that the NCC is already laying that good example, in terms of quarter employment for people with disability,” Dairo said.
“I also think that as the new administration is coming up, we are going to see that spirit of inclusion in terms of appointments into leadership positions and offices to create that sense of belonging.”
