US Consulate partners project enable Africa to create tech solutions for PWD

Our ReporterIn line with getting the message of Disability inclusion to all stakeholders, Project Enable Africa, in partnership with the United States Consulate, gathered tech enthusiasts at the Inclusion Hub, the first digital hub for Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria, so as to create technology-driven solutions that promote inclusion and accessibility for PWDs.According to the Project Director, Owonikoko Olusola, The theme for the 2019 International Day for Persons With Disabilities, which is The Future is Accessible is apt. We live in a technology-driven world and we cant afford to have Persons With Disabilities left behind. If technology makes things easier and faster for Persons without disabilities, imagine the new world of possibilities we open PWDS to. Working towards an inclusive and accessible future is everyones responsibility. Project Enable Africa is committed to improving the lives of PWDS and amplifying their voices as well.The disability inclusion hackathon which had young innovators, software developers and technology enthusiasts across the nation pitch their inclusive solutions to a panel of tech experts who served as judges is a novel idea, the overall goal is to engage the use of technology to provide inventions and solutions that will make life easier, better and more convenient for Persons With Disabilities Owonikoko emphasized.The United States Consul General, Mrs.Claire Pierangelo in her remarks applauded the tech developers and encouraged them to be inclusive in their ideas. She went further saying Olusola Owonikoko is an alumnus of the United States Consulate Mandela Washington Fellow and we are proud of his developmental contributions and what he has done with Project Enable Africa. Technology is very important to persons with disabilities to maximize their potential and explore their opportunities. Its very important for us to be inclusive in our policies and processes and we are proud to support great ideas for tech enthusiasts. We will continue to encourage Civil Society Organizations around the world.READ ALSO:US Consulate supports robotics trainingAccording to Lanre Olagunju the head of Communications, the Project Enable Africa inclusion hackathon is aimed at promoting innovative use of assistive technology, IT products and offer value to the community of persons with disabilities. At Project Enable, we look towards a future with no barriers, a future where physical structures are accessible, where persons with disabilities get jobs without fear of discrimination based on their disabilities, Olagunju reiterated.The two-day competition which ended today in grand style had the most innovative solution get a financial reward of one thousand dollars and support to fully develop and scale. The idea will be co-owned with Project Enable Africa so as to scale it into a commercially viable product.Fielding questions from journalists, Fredrick Adams said we are proud of the quality of ideas we received. The tech community has got a new challenge and its important that we continue to produce ideas and concepts that help Persons with Disabilities to thrive.
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