News and issues on the disabled 16 Oct 2024
Azmi Anuar
Contents
1. BBC News UK - Many disabled young people written off, report says
2. Channel News Asia Singapore - Fun for all: How some tourist attractions have made themselves more disability friendly
3. Rutgers University USA - The Number of People With Disabilities Is Growing and They Are Voting In Greater Numbers
4. Times Of Swaziland - MPS Want 60th Constituency For Persons With Disabilities
5. Travel Radar - Emirates’ Inclusive Travel Innovations for Passengers with Disabilities
6. The Hindu India - Telangana Govt’s job portal for persons with disabilities launched by Minister Seethakka
7. Cushing's Disease News - The challenges of traveling alone as someone with a disability
8. The Daily Case Western Reserve University USA - “‘Disabusing Disability’ demonstrates that DISability Doesn't Mean INability”
9. CBS News USA - Northern California doctor creates directory to connect people living with hidden disabilities
10. Africa Science News - Kenya Union of the Blind Launches a smart white cane for easy mobility for the blind people
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1. BBC News UK - Many disabled young people written off, report says15 Oct 2024
Too many young people with additional needs are being "written off" and told they can never succeed, a government report has found.
Young disabled people were fully capable of thriving in work with appropriate support, the House of Lords Public Services Committee said.
Elliot Caswell, 25, from Newcastle, said he had faced continued frustrations in his desire to live and work independently and said people got "forgotten about". BBC News has followed his story for five years.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it was investing £18m until March 2025 in supported internships for those aged 16-24 with special needs or disabilities.
The report's author, Baroness Estelle Morris, said: "What happens in general is people think problems. So it’s what they can’t do and their expectations, they can’t possibly do that, it’s too difficult, it will take too much effort.
"So I think it’s almost a cultural change. I wouldn’t say for a minute that that alone would bring about the improvements we want.
"But however much we spend, if it’s built on a system where too many people think it won’t work and it can’t be done, we will never make the progress that we need to make."
In the BBC’s film, Newcastle United fan Elliot, then aged 19, said: "My goal in life is to live independently, with friends in supported living, in accommodation not far from St James' Park and to get a job and contribute to society.
"Like other people with disabilities, this comes with extra challenges.
"It's not great sitting at home on the benefits system because that's not a way to live your life. You need to get out there and do some work and meet people."
Elliot and his twin brother Lewis were born prematurely at 26 weeks. Both boys had bleeds on the brain causing cerebral palsy. For Elliot, this affected all four of his limbs and Lewis's right side was affected.
Mum Chris Caswell said: "I just want both of them to be happy in what they're doing, to have friends that they can meet with and go out with, and for Elliot to live away from home, because we are realistic, we are older parents and we're not going to be here forever."
But their journey has been very different. Lewis went to university and now lives in a house share with a job, while Elliot's path has been more difficult.
He graduated from National Star College in Cheltenham in 2022 and at the time was looking forward to "more independence and more responsibility to feel what the real world is like". He hoped to be accepted on to an NHS apprenticeship scheme part-time.
But there were delays finding suitable accommodation and work, which Mrs Caswell said was "very disappointing".
Under his Education Care and Health Plan (ECHP), Elliot was entitled to full-time education until he was 25, but problems finding him suitable work experience meant his time with Project Choice at Gateshead College has been extended until Easter 2025.
Since 2022, he has taken part in four separate work experience placements, with another at North Tyneside Council due to start soon.
Overall, 25 organisations were contacted in a search for placements but were not found to be suitable for Elliot’s needs, either by the local education authority or his parents.
He waited two years for suitable living accommodation and a care package.
During that time, he was offered six places, with either his family or the occupational health team finding them unsuitable.
The council said it had worked with the family at their pace and in line with their wishes and ambitions to find the right home.
Rather than his dream of living with friends and working part-time, he is now in supported accommodation with a non-verbal man in his 60s.
But he is delighted to finally have the keys to his own place and his care package means he has one-to-one support and can socialise with his peers.
Elliot said: "You get forgotten about because there is a crisis in the care sector."
His father Jonathan said: "He's desperate to succeed, he's desperate to be engaged in meaningful working activity and he's been let down."
CEO of National Star College, Lynette Barrett, said many young adults had "no clear transition plan" for where they would live and what they would do when they left full-time education.
She said many ended up in inappropriate living situations and in the worst-case scenarios, some saw declining health and died.
"That may seem really dramatic, but that happens and it really brings into question the human rights of somebody with a disability to make the same choices as any other young person would at that age," she said.
"We shouldn’t be in a situation where they are having to fight so hard for the basic things in life that they need in order to be able to live a fulfilled life."
North Tyneside Council said it was "delighted" Elliot had found a suitable home and would continue to work with him to find suitable work placements.
Director of adult services, Eleanor Binks, said: "We work with partners to support our residents who have more complex needs, like Elliot. We work together to provide housing, and opportunities to gain skills, experiences and confidence to live and work independently.
"We recognise that we don't always get this right, but we do listen and care for each individual and will continue to work to adjust their care to meet their needs."
She added that the health and social care sector was facing challenges that could only be overcome with system change and better connections between services.
A DHSC spokesman said: "Every young person should be able to access the support they need to thrive in life, and this government is committed to tackling the significant challenges facing social care to ensure everyone is able to fulfil their potential, and live an independent, dignified life.
"As part of this, we will build a National Care Service based on consistent national standards and delivered locally."
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2. Channel News Asia Singapore - Fun for all: How some tourist attractions have made themselves more disability friendly15 Oct 2024
SINGAPORE: Some tourist attractions in Singapore have become more accessible for people with disabilities amid a national effort to become more inclusive by 2030.
Among them are Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s Bird Paradise and the Museum of Ice Cream in Tanglin.
At Bird Paradise, for instance, wheelchairs are available for use by individuals who need them.
GETTING CLOSE TO NATURE
Getting to aviaries and the sky amphitheatre - where audiences can watch the talents of the birds on display - is made easy by accessible walkways and pathways, said vice president of park operations at Mandai Wildlife Group Maggie Ang.
Wheelchair users also get to watch birds being fed up close, as it is done near porous railings, where they can station themselves, said Ms Ang.
The complimentary shuttle within the park has ramps and clamps to secure wheelchairs in place for safety, she added.
Other disability-friendly features include adult diaper changing facilities and technology that can be used to increase the volume and clarity of a desired sound source.
“It's quite important for us to cater to the different needs of our guests, (so that) our guests can come together and connect with nature,” said Ms Ang.
SINGAPORE'S DISABILITY FRIENDLY STANDARDS
The Museum of Ice Cream, which offers unlimited ice cream and features activities like a bouncy castle, has ramps and a wheelchair lift within its premises. All staff undergo training to learn how to better engage visitors with disabilities, said the attraction’s general manager Colin Chung.
“The museum is a multi-sensory space, and we try to focus on getting everyone to discover the kid in them," he said.
The Museum of Ice Cream in Tanglin has ramps and a wheelchair lift within its premises.
Mr Chung added that for those who require special assistance, they can be guided throughout the experience. Staff have hosted several different types of groups, including the elderly and children with special needs, he added.
“We receive guests from all over the world and with very diverse needs, so it is really essential for us as a business to be as inclusive … as possible,” he added.
Singapore has been listed as one of the top 10 cities leading the way in meeting the needs of travellers with disabilities, noted Ms Winnie Lewis, deputy director of partnerships at SG Enable, the focal agency for disability.
This was according to a survey done by Valuable 500, a partnership of companies working together to end disability exclusion.
She added that SG Enable’s dipstick survey showed that local tourism industry players are interested in making their businesses available to persons with disabilities, especially if provided with sufficient support.
“We've been working with hospitality and tourism partners to improve our product offerings and create more inclusive experiences for persons with disabilities,” she said.
One way is improving the availability of accessibility information to make pre-planning easier for visitors, she added.
THE BUSINESS CASE FOR INCLUSIVITY
The push to make attractions more accessible is in line with the Enabling Masterplan - which sets out the vision for Singapore as an inclusive society in 2030 - given that these spaces can be seen as community nodes, she said.
Ms Lewis said making spaces more accessible can bring business benefits as well.
“Persons with disabilities who travel or visit tend to (do so) with their caregivers or friends or family members,” she noted.
There seems to be a growing recognition of persons with disabilities and their companions as a valuable customer segment, she added.
One resource SG Enable has made available is a playbook for the design of inclusive spaces which tells attractions how they can design their spaces, even covering details such as furnishing.
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3. Rutgers University USA - The Number of People With Disabilities Is Growing and They Are Voting In Greater Numbers15 Oct 2024
People with disabilities could play an enormous role in deciding the outcome of the presidential election and the balance of power in Congress.
In a new report, the Rutgers Program for Disability Research projects 40.2 million people with disabilities will be eligible to vote in November, a 5.1% increase since 2020 due to an aging population and medical advances.
Voter turnout is steadily rising in the disability community, suggesting an electorate that is increasingly engaged when voting is accessible.
“People with disabilities are the sleeping tiger in American politics,” said Professor Lisa Schur, Co-Director of the Rutgers Program for Disability Research. “They represent a large and growing portion of the electorate, and they could make a critical difference in the outcome of this and future elections.”
The researchers analyzed Census Bureau data to estimate the size of the disability electorate, including demographic and state-level projections. According to their report:
- 1 in 6 eligible voters has a disability (40.2 million), an increase of 5.1% since 2020, double the 2.5% rise in the number of eligible voters without disabilities.
- 1 in 3 eligible voters either has a disability or lives with someone who has a disability, a combined total of 72.7 million people.
- Mobility impairment is the most common disability (22.1 million), followed by cognitive impairment (14.4 million), hearing impairment (11.9 million), and visual impairment (7.2 million). These groups overlap, as many people have more than one disability.
- As a voting demographic, there are more eligible voters with disabilities (40.2 million) than eligible voters who are Hispanic/Latino (35.7 million) or Black (31.1 million).
- 7.1 million eligible voters with disabilities live in the battleground states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Nearly 62% of people with disabilities voted in 2020, up from 56% in 2016, according to an earlier report by the Rutgers Program for Disability Research.
Mail-in voting during the pandemic increased accessibility, but many states have now passed laws that make it harder to vote, raising questions about whether people with disabilities will be able to fully participate in this election.
“People with disabilities are just as interested in voting as other citizens, as shown by their rising turnout despite the voting difficulties they often face,” said Distinguished Professor Douglas Kruse, Co-Director of the Rutgers Program for Disability Research. “The high stakes in this election will motivate many people with disabilities to vote, and it’s important that they be able to do so easily.”
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4. Times Of Swaziland - MPS Want 60th Constituency For Persons With Disabilities15 Oct 2024
PIGG’S PEAK – Members of Parliament (MPs) will move a motion for the formation of a 60th constituency that will be strictly for persons with disabilities.
The call to move this motion was amplified yesterday at Pigg’s Peak Hotel, during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) HIV/AIDS Governance Project workshop. The workshop was aimed at sensitising MPs on disability and sexual reproductive health and rights.
During the workshop, challenges faced by persons with disabilities were analysed in detail. Further, calls were made to the legislators to make Eswatini a comfortable place for persons with disabilities. The workshop also brought together the Disability Departments under the Deputy Prime Minister’s (DPM) Office, the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) European Union (EU), as well as the Federation of Organisations of The Disabled People in Swaziland (FODSWA).
Economy
The MPs showed willingness and further committed to ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all sectors of the economy, including in Parliament. The MPs noted that persons with disability are often invisible during elections. It was then suggested that in order for Parliament to pass legislation that favours persons with disabilities, they should be part of the legislative business. Due to their invincibility during elections, the MPs said it is crucial for the country, out of the 59 Constituencies to have a 60th, which will advocate for people with disabilities.
Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo, stated that each and every constituency is affected when it comes to issues of disabilities. The MP said government partners and stakeholders should clearly state how legislators could come on board on issues of persons with disabilities. Khumalo said MPs pass legislation.
“Speak out on what you expect of us in the area of legislation. Based on what I have heard here, I will be lobbying my colleagues when we get back to Parliament, to say the country needs to create the 60th constituency at least for the House of Assembly that will exclusively be for persons with disabilities,” he said.
Khumalo said persons with disabilities have tried to participate in elections, but they have been unsuccessful. He said the road to the creation of the 60th constituency includes the amendment of the legislation so it can accommodate it. “I have no doubt in my mind that anyone might say the head of State might be opposed to that because he is very passionate and has demonstrated that he wants to see persons with disabilities being included,” he said.
Withdraw
He urged the MPs to support the motion once it is moved, to pass it and leave it to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to take it further. Khumalo further highlighted that Parliament passed a law that deals with gender-based violence (GBV).
“Clearly there are gaps in it because it has been mentioned that
survivors tend to withdraw cases. We need to make sure that everyone can report
GBV, even if it is just a neighbour. It should not be the survivors that
report,” he said.
Madlangampisi MP Allen Vilane also echoed Khumalo.
He noted that when it was confirmed that women representation was close to none in Parliament, legislation was amended to incorporate and increase the number of women in the august House, through the election of regional woman MPs. He said the same principle could also apply to ensure that every region has a representative of people with disabilities.
Lugongolweni MP Joseph Souza urged that there should be a timeframe for the formation or amendment of the legislation. He noted that there was a tendency of not following up on sensitive and crucial issues like those of persons with disabilities.
“We are the legislators that are going to pass the law, but who will be at the forefront in terms of the drafting of the law, so that it speaks to the issues of persons with disabilities directly,” he said. Ntfonjeni MP Raymond Dlamini also urged for all government ministries to have plans that will spell out their inclusion of people with disabilities in their workforce and service delivery.
“Even government study loans should also spell out the inclusion of persons with disabilities,” he said. The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jabulani Mabuza, said the impetus of the workshop was to align Parliament’s core mandate, which is legislation, oversight and representation.
“This speaks to robust action in reviewing and enacting legislative framework for persons with disabilities, inclusive and responsive policies and budgeting to promote access and security to commodities, enhanced trying of cases for persons with disabilities, tabling of motions and redressing all socio-economic ill infringing on the human rights of this populace with a right to dignity,” he said.
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5. Travel Radar - Emirates’ Inclusive Travel Innovations for Passengers with Disabilities14 Oct 2024
As part of its ongoing commitment to ‘Fly Better’, Emirates unveiled new cutting-edge services and innovations for People of Determination at the AccessAbilities Expo 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This leading event, inaugurated by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, was the largest exhibition dedicated to people with disabilities in the Middle East—highlighting the airline’s mission to enhance the travel experience for all.
Innovative and Accessible Travel
Emirates revealed a range of pioneering solutions, among the most notable were a virtual reality airport tour, a sign language robot, a new protective wheelchair transport device and an app offering accessible video support to the visually impaired. The airline additionally introduced sensory guides tailored for neurodivergent passengers, along with a specially equipped chauffeur-driven vehicle equipped with an electric wheelchair lift.
Emirates has long prioritised accessibility and inclusivity, enhancing its services in 2024 with the launch of the Emirates Accessibility Policy, and the newly established Office of Accessibility and Inclusion. These efforts ultimately ensure that the airline continues to lead the aviation industry in providing a seamless and premium travel experience for all passengers, regardless of their needs. This progressive policy and shift within the world of access and technology for neurodivergent and disabled travellers underlines a strategic focus and dedication to driving industry-wide advocacy and accessibility for all.
Key Highlights from AccessAbilities Expo
- Be My Eyes App: Emirates is the first airline to integrate the popular Be My Eyes app, offering live video support to the visually-impaired community, providing travellers with real-time assistance.
- Sensory Guide: The newly launched sensory guide will assist neurodivergent travellers in navigating Emirates Terminal 3, offering insights into sensory stimuli such as light, sound and smell.
- Accessible Chauffeur Service: Emirates introduced its first ever wheelchair-accessible vehicle for Business and First Class passengers, providing a safe transit for those needing mobility aid.
A Global Commitment
This commitment to inclusivity extends far beyond the Expo. With their ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’, Emirates has trained more than 29,000 cabin crew and ground staff in supporting travellers who have disabilities, focusing both on practical assistance and emotional sensitivity. The airline continues to work with key entities including Dubai Police and the Department of Economy and Tourism, ensuring best practice across its travel ecosystem. These innovations and expanding inclusivity initiatives set a new standard in accessible travel, emphasising Emirates’ devotion to seamless, safe and secure travel for a world of diverse travellers.
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6. The Hindu India - Telangana Govt’s job portal for persons with disabilities launched by Minister Seethakka15 Oct 2024
The Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), launched Telangana’s online job portal for persons with disabilities at the Secretariat on Monday (October 14, 2024).
Web link
The portal, accessible at pwdjobportal.telangana.gov.in, aims to facilitate employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by matching their qualifications with available positions in private organizations. During the event, the Minister also handed over appointment orders to 10 candidates who will serve in the helpline of the Directorate of Women’s Welfare.
Telangana Government’s job portal for persons with disabilities would match employment opportunities with candidates qualifications. | Photo Credit: Screenshot of https://pwdjobportal.telangana.gov.in/
Addressing the gathering, which included a large number of representatives from disability communities, Seethakka acknowledged the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in securing employment. “There are limited opportunities for people with disabilities, and physical limitations are beyond anyone’s control. This job portal is a step towards helping them overcome those barriers,” she said.
Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) handing over an appointment letter to a person with disability at the Telangana Secretariat on Monday (October 14, 2024). Secretary of the Women and Child Welfare Department, Vakati Karuna; chairperson of Disabled Coperative Corporation Veeraiah, and Joint Director of Disabled and Elderly Welfare, Shailaja, were present at the event. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement
The Minister stated that the government is working to ensure a four percent reservation for persons with disabilities in jobs in the private sector.
Job opportunities matching with candidates qualifications
Ms. Seethakka emphasized that the newly launched portal would allow individuals with disabilities to register and seek employment without the need to physically visit multiple companies. “The portal will match candidates with job opportunities based on their qualifications,” she said, highlighting the government’s intent to provide equal opportunities and promote self-reliance.
₹50 crore for essential equipment to persons with disabilities
The Minister also announced that ₹50 crore has been allocated in this year’s budget for providing essential equipment to persons with disabilities. She reiterated the government’s commitment to address the backlog of vacancies for persons with disabilities and advancing their welfare, education, and employment opportunities. Telangana Vikalangula Co-operative Corporation (TVCC) praised the Minister for her continuous efforts to uplift the disabled community, calling the job portal a boon for the disabled population of Telangana.
Secretary of the Women and Child Welfare Department, Vakati Karuna; chairperson of Disabled Coperative Corporation Veeraiah, and Joint Director of Disabled and Elderly Welfare, Shailaja, were present at the event.
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7. Cushing's Disease News - The challenges of traveling alone as someone with a disability14 Oct 2024
In early October, I traveled alone for the first time in a while. Usually I travel with friends, family, or my partner, but this time, I was visiting a friend in Colorado on my own. I packed my bags, grabbed my cane , and with a deep breath, made my way to the airport.
I don’t travel with my wheelchair as long as I won’t be doing much walking and will have access to a wheelchair if I need one. One of the main reasons I don’t bring my own is that I’ve heard many horror stories about checked wheelchairs getting stolen or broken. I’m too scared to take that risk.
Luckily, I know New York’s LaGuardia Airport well. When I arrived, there were attendants outside with wheelchairs, and I was able to go straight through to my gate, which was a relief. I was wheeled onto the plane, where a flight attendant was kind enough to help me put my bag in the overhead bin. I was grateful for that, as I’d forgotten how difficult it is to lift a bag with one hand while holding a cane with the other.
I was incredibly lucky to have a mostly empty flight. I had an entire row to myself, so I just drank water, napped, and did a hydrating face mask. My Cushing’s medication makes my skin dry , and being on a plane doesn’t help.
The Denver airport is huge, so I’m glad I requested a wheelchair. I had to take a tram to exit, and it was cramped, with minimal seating.
Colorado’s accessibility
My time in Colorado was easy and lovely. I was lucky to be among friends who are also disabled and, therefore, in tune with my needs. We went out, but we also spent time in the apartment doing crafts and watching horror movies.
The second day was the coolest because we went to Meow Wolf , a three-story art installation that was truly wild. It was a great experience for me as a disabled person. I used one of the wheelchairs provided and was able to check in my cane easily. There were a few small areas that I couldn’t get to, but 98% of the exhibit was accessible to me, with different elevators to get me to as many areas as possible. I had a fabulous time.
Back home
Flying back home wasn’t terrible, either. I was able to get a wheelchair at the Denver airport pretty easily, and an attendant took me on the tram and down several long corridors to get to my gate, where I then stood and waited with just my cane.
The main difficulty I encountered was that Southwest, the airline I took, requires passengers to have a note on their boarding pass if they need extra time getting on the plane. For some reason, mine didn’t have it this time around, and I had to walk out of my way to get that done and come back to my gate. I don’t mind that I needed this designation, but I do wish I had known about it earlier, such as when I was getting a wheelchair at the airport.
Boarding early is important for me, especially when I’m walking with my cane, because it takes me a long time to get on the plane, put my suitcase in the overhead compartment, and settle into my seat. Depending on the time of my flight, I may also need to take medication, which is easier to do when people aren’t around.
The next challenge was exiting the plane. The ramp was at a sharp incline, and I had my carry-on suitcase and cane. I was struggling and got lucky that someone came by and offered to carry my suitcase up the hill.
Overall, I know I can travel alone, but this trip taught me a lot. I will continue to find ways to make traveling with a disability easier in the future.
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
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8. The Daily Case Western Reserve University USA - “‘Disabusing Disability’ demonstrates that DISability Doesn't Mean INability”15 Oct 2024
The School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence will host a virtual presentation by Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, director of student accessibility and accommodation services at the University of Michigan, Wednesday, Oct. 23, from noon to 1 p.m.
Okanlami will discuss “‘Disabusing Disability’ demonstrates that DISability Doesn’t Mean INability.”
Okanlami will share his journey as a physician with a disability, challenging traditional views on ability in healthcare. He will explore how embracing diverse abilities can enhance patient care and create a more inclusive healthcare environment for all.
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9. CBS News USA - Northern California doctor creates directory to connect people living with hidden disabilities14 Oct 2024
DAVIS — One Northern California doctor is looking to connect people living with hidden disabilities and illnesses with each other.
Dr. Rebecca Lobo came up with the idea recently while preparing for a Sjogren's summit. The idea is that those suffering from the disease have a hard enough time dealing with illness, much less marketing their product or business.
Lobo said that opening up about her Sjogren's diagnosis and developing her skincare line made her realize that "business and how you do business is not really set up for people with hidden disabilities."
She said physical or financial limitations impact one's ability to get their business off the ground.
"What I noticed is that on my journey, I had to really scrounge to find resources to help me," she noted.
So she created a guide for small business owners like herself called the "HIDDEN" directory," which stands for The Hidden Illness and Disability Directory of Entrepreneurs and Nurturers.
"If you have a hidden illness or a disability and you are looking for support, all the services and products offered by other people in the community are in one place so you don't have to expend a bunch of energy to find those people," Lobo said.
Dr. Susan Masterson was one of the first vendors. She, too, has Sjogren's. She said realizing she had the disease was a gift.
Masterson slowed down and left her full-time job as a psychologist to consult others with hidden diseases. She has written books and offers instruction on lifestyle and nutrition for those suffering from auto-immune diseases.
"So if you can start feeling like you have something in your control, finally then it starts to snowball," she said. "And you start to get better at taking care of yourself and you start to feel rewarded by taking good care of yourself."
Masterson is elated to join the directory.
"We don't have big advertising budgets and we want to work," she said. "We want to contribute."
She knows there is strength in numbers and knowing support is a click away.
Lobo invited the public to join the directory and shop there. We have a link on our website.
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10. Africa Science News - Kenya Union of the Blind Launches a smart white cane for easy mobility for the blind people14 Oct 2024
The Kenya Union of the Blind (KUB) on Monday joined the global community of 253 million blind and partially sighted people in unveiling the Smart White Cane that aims to enhance their safety and independence across Kenya.
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch and the commemoration of the White Cane Safety Day 2024, Jackson Agufana KUB Chief Executive Officer said that the Smart Cane innovation is a new white cane device that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles up to 3 meters radius while outdoors and 1.8 meters while indoors.
“For many years, the traditional white cane has served as a vital aid for millions of blind and visually impaired individuals, symbolizing their independence and confidence in navigating their surroundings, however as the world advances technologically, so too must the tools that empower people with disabilities,” said Agufana.
According to Agufana, the Smart White Cane has an Ultrasonic sensor that detects obstacles beyond the reach of a traditional white cane, offering enhanced safety. It also has vibration and tactile feedback to alert users of objects in their path, enabling better situational awareness.
“This device will greatly assist individuals in navigating not only urban environments where traffic and infrastructure can be hazardous but also in rural areas where accessibility is often limited,” shares Agufana “The smart cane represents a new era of mobility helping to eliminate many of the physical barriers that have historically limited the independence of individuals who are blind or partially sighted.”
He further added that the new smart white cane can be accessed from the union’s offices for Sh 7,000 depending on the fluctuations of the dollar since they are imported from China and Australia.
“We look forward to having a manufacturing plant here in Kenya so that we can lower the cost of accessing the Smart White Cane, this will help us distribute to our neighbours in Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan as they currently purchase through us, this shows that we already have a ready market,” said Agufana.
In addition, the Union also launched a campaign aimed at distributing 100,000 white canes to persons with visual impairments across Kenya within the next 1,000 days. “This bold initiative seeks to kick off the journey towards ending the White Cane Famine in Kenya,” added Agufana.
“The ‘100,000 White Canes in 1,000 Days campaign is a response to this gap, and it reflects our commitment to ensuring that every person with a visual impairment can live a life of dignity and independence,” said Agufana.
Further, the Union launched ‘Jisajili Ujulikane wewe ni VIP’ initiative that targets to register more blind and visually impaired persons across the country, currently according to Agufana, the Union has a total of 40,000 blind and visually impaired persons registered with the union and they target to reach 100,000 by the first quarter of 2025.
The initiative uses a USSD Code *678# and it targets every blind and visually impaired person who are difficult to reach, it aims to have a database so that they can benefit from the services offered at the Union.
“Finding visually impaired people is not easy, we are unveiling the registration through a special USSD Code which anyone can access anywhere using a smartphone or a feature phone accessed through *678#.
During this week’s commemoration of International White Cane Day, Agufana highlighted the significance of the white cane as an essential tool for the visually impaired. He stressed that the cane plays a crucial role in enabling blind and partially sighted individuals to navigate their surroundings safely and independently in their daily live
“White Cane Safety Day is a day set aside to raise the challenges faced by the blind, a white cane is a symbol of independence and dignity that allows blind and partially sighted people to navigate their environment with confidence,” he added.
The union further called upon all Kenyans to respect and support individuals who use white canes by creating an environment where their safety and mobility is assured.
Despite the progress that Kenya has made in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, blind and partially sighted Kenyans continue to face various challenges, many public places remain inaccessible and road safety for white cane users is often compromised due to a lack of awareness among motorists and pedestrians
Poor infostructures including high walks and pedestrian crossing pose consistent hazards, KUB urges the government to prioritize the development of and enforcement of policies that improve accessibility and safety of people with disabilities, safe pedestrian crossways, accessible walkways
“We are calling for collective action from the government, private sector, and the public to ensure both initiatives are successful. These efforts are seen as essential steps toward building a more inclusive society where every visually impaired person has the freedom to move independently,” he reiterates.
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This Google Group news service has been made possible by courtesy of the Society of the Blind in Malaysia