Keynotes

The role of ICT in Design for all in South Africa - innovative applications of ICT for Disability in a developmental context

Dr Ennio V Macagnano

CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)
AAIICT (African Advanced Institute for ICT)
Meraka Institute

Downloads: Presentation (PDF)

Abstract

Approximately 4 million people in South Africa suffer from disabilities and are emarginated from society. Of these, less than 1% are economically independent.

The ability to effectively communicate and to access information and services are key needs. In response to these challenges, the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Meraka Institute), national Disabled Peoples' Organisations and relevant SA Government departments and institutions have conceptualised a comprehensive national 'networking, communication and data sharing' initiative for Disability, known as the National Accessibility Portal (NAP).

The goal of NAP is to use innovative, cost-effective and appropriate ICT based technologies to support people with disabilities, to empower them, to uplift them economically and to enable them to play a full, participatory role in society.

The system will be accessible on an 'anywhere/anytime' basis and it is being built around Open-Source technologies.

The system is also addressing the challenges and needs related to all types of disability. People with disabilities are part of the project development team and the final system will be appropriate for rural living and will address issues such as language, social context, training, inclusion and logistics.

The presentation gives a South African socio-historical background and an overview of current realities and challenges. The strategic scoping and technical content of the initiative are also outlined together with a future implementation strategy and a deployment vision within an African and Developing World context.