KUALA LUMPUR: All related stakeholders should together develop a roadmap with concrete actions across the timeline and budget in order to improve access to assistive technology which can benefit a wide range of people.
Speaking at the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Halifax, Canada, Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi said improving access to assistive technology benefits everyone especially when those in need are supported in a timely, appropriate and affordable manner, able to live healthier and more productive.
"Including assistive technology within universal health coverage and strengthening provision through primary health care would help to foster healthier populations and future generations that can participate and contribute more fully in education, labour markets and civil society.
"Investing in access to assistive technology can support health system strengthening by improving outcomes, preventing secondary conditions and reducing caregiver costs," she said.
Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software and peripherals that assist Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in accessing computers or other information technologies.
Ras Adiba said everyone should give some focus on assistive technologies such as for motor impairments, Optical Character Recognition software (OCR), Braille display and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tool to help create a better user experience for the people using them.
It is essential to involve assistive technology users - PwDs, older people, people with chronic conditions and their families - in the assistive technology policy-making and implementation process, she said.
The OKU Sentral president said the government should show leadership in demonstrating how assistive technology could help disabled employees work and progress their careers in much the same way as their non-disabled colleagues.
Thus, she suggested that the civil service department create a central standard for accessible systems in government departments to enable it to be a model Disability Confident workplace.
Ras Adiba also shared few efforts done by Malaysian companies in providing assistive technologies for PWDs, namely Glomas Hitec medic, Lend A hand and SPEAK MODalities.
She suggested few actions to improve access to assistive technology such as recognising assistive technology as essential health products and services that are an integral component of universal health coverage; developing a National Priority Assistive Products List and train more community-level workforce through World Health Organisation's Training in Assistive Products (TAP) online training modules.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Aug 25 2022
Investing in access to assistive technology can support health system strengthening by improving outcomes, preventing secondary conditions and reducing caregiver costs, Ras Adiba said. - BERNAMA/Filepic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.