Gov’t renewing its commitment to improving lives of persons with disabilities – Min. Hughes

─ will examine ways of providing smart devices, other useful technology to hearing, visually impaired

─ will look at possible reduction in taxes on these devices for persons with disabilities

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 18, 2018

The government will be examining innovative ways of providing access to smart devices and other useful technology for the hearing and visually impaired in Guyana.

This was disclosed by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes.

Following the recently concluded ICT Roadshow, Minister Hughes said important lessons were learnt, with government renewing its commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities.

The Public Telecommunications Minister said the government will be looking at a possible reduction in taxes on these devices for persons with disabilities.

Minister Hughes described the workshops as eye-opening to the number of accessibility features available on smartphones that can assist the visually and hearing impaired in their daily activities.

Several free apps can also be downloaded to the devices, which offer directions for those persons while they traverse the streets.

The minister is optimistic that government will achieve this objective with the participation of all stakeholders.

By: Stacy Carmichael.

Image: Keno George.