Affordable assistive devices vital for inclusive society:Qurat-ul-Ain

FAISALABAD, Jun 08 (APP):Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zunnorain Welfare Society (ZWS), Madam Qurat-ul-Ain Shahid has called for affordable,accessible and wider availability of assistive technology, saying that thousands of persons with disabilities remain deprived of opportunities in education,employment,healthcare and social participation due to limited access to essential support devices.

Addressing an online ceremony held in connection with World Assistive Technology Day on Monday,she said assistive technologies could play a transformative role in enabling persons with disabilities to live independently,participate actively in society and realize their full potential.

She said improved access to such technologies was not merely a welfare measure but a fundamental requirement for building an inclusive and equitable society.

Highlighting the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly in Faisalabad, Qurat-ul-Ain Shahid said inadequate availability and high costs of assistive devices continued to create barriers in daily life, preventing many individuals from benefiting from educational, professional and social opportunities.

She noted that wheelchairs,hearing aids,white canes,screen readers and other assistive tools were essential for enhancing mobility,communication,learning and independence.

However,many low-income families remained unable to access these facilities due to financial constraints and limited support mechanisms,she added.

The ZWS chief urged the government and relevant institutions to formulate practical policies aimed at making assistive technology more affordable and readily available across the country.

She also stressed the need for meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in policy-making processes to ensure their concerns and perspectives were adequately reflected in future initiatives.

She said strengthening support systems and expanding access to assistive devices would help remove long-standing barriers and create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.

“Improved access to assistive technology is indispensable for building a truly inclusive society where every individual, regardless of physical or sensory limitations can contribute productively and live with dignity and independence,” she added.