South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
Measures must be rolled out by the government that enhance access to education for people with visual and hearing impairments, a nongovernmental organization working in South Sudan said.
Policies and regulations that promote accessibility and inclusivity in education must be implemented effectively, the Action for Community Education and Development (ACEDO) in South Sudan said in a statement yesterday.
The organization urged the government to “ensure that public spaces, transportation systems, and buildings are accessible to individuals with visual impairments.”
“Implement policies and regulations that promote accessibility and inclusivity,” it said.
The call comes on the occasion to mark International White Cane Day.
The Day is observed every year on October 15, celebrating the achievements of people who are visually impaired and the importance of the symbol of blindness as a tool for independence.
ACEDO said it will ensure all students with special needs, regardless of their challenges, have equitable access to learning materials.
“Provide equal access to quality education for visually impaired individuals. Invest in resources such as braille materials, assistive technologies, and specialized training for teachers to support their educational needs,” it said.
It also urged the government to create inclusive employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals in the country.
Implement policies that promote workplace diversity and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment, it said.
“Ensure that healthcare services are accessible to visually impaired individuals. Provide training to healthcare workers on how to effectively communicate and provide care to individuals with visual impairments,” it said.
The organization stressed the need to conduct campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness on the rights and capabilities of visually impaired individuals.
It said this will combat stigma and discrimination through education and advocacy.
“We believe that by working together and taking concrete actions, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for visually impaired individuals in South Sudan.”
