ICT can empower people with neurodevelopment disorders

The physically and mentally challenged people especially the individuals with neurodevelopment disorders (NDD) can be mainstreamed and empowered after the best uses of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Government and non-government entities should come forward and work together to ensure fundamental rights of the people with special needs through using the modern technologies.

Physically and mentally retarded and disabled children deserve constitutional rights. They must get all privileges and human rights, as they are the integral parts of the society.

The views were expressed at a daylong seminar titled “Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Including NDD through ICT” held in Rajshahi organised by Local Centre of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC).

Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Aminul Islam addressed the meeting as chief guest with BCC Centre-in-Charge Engineer Firoz Alom in the chair.

Deputy Director of Department of Environment Mamunur Rashid, Deputy Director of Department of Social Services Rashedul Kabir and Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdur Razzaque Khan also spoke.

Aminul Islam said people with neurodevelopment disabilities deserve the service and support they need to be safe, educated, healthy, productive so that they can pursue normal and happy lives.

He said the present government has been working relentlessly for ensuring rights of people with disabilities including NDD like autism and their access to socio-economic activities like education and employment. Fourteen ministries of the government are coordinating the issue of ensuring rights of individuals with disabilities.

Besides, education programmes for the special group, parental meetings, training for doctors, field-level health and social workers are being implemented in a coordinated way and now the issue rests on policymakers, parliament members and government officials, said a BSS report.

Islam thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul for taking various steps in establishing rights of the autistic children and disabled people to ensure their education, jobs, health care and other requisite facilities.