At the official presentation of the Assistive Products Specifications (APS) to Standard Organization of Nigeria, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu hinted that Assistive Devices standardized are very important to the livelihood of Persons With Disabilities.
He made this assertion in his office, today 9th February, 2023 during a parley with Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and disability Stakeholders from Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
In a Press Release signed by Mbanefo JohnMichaels I, Head Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD, the ES commended CHAI for always supporting the course of Persons with Disabilities through the formulation of digital assistive technology that would make life easier for the community of PWDs.
In the same vein, he enjoined the Standard Organization of Nigeria to rise to the call of regulating the influx of assistive devices being imported from countries as well as the locally manufactured products to meet the standard specifications in Nigeria.
“It is unfortunate that we still have some substandard Assistive devices imported into the country especially the used- wheelchairs that inflict more pains on users”, he said.
He further lamented that most of the manufacturers are profit oriented rather than focus on producing quality devices.
The Commission helmsman further disclosed that the partnership with Bank of Industry on funding the production of Assistive devices locally. He described the financial institution as a government agency willing to assist the Commission in achieving its mandate.
Speaking at the workshop, the CHAI representative, Mr. Gboyega Alesinloye underpinned that the Assistive Product Specifications’ draft has been carefully compiled for ratification by the Standard Organization of Nigeria to serve as the professional standard on product specifications for Assistive devices.
He equally underscored the evolving trend in technology which he said should be embraced to make the world a better place.
