Shillong, October 8: The need for accessible technology, proper training and continued support services to empower persons with disabilities was highlighted during a programme on “Tech Assistive Devices – Solutions to Barriers” held at the Arts & Culture Seminar Hall in Shillong on Thursday.
Organised by the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with Bethany Society and Enable India, the programme formed part of Solutions Week 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting awareness of assistive technologies for persons with visual impairment and low vision.
Director of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Saloni Verma, IAS, attended the programme as Chief Guest and inaugurated an exhibition showcasing assistive devices and accessible technological solutions.
Addressing the gathering, Verma emphasised that providing assistive devices alone was insufficient to ensure meaningful inclusion, stressing that beneficiaries must also receive appropriate training, guidance, maintenance and repair services to use such technologies effectively. She encouraged beneficiaries, families, teachers and other stakeholders to share their experiences, challenges and aspirations to help improve the delivery of assistive technology services.
Verma further stated that ensuring dignity, accessibility and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities was a collective responsibility. She urged families, educational institutions, workplaces and government offices to create inclusive environments by making their facilities, systems and learning materials accessible to all.
The programme also featured live demonstrations of assistive devices and digital accessibility tools, allowing participants to explore technologies designed to overcome barriers in education, employment, communication and everyday activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Senior Manager of Enable India, Francis Lohrii, said Solutions Week 2026 was being observed from October 3 to 10 across 17 partner centres in 14 States and Union Territories under the “See A Million” campaign. He explained that the campaign aims to digitally empower one million persons who are blind or have low vision, enabling them to participate actively in society and contribute to nation-building.
Lohrii said the theme for this year’s observance, “Experience, Understand, Explore – Accessibility Transforms Lives,” focuses on providing practical exposure to assistive technologies such as screen readers, smartphone accessibility features and other devices supporting education, employment, mobility and independent living.
Highlighting the transformative potential of assistive technologies, he said appropriate solutions could enable children with visual impairments to participate more effectively in education while helping young adults access employment opportunities and lead independent lives. He also called for greater awareness among families, educators, employers and government departments regarding the range of assistive solutions available to persons with disabilities.
Officials, representatives of partner organisations and other stakeholders attended the programme, which sought to strengthen awareness and promote the wider adoption of accessible technologies in Meghalaya.
