Shillong, August 4: Government employees in Meghalaya were sensitised on the use of assistive technology and digital accessibility to promote inclusive workplaces for persons with visual impairment during a programme held in Shillong on Tuesday.
The programme, titled “Assistive Technology and Digital Accessibility for Government Employees,” was organised by the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities under the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Secretariat Administration Department and Bengaluru-based Trestle Labs Pvt. Ltd.
Addressing the gathering, Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya on Social Welfare, Paul Lyngdoh, stressed the need to create inclusive workplaces and use Information and Communication Technology to make government services and offices more accessible to persons with disabilities. Lyngdoh said the initiative would help the State Government build a more inclusive ecosystem through assistive technology and improved digital accessibility. He also appreciated the efforts of the organising departments and Trestle Labs.
Calling for a change in society’s perception of persons with visual impairment, Lyngdoh said eyesight alone does not determine an individual’s vision, ability or potential. He noted that some people with perfect eyesight may lack vision, while others with little or no eyesight possess extraordinary vision and determination. He urged government employees to adopt a more empathetic and inclusive approach at their workplaces. Lyngdoh also encouraged employees with disabilities not to consider their disabilities as limitations but to recognise their abilities and potential to contribute meaningfully to society.
Secretary of the Secretariat Administration Department, Swapnil Tembe, highlighted measures taken to improve accessibility at the Meghalaya Secretariat, including the construction of ramps, better restroom facilities and other features designed for persons with disabilities. Tembe invited suggestions for further improvements and assured that appropriate steps would be taken to make the Secretariat and other government offices more accessible.
During the programme, Lyngdoh handed over a Kibo assistive technology device to the Secretariat Administration Department for official use. The programme was attended by Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Lyngkor Kynjing, Director of Social Welfare Saloni Verma, officials from various government departments, invited guests and other participants.
