The National Council of People with Disabilities (NCPD) is asking for accessible communication and inclusive COVID-19 guidelines for persons with disabilities in Uganda.
All broadcasting channels should provide sign language interpreters for the Covid-19 telecast to inform people with hearing disabilities, reports The New Times.
According to Emmanuel Ndayisaba, NCPD Executive Secretary, there is an urgent need for people with disabilities to access information, updates and news at the right time.
Ndayisaba highlighted that, so far, sign language interpreters only worked on the National Television, leaving a challenge for those who are unable to access it.
“We are going to partner with all platforms, especially the media so that people with disabilities can be informed with what is taking place.”
He added that “We want them to especially follow virtual events that are organized to inform people more about the virus, but also understand the safety and prevention measures as issued by relevant authorities.”
On the other hand, Samuel Munana, the Executive Director of Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD), pointed out that people with disabilities may be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19
However he is of the view that if information is made accessible for all, including people with intellectual disability or cognitive disability.
“There is need to include captioning and, where possible, professional sign language interpreters for all live and recorded events and communications, convert public materials into “Easy Read” format so that they are understood.”
