People with disabilities in Pakistan are deprived of the information they need for rehabilitation, health and education. Realizing the need to address this issue and empower this uncounted and most marginalized population, STEP (Special Talent Exchange Program) has developed a mobile phone application with the British Council’s support and collaborated with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The App’ Equal Access’ is an application for persons with disabilities that will provide information in accessible formats, including Sign Language Interpretation, Audio Description, Dark Mode, and resizable text. Equal Access contains information related to disability services, disability stakeholders’ information, and laws related to disability in Pakistan.
“To ensure the registration of persons with disabilities on priority to have accurate data for effective policy making for them. At the launching ceremony held at National Assembly, he mentioned that this App would bridge a divide between persons with disabilities and services available for them through information. Persons with disabilities will be able to access the state initiative for them, such as health and social protection.” said Asad Qaiser, Speaker National Assembly.
“The content of the App’ Equal Access’ has been developed by persons with disabilities themselves having person experiences of disabilities and professional background of working directly with disabled people in diversified communities across the country. This is another landmark initiative of STEP for the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities and their empowerment.” said Atif Sheikh Executive Director STEP.
“Equal Access mobile application is built on the excellent multi-stakeholder partnership, addressing diversity and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and those who tend to be furthest left behind, a key goal of the international community. We must continue this initiative in line with the Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities so that we can “build back better” toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” said Mark Crossey, Deputy Director British Council.
