Signs of Hope Trust calls on the government to all...

Signs of Hope Trust calls on the government to allocate funds for the local production of Assistive Technology

Audrey Galawu

The Global report on Assistive Technology by WHO-UNICEF highlights that over 2.5 billion individuals require one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or communication apps.

According to the report, nearly one billion of these individuals are unable to access these devices in low-middle income countries like Zimbabwe, where only 3% have the necessary access.

As the world commemorated the inaugural World Day for Assistive Technology on Tuesday, Signs of Hope Trust urged the government to allocate resources in the National Budget to enhance access to Assistive Technology, including supporting local production.

The objective of the day is to emphasize the significance of Assistive Technology in low-middle income countries and the importance of enhancing access to assistive devices.

SHT praised the authorities for eliminating taxes on assistive devices through the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion, as well as for introducing the National Assistive Technology Strategy and the Assistive Products List.

The organisation urged the government to provide tax incentives for assistive innovations, offer free access to Assistive Technology for individuals with disabilities, and finance research on Assistive Technology.

"We recommend that tax exemptions on imported assistive products continue and be expanded to companies supplying AT as well as those employing individuals with disabilities.

"As we also observe Albinism Month, we particularly commend the government for acknowledging sunscreen lotions used by individuals with Albinism as an assistive product. This will enhance the advocacy for an improved quality of life for individuals with albinism.

"Assistive Technologies are not merely luxury items or optional accessories; they are indispensable tools that empower individuals to achieve independence and actively engage in society," stated SHT.

The absence of Assistive devices hinders freedom of movement, the right to education, and the ability to live independently within the community.

Through Statutory Instrument 92 of 2024, which was gazetted on May 10, exemption from VAT payment was granted for books published in braille, mobility white canes, carriages for disabled individuals, contact lenses, braille watches, crutches, surgical belts, artificial body parts, hearing aids, and other body-worn or implanted appliances used to compensate for a defect or disability.

The African Union Protocol on the rights of individuals with disabilities, Article 15(d), stipulates the provision of "Quality and affordable mobility aids, assistive devices or technologies, and forms of live assistance and intermediaries."