The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has urged researchers, developers, and innovators to help persons living with autism, reach their full potential, through new technologies and innovative solutions to improve their inclusion and participation in society.
OsunDaily News reports that Obasaki made this known during the 2023 commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, marked by the United Nations.
He said the state government is giving necessary support to autistic people and other special needs through access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities to create an enabling environment that promotes the inclusion and protect of their rights.
The governor also reiterated the need to harness the power of technology to create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
Obaseki added that the state is deploying technology in improving learning outcomes in the basic education sector through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme and will sustain investment in providing technologies to enhance the learning of students with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs.
He said, “On this day, we join the global community in recognizing World Autism Awareness Day, and we do so with a renewed commitment to advancing the cause of a neuro-inclusive world for all. The theme for this year’s observance, ‘Transformation: Towards a Neuro-Inclusive World for All,’ highlights the need for us to embrace a holistic approach toward addressing the challenges faced by individuals living with autism and their families.
“As a government, we remain committed to providing the necessary support and resources to enable individuals living with autism to reach their full potential and will, through ongoing initiatives such as the provision of inclusive education, access to healthcare, and employment opportunities, continue to create an enabling environment that promotes the inclusion and empowerment, and protect the rights of individuals living with autism and other special needs.
“We recognize that technology can play a vital role in promoting inclusion for people with autism. From assistive technologies to communication apps and sensory-friendly environments, there is a vast opportunity for developers to create solutions that can positively impact the lives of those living with autism.
“I urge developers to leverage their skills and expertise to create these solutions and collaborate with government, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure that these technologies are accessible and affordable to those who need them.”
