The Usage and Uptake Team visited the Northern Region of Ghana to interview individuals with disabilities about their experiences, needs, and perspectives on assistive devices, aiming to ensure that the technologies being developed truly address their daily challenges and improve their quality of life. A total of 61 people participated in the study, comprising 15 individuals with visual impairments, 15 with hearing impairments, and 16 with physical challenges. Fifteen caregivers were also engaged, with eight of them participating in focused group discussions where they shared valuable insights from their unique experiences as caregivers.
The program began with a warm welcome from Mr. Mohammed Iddrisu, Vice President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations in the Northern Region of Ghana. He expressed deep appreciation for the research team’s commitment to disability-focused studies and emphasized that this collaboration was not just about research, it was about creating meaningful change that would directly impact the lives of persons with disabilities. Mr. Iddrisu thanked the project lead and the entire team for bringing such an important initiative to their community.
Following the welcome address, Dr. Enoch Acheampong from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) spoke to the participants. He explained that the team was working on several projects aimed at developing locally made assistive devices that would directly benefit persons with disabilities. He emphasized that KNUST has a Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation, which demonstrates the University’s long-standing commitment to supporting the disability community in Ghana.
Dr. Acheampong introduced some of the key assistive technology projects currently underway. He spoke about SignTalk, an artificial intelligence-based system designed to translate sign language into text to support individuals with hearing impairments. He also presented I-Wheel, a mobility device created to help persons with physical impairments navigate their environments with greater ease. In addition, he introduced I-See, which focuses on developing assistive technologies for persons with visual impairments, and I-Hear, which is aimed at designing affordable hearing aids for people with hearing loss. Dr. Acheampong highlighted that the success of these projects depends on the active contributions and feedback from persons with disabilities. He emphasized their powerful slogan, “Nothing about us without us.”
Dr. Justice Owusu Agyemang, the coordinator of the scoping study, addressed the participants and highlighted the critical importance of the research. He explained that the study aimed to understand the real-life challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and how assistive devices could be designed to meet their specific needs. Dr. Justice emphasized that the project was not just about creating devices but about empowering persons with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives. He noted that the insights gathered would play a vital role in shaping inclusive solutions that truly reflect the voices and experiences of the disability community.
During the lively and interactive discussions, participants shared important concerns and thoughtful suggestions to improve the assistive technologies being developed. They emphasized that fostering communication across different disability groups is key to building a more inclusive society.
A focus group discussion was held with caregivers, offering them a platform to share their unique experiences, challenges, and practical insights. Their valuable suggestions were carefully considered to help shape assistive technologies that not only meet the needs of persons with disabilities but also provide meaningful support to caregivers in their daily roles. The discussion emphasized the importance of including caregiver voices in the design of inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Questionnaires were thoughtfully administered to individuals with visual, hearing, and physical impairments, ensuring that each person could comfortably share their experiences and challenges. The process was made fully accessible, with communication methods tailored to each group. Their honest feedback provided meaningful insights that will help develop assistive technologies that truly respond to their daily needs.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Mrs. Abubakari Sahadatu Nima, who is the President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations in the Northern Region of Ghana. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the research team and all participants for their active involvement and contributions. Mrs. Abubakari emphasized that this engagement should not be the last and encouraged continuous collaboration between the research team and the community of persons with disability.