Initiative aims to get disabled ‘Connected’ 

By Sarmad Qazi
 
The Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) launched a new initiative yesterday in association with Vodafone and Qtel which will connect people with disabilities to information and communication technology (ICT).
Named ‘Connected’, the programme aims to provide nationwide accessibility to people with disabilities, while ensuring that those in the segment don’t have to pay more than others to use mobile telecommunications technology, officials said yesterday.

Named ‘Connected’, the programme aims to provide nationwide accessibility to people with disabilities, while ensuring that those in the segment don’t have to pay more than others to use mobile telecommunications technology, officials said yesterday.

Over the next weeks, people with disabilities in Qatar will have access to a wide range of accessible and affordable services and products. 

This includes assistive technology (AT) software and accessories, specialized handsets, website accessibility, and greater access to both Qtel and Vodafone Qatar stores.

Mada CEO Faleh al-Naemi said: “This is part of ongoing efforts by Mada and our industry partners to build an accessible ICT ecosystem in Qatar.”

Mada was launched through the combined initiative of ictQATAR (The Supreme Council of Information and Community Technology), Vodafone, Qtel, Qatar National Bank (QNB), and Microsoft, with a vision of ICT for all, and provides AT to people with disabilities. Based on a vision of a world with information communication technology for all, Mada provides assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities.

The initiative has seen the coming together of Qtel and Vodafone, whose representatives along with al-Naemi signed agreements for the programme yesterday.
Qtel CEO Dr Nasser Marafih said: “Telecommunications transforms people’s lives, and that’s just how we see our broader mission at Qtel. Working with Mada, we are realising an important corporate goal of providing access for all, making the latest assistive communications technologies readily and easily accessible and affordable for people with disabilities throughout Qatar.”

According to him, Qtel’s own ‘Access for All’ straddles core elements of special discounts, special handsets and accessories, accessible branches, and a dedicated website.

Vodafone Qatar legal, regulatory & external relations director, Mathew Harrison-Harvey, said: “As Qatar aspires to build a fully connected society, Vodafone is proud to leverage its expertise through our partnership with Mada.
“It is part of our responsibilities to contribute by making communication more accessible for everyone.
This includes handsets, tariffs and services that are specifically tailored to people with disabilities.” 
Speaking to the media later, Dr Marafih said Mada’s innovative work can be copied throughout the region.
“We surely see this working in the markets we operate in,” he said.

Harrison-Harvey also agreed while pointing out that Vodafone’s global outreach and expertise will be utilised to support the initiative.