Maseru, June 06 — Lesotho has made notable progress in improving access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities through policy development, local innovation and the provision of assistive devices, although funding and implementation challenges continue to limit wider access.
Presenting on disability inclusion and access to assistive technology in Lesotho, Director of Disability Services in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Mathabo Pama, said the country has made significant strides in strengthening assistive technology systems, moving from fragmented interventions towards more structured and coordinated frameworks.
She highlighted key achievements, including the development of a National Priority Assistive Products List and the formulation of a National Assistive Technology Policy and Strategy aimed at improving access, affordability and local expertise.
Mrs. Pama said the Physiotherapy Outreach Programme (POP) Lesotho has trained personnel to manufacture low-cost customised assistive devices such as desks and standing frames using recycled cardboard materials.
She added that the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) continues to support the provision of assistive devices, including wheelchairs and crutches.
She mentioned that teaching and learning aids have also been supplied to four schools that participated in a pilot project that include St. Bernadette Primary School, Seleso Primary School, Abia High School and St. Catherine’s High School.
Despite the progress, Mrs. Pama noted that the National Priority Assistive Products List, National Disability and Assistive Technology Policy, and National Disability Strategy have not yet been fully implemented, limiting policy direction and coordination in the sector.
She further said inadequate funding remains a major obstacle to the provision of assistive technology services across the country.
According to Mrs. Pama, Lesotho continues to rely heavily on imported assistive devices, a situation that significantly increases procurement costs and restricts accessibility for persons with disabilities and institutions requiring such equipment.
Meanwhile, Vodacom Foundation Access and Inclusion Coordinator, Ms. Keneuoe Semphi, said the organisation has supported several initiatives aimed at improving access to rehabilitation and assistive technology services.
She cited the recent launch of physiotherapy outreach programmes, support for rehabilitation services for children living with cerebral palsy, and assistance provided to organisations conducting disability outreach assessments.
Ms. Semphi said the Foundation intentionally dedicates a portion of its annual budget to projects that promote inclusion and create an enabling environment for persons with disabilities.
She emphasised that creating an inclusive society requires collaboration among government, development partners, communities and the private sector.
Ends/ MAMAJ/tl
