New labs to give blind access to latest technology

The blind and visually impaired community in Qatar will soon have access to the latest assistive information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Qatar Social Cultural Centre for the Blind, the Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR), and Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Centre). The agreement will see the establishment of state-of-the-art computer labs, equipped with the latest assistive technology for the visually impaired at the Qatar Social Cultural Centre. As part of the MoU, ictQATAR provided a QR600,000 grant to cover all costs for the computer labs, while Mada will provide support and training on the new technology being installed. “The commitments shown by ictQATAR and Mada are critical to our efforts to use technology to improve the lives of visually impaired people in Qatar. We look forward to working with them in carrying out our mission of ensuring blind people in Qatar are fully ingrained parts of our vibrant society,” said Hassan Ibrahim al-Kuwari, chairman of the Qatar Social Cultural Centre for the Blind. Some of the equipment that will be included in the computer lab includes Braille output devices, which transfer any content that appears on a computer screen into a series of raised dots which can then be read by touching them, as well as Braille embossers, interactive smart boards, screen readers and new desktop computers. Two labs will be constructed, one designed specifically for women, and one for all users. “Bringing the benefits of technology to everyone in Qatar is a key focus of all of ictQATAR’s efforts. Working with community partners, such as the Qatar Social Cultural Centre for the Blind and Mada is one of the most powerful ways to truly improve lives. Access to technology and the Internet should be equal for everyone, and ictQATAR is committed to ensuring this is the case in Qatar through the implementation of the national e-Accessibility policy,” said Robin Blake, ictQATAR executive director of ICT & Society.