Centre for visually impaired receives IT aid from DST
IT usage: Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Pehin Dato Awg Hj Mohammad Hj Daud (L) briefed on how a visually impaired person operates computer's basic applications. Picture: Nasroul Hizam
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
ADVANCEMENTS in Information Communication Technology (ICT) have greatly benefited people with disabilities, especially the visually challenged. Through the use of computers they are now able to learn and gain valuable knowledge like their normal peers.
Amidst the braille, massage therapy and reflexology classes for the visually impaired in the Special Needs Centre in Kampong Pulaie, a small room about seven feet by seven feet is filled with four computers courtesy of DST Groups Sdn Bhd.
The Computer Room was officially opened yesterday by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud.
Earlier DST Group Head of Operations, Hj Marsad Hj Ismail, handed over a mock key to the room to the guest of honour.
In the room a few of the residents couldn't wait to try their hands at typing sentences about themselves on Microsoft Word, albeit with a very distinct difference.
With every key they pressed, it would announce the letter, punctuation or action they chose through the speakers. Needing some guidance from their instructors at first, they seemed to have gotten the hang of things in no time.
According to Hj Marsad apart from providing communication services to the public, the company also has its corporate social responsibility towards the community by providing assistance to those in need.
He said DST Group Sdn Bhd typically contributes to the development of youth through education, motivation and sports; development of society with combined efforts from the government agencies such as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through Japem and non-government organisations such as the Special Education Unit (UPK), Kaca, Smarter and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam; and also to individuals who were hit by natural disasters.
By providing the computers for the Special Needs Centre, it is hoped that it would give hope as well as a chance to enjoy life as much as the rest of the society.
In his speech, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports pointed out how the contribution from DST Groups Sdn Bhd will help to satisfy the centre's needs particularly in the IT area.
He said that it is clear that the community has realised and understood the importance of incorporating people with special needs into their lives.
The minister believed that parents should know their role in having a positive attitude in planning for their children's education so that they will one day contribute to the nation's growth.
Reminding those present that Brunei Darussalam has signed the Convention on the Right of Persons With Disabilities in December 18, 2007, the minister pointed out that main issues highlighted in the convention were to ensure that people with special needs are given the same rights to education, health, law, communication facilities and protection from social violence.
He advised the special needs students to put the new Computer Room to good use and take the opportunity to learn computing skills to prepare themselves for the working world.
Among those present at yesterday's event were permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and other senior officers of the ministry.
The Brunei Times
Amidst the braille, massage therapy and reflexology classes for the visually impaired in the Special Needs Centre in Kampong Pulaie, a small room about seven feet by seven feet is filled with four computers courtesy of DST Groups Sdn Bhd.
The Computer Room was officially opened yesterday by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohammad Hj Daud.
Earlier DST Group Head of Operations, Hj Marsad Hj Ismail, handed over a mock key to the room to the guest of honour.
In the room a few of the residents couldn't wait to try their hands at typing sentences about themselves on Microsoft Word, albeit with a very distinct difference.
With every key they pressed, it would announce the letter, punctuation or action they chose through the speakers. Needing some guidance from their instructors at first, they seemed to have gotten the hang of things in no time.
According to Hj Marsad apart from providing communication services to the public, the company also has its corporate social responsibility towards the community by providing assistance to those in need.
He said DST Group Sdn Bhd typically contributes to the development of youth through education, motivation and sports; development of society with combined efforts from the government agencies such as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through Japem and non-government organisations such as the Special Education Unit (UPK), Kaca, Smarter and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam; and also to individuals who were hit by natural disasters.
By providing the computers for the Special Needs Centre, it is hoped that it would give hope as well as a chance to enjoy life as much as the rest of the society.
In his speech, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports pointed out how the contribution from DST Groups Sdn Bhd will help to satisfy the centre's needs particularly in the IT area.
He said that it is clear that the community has realised and understood the importance of incorporating people with special needs into their lives.
The minister believed that parents should know their role in having a positive attitude in planning for their children's education so that they will one day contribute to the nation's growth.
Reminding those present that Brunei Darussalam has signed the Convention on the Right of Persons With Disabilities in December 18, 2007, the minister pointed out that main issues highlighted in the convention were to ensure that people with special needs are given the same rights to education, health, law, communication facilities and protection from social violence.
He advised the special needs students to put the new Computer Room to good use and take the opportunity to learn computing skills to prepare themselves for the working world.
Among those present at yesterday's event were permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and other senior officers of the ministry.
The Brunei Times
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