What You Need to Know
The Tanzanian government has completed the Persons with Disabilities Management Information System (PD-MIS) to enhance inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development. The initiative, announced ahead of World Braille Day, aims to empower individuals with visual impairments through education and social participation, promoting their contributions to society.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Government has completed the formulation of the Persons with Disabilities Management Information System (PD-MIS) and other related guidelines as part of its broader strategy to ensure that no one is left behind in development initiatives.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Mr William Lukuvi, revealed this in a statement read on his behalf by his deputy, Ms Ummy Nderiananga, in Dodoma yesterday ahead of World Braille Day.
The Deputy Minister pledged that the Government would continue to take deliberate steps to ensure that persons with disabilities, particularly those who are blind, are recognised, respected and fully included in national development, in line with the principle of leaving no one behind.
Ms Ummy noted that the blind community holds a significant and fundamental role in the nation’s development.
She added that through education, arts, vocational skills, sports and contributions to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, persons with visual impairments have clearly demonstrated that they are valuable national resources.
“Their full inclusion in social, economic and cultural activities enhances productivity, innovation and social cohesion, thereby significantly contributing to community welfare and sustainable national development,” the Deputy Minister said.
Through the use of Braille and other assistive technologies, she explained, persons with visual impairments are empowered to access education, information and knowledge, enabling them to actively participate in nation-building in line with this year’s theme.
She said that as Tanzania joins the global community to mark World Braille Day, society as a whole has a responsibility to reflect on the role and contribution of persons with visual impairments in national development.
“Society must recognise and respect them and ensure they receive equal rights, opportunities and participation in all aspects of life,” she emphasised.
She added that the commemorations call upon every citizen, public and private institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to work together to strengthen inclusive environments, remove social and environmental barriers and establish enabling systems that ensure the full well-being and development of persons who are blind.
She further called upon civil society organisations and all citizens to collaborate with the Government in ensuring the full participation of persons with visual impairments in social, economic and political life.
“The Government will continue to value and recognise the contribution of persons who are blind to national development,” she assured.
On his part, the Secretary of the Tanzania League of the Blind (TLB) in Dodoma, Mr Enock Mbawa, thanked the Government for facilitating and empowering persons with visual impairments in education and leadership.
“We are motivated, and it is now easier to reach decision-makers because some of those appointed to leadership positions understand the challenges we face,” he said.
February 12 is observed annually as World Braille Day, designated by the United Nations (UN) and international organisations to provide an opportunity for all nations to reflect on the contribution and role of Braille in empowering persons who are blind to fully participate in education, skills development and national progress.
Historically, persons with disabilities in Tanzania have faced significant barriers to inclusion in various aspects of life. The government’s recent initiatives reflect a growing recognition of their rights and contributions to national development. By implementing systems like the PD-MIS, Tanzania aims to create a more inclusive society that values the input of all citizens, particularly those with disabilities, in shaping the nation’s future. This aligns with global efforts to promote accessibility and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
