The rights of Blind and Partially Sighted Youth in Ghana

It is no longer a news to hear that blind and partially sighted in the country have been neglected for far too long. Perhaps the only occasion where we are recognised is during elections where every single thump counts. It is therefore not surprising that some of the manifestos for this years election have been produced in braille.*

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*And the training on the tactile ballot system intensified to cover a larger number of blind and partially sighted persons in Ghana. But if Ghana aims at among other things ensuring productive disabled citizens, then these services are no way near enough. *

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*I am lucky to be standing here in front of you reading my own words to you from my braille sheet. This opportunity should be given to every BPS in Ghana. In 2009 we are celebrating 200th anniversary of the birth of the man who invented braille. 200 years! It is about time we see 100% braille literacy in Ghana. *

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*However*

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*a) **There are no braille text books in our schools right from the basic to the tertiary institutions. This does not ensure fair competition between us and our fellow students. This is not acceptable!*

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*b) **Brailling materials and equipment such as perkins braillers and braille sheets are inadequate in the system. Not even the simple frame and stylos. This is not acceptable!*

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*c) **We are limited to some few art related courses due to unavailability of equipment and materials to study science, mathematics and technical related subjects. This is unacceptable because the technology exists and there is no reason why Ghanian students should be excluded from studying the courses of their choice. This is unacceptable.*

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*d) **The computerised school selection and placement system is imposing a lot of problems to the BPS student. There are cases where BPS students are placed in schools that are not living up to their responsibility of providing for the BPS student. We find technical and high schools where no resource persons are there to cater for their needs. This is unacceptable!*

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*e) ** The government bursary for all persons with disability in tertiary institutions is not only inadequate. It does not come on time for us to pay our fees and what is even worse is that not all BPS students receive 100 %. This is unacceptable!*

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*f) **The government in its quest for ICT has not taken adequate consideration to our plight. We will not accept being left behind as ICT is introduced through out Ghana. The technology is there so let BPS students join in. *

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*g) **The quota system for awarding teachers study leave with pay seems to exclude BPS teachers who want to further their education. This is discrimination and we will not accept it!*

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*How long must we wait to see changes in our lives? The disability act is there. We urge politicians to act now! Our question to the political parties of Ghana is - What will you do to ensure the rights of BPS?*

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