Lagos, Nigeria – February 14th 2024
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is proud to announce the commencement of its innovative technology programme, IT4All (Inclusive Technology For All) for 2024, which is implemented in collaboration with The Children’s Developmental Centre, Lagos.
The IT4All programme seeks to use technology, through weekly STEM workshops, to encourage and direct the students’ creativity and improve their problem-solving skills. IT4ALL also equips teachers to enhance their regular classroom teaching using digital tools.
Aimed at supporting people with developmental disabilities (including visual and hearing impairments, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome), IT4All works to bridge the digital divide and empower the participants with essential technology skills.
The inclusive programme offers comprehensive training in Scratch Programming, employing an illustrative approach to teach fundamental coding principles. Through this innovative curriculum, participants gain proficiency in computer logic, unlocking opportunities to explore various computer programmes. Remarkably, many of the beneficiaries have experienced transformative outcomes, enabling some to reintegrate into conventional schooling environments and mastering digital services like WhatsApp, playing computer games and general use of mobile devices. The therapeutic programme has recorded many improvements in participants and the following will be the possible benefits we believe for participants based on our observations thus far:
Teaching tech skills to individuals with developmental learning disabilities offers numerous advantages, including:
- Enhanced Cognitive Development: Learning tech skills can stimulate cognitive development by providing opportunities for problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.
- Improved Communication: Tech tools often offer alternative communication methods, allowing individuals with disabilities to express themselves more effectively and interact with others in various digital environments.
- Increased Independence: Proficiency in tech skills empowers individuals with disabilities to navigate digital platforms independently, enhancing their autonomy and self-reliance in everyday life.
- Employment Opportunities: Tech skills are increasingly in demand in today’s workforce. By equipping individuals with disabilities with relevant tech skills, they gain access to a broader range of employment opportunities and can contribute meaningfully to the workforce.
- Social Inclusion: Technology provides avenues for social interaction and community engagement, enabling individuals with disabilities to connect with others, participate in online communities, and cultivate social relationships.
- Tailored Learning: Tech-based learning resources can be adapted to suit individual learning needs, allowing for personalized and inclusive education experiences that cater to diverse abilities and learning styles.
- Empowerment and Confidence: Mastering technology skills instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence in individuals with disabilities, empowering them to overcome challenges, pursue their goals, and actively participate in society.
Overall, teaching technology skills to individuals with developmental disabilities not only equip them with practical digital literacy but also fosters their personal growth, independence, and inclusion in an increasingly digital world.
In an effort to further champion inclusivity for special people in Nigeria, IT4All will commemorate the 2024 International Autism Day on April 2nd 2024 and International Disability Day on Tuesday December 3rd 2024. This initiative underscores W.TEC’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering support for individuals with developmental learning needs.
For media inquiries, please contact: Adeyemi Odutola at [yemi@wteconline.org].
About the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC):
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls with STEM skills to actively participate in the digital world. Through innovative programmes and strategic partnerships, W.TEC is driving impactful change and creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
About the Children’s Developmental Centre (CDC):
The Children’s Developmental Centre (CDC) is a service-oriented, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated in providing a broad range of educational and support services for children, young people with developmental disabilities and their families within Nigeria. The centre is developing a local solution to a global problem and is a place where children and young people with developmental disabilities have a “Sense of Belonging”.