US citizens supply disability aids to Ghana

Voice of the People with Disability Ghana (VOICE-Ghana), a disability rights advocacy group based in Ho, has taken delivery of a 20-foot shipping container, loaded with disability support materials for distribution to schools and disability organisations.

The materials estimated at cost of $100,000.00 was collected based on appeals made across the US by, Rae Tyler, onetime an Exchange Student of Mawuli Senior Secondary School in Ho.

Ms Tyler from Massachusetts, USA, works as a Braille transcriber.

The package includes 35 boxes of Braille and large print books and educational materials, 155 pairs of crutches, 70 walkers, 15 wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

Some of the titles in Braille volumes are Oliver Twist, Gulliver's Travels and David Copperfield.

Mr Francis Asong, Director of VOICE-GHANA made this known to Ghana News Agency in Ho.

He said items including needle threaders, Braille rulers and erasers would be distributed to the Mawuli Braille Resource Centre, Ho, the Visually Impaired Unit and Adidome Senior High School- Adidome, in the Volta Region.

He said the New Horizon School for the Blind, Ho, Ghana Blind Union, Ho, Ghana Blind Union, Kpedze, the Special Needs Unit of the Anglican Primary School, Ho, and some persons with disabilities in the region at Jasikan and Nkwanta are among the recipients.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency's Funded Transportation Programme provided door-to-port transportation of the donated items and also funded shipment to Ghana.

Mr Asong said collaboration between Miss Tyler and VOICE-GHANA would contribute to the reduction of the stigma surrounding persons with disabilities, increase social, economic and educational opportunities, and foster inclusive education for People With Disabilities.

Mr Asong said: “Miss Tyler shall continue to send Braille materials and mobility equipment to VOICE-GHANA for donation to other schools for the blind and persons with disabilities in the country.”

He expressed regret about the slow response of some state institutions to help clear the goods from the port at a discount.