Information technology access should be like air or oxygen for everyone, including for those who lack eyesight. So, then, IT is also one of human rights' requirements.

One hundred blind and visually impaired people gathered yesterday in the main hall of the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) building, Jakarta, for a computer camp for the blind, the first of its kind in the country.

Attended by blind people aged 12 to 48, the competition on Thursday was divided into three sections: Typing a poem on Microsoft Word; proficiency in Microsoft Excel; and Internet browsing.

As The Jakarta Post reported today, Mitra Netra executive director Bambang Basuki said many things could be taught to the blind if it were not for the old notions of inferiority and second-class status.

Jointly organized by non-profit group Mitra Netra, the BPPT and Hewlett-Packard Indonesia, this activity should be continued regularly. I totally suport all efforts to make sure that Indonesians--yes, everyone, no discriminations--obtain access to technology.

For the Government, this is part of its obligation to serve the people, and for IT vendors like HP, this is part of their corporate social responsibility.

For the blind, this is an important tool for their future. This will enable them to have equal opportunity to meet their hopes and happiness.

 

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