In a significant move towards empowering its special needs community, Sindh has developed its first-ever “scanner stick” for visually impaired individuals. This initiative brings new hope to a province where over 6 million special children and adults with various disabilities live.
The high-tech walking stick, equipped with modern sensors, is designed to help blind individuals navigate safely and independently. This groundbreaking device has been developed by the Biomedical Technology Department at NED University.
To bring this project to life, the Government of Sindh’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) has signed a formal agreement with NED University. The plan is to launch this as a pilot project starting this month.
Taha Ahmed Farooqui, the Secretary of Empowerment, confirmed the details. He stated that in the first phase, the DEPD will provide these scanner sticks completely free of charge to those who are visually impaired.
The Secretary emphasized that this is just the beginning. “We are also developing other special devices using modern medical technology to empower individuals with mental and physical disabilities, including autism,” he said.
Other devices in development include ‘MindFoster’ for mental health and sleep, ‘Floor to Chair patient lifters’ for spinal cord patients, and ‘EasyMobility’ solutions for transportation.
Mr. Farooqui confirmed that while the scanner stick distribution will begin this month, the other assistive devices will also be provided free of cost to help disabled individuals lead more functional and independent lives.
