They can work and it turns out that they can create products which may be better than those made by non-disabled people
Bogor, W Java The Social Affairs Ministry has registered a number of innovations made by and for persons living with disabilities with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland, to obtain international patents for the products.
At an exhibition of assistive devices for people living with disabilities at Inten Suweno Integrated Center here on Friday, Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini said that the innovations include adaptive canes, adaptive electric wheelchairs, wheelchairs for cerebral palsy patients, and a liquid-level indicator for visually impaired people.
It would be a waste if the innovations, especially the ones fostered by the ministry, cannot compete in the international market, she remarked.
“Hence, currently, we are attempting to get the patents (for the devices),” she added.
The innovative products made by persons living with disabilities were taken to Geneva for registration for obtaining international patents, the minister said.
The ministry did this one month after a conference on persons living with disabilities in Geneva.
“I am proud of our brothers and sisters with disabilities. They never give up despite all of the impediments. They can work and it turns out that they can create products which may be better than those made by non-disabled people,” Rismaharini said.
Domestic patents for the innovations will be issued within the next three months. Meanwhile, the processing of international patents for the products will start next month.
The ministry is striving to use a technological approach to encourage people living with disabilities to become independent in carrying out their daily activities as well as to empower them to work or establish their own enterprises.
At the exhibition, the ministry also showcased several products made by people living with physical and psychosocial disabilities, such as batik, coffee products, weaving products, and action figures.
The event also introduced a volunteering organization for disaster preparedness which involves people living with disabilities (Difagana).
Source: Antara News Agency