The Digicel Foundation, in partnership with the GEF Small Grants Programme, launched an Innovation Challenge for Persons with Disabilities, a first-of-its-kind opportunity for innovators across Trinidad and Tobago to design solutions that make life more accessible and sustainable for all.
00:00The event brought together innovators from across Trinidad and Tobago, each showcasing creative projects that make everyday life more accessible.
00:09From adaptive communication tools and smart mobility aids to environmentally friendly assistive devices, participants proved that innovation knows no limits.
00:20In recognition of their efforts, six organizations were awarded grants to help them further develop and implement their inclusive ideas.
00:28The Director of Disability Affairs at the Ministry of People and Social Development and Family Services says,
00:35whose ministry is committed to building a society where every citizen is recognized for their potential.
00:41As a ministry, we are steadfast in our efforts towards an inclusive society and economy,
00:47one where persons with disabilities have equal access not only to services,
00:54but also to opportunities for leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
01:00According to the United Nations Development Program,
01:03approximately 50,000 people or about 4% of Trinidad and Tobago's population live with disabilities.
01:10The Innovation Challenge aims to create opportunities that empower this community to lead change through innovation and entrepreneurship.
01:20This is not charity.
01:22And this is part of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities.
01:29So to us it's very important because there is a global commitment to make this happen.
01:34So it's a responsibility, okay?
01:37Again, this is not charity, it's a responsibility and the UN, we are here to try to make sure that happens.
01:42The six grant recipients will also receive mentorship and technical support to refine their prototypes and scale their solutions nationwide.
01:52CEO of Digicel Foundation, Penny Gomez, says the challenge reflects a growing movement toward inclusive innovation in TNT.
02:00Through this initiative and others at the Digicel Foundation,
02:06we are determined to prove that inclusion truly thrives, sorry, drives progress for everyone.
02:13We also hope it sparks new ways of thinking, inspiring solutions that not only uplift lives,
02:20but also help protect our environment and build stronger, more connected communities.
02:25The innovation challenge for persons with disabilities is meant to be a major step forward
02:31in creating a more inclusive and sustainable Trinidad and Tobago
02:34where every citizen has the opportunity to innovate and thrive.
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