In a three-day competition dedicated to advancing digital inclusion for individuals with disabilities, Hexohub secured a resounding victory at the 2023 Disability Inclusive Hackathon (DI-Hack).
The annual event took place at the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, providing a platform for innovative solutions that empower people with disabilities to navigate the digital landscape seamlessly.
The primary goal of the DI-Hack is to develop localized assistive technologies and devices to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Engr. Dr. Millicent Agangiba, an accomplished engineer and visionary, highlighted the broader mission of the event, emphasizing the importance of pairing participants with technocrats to facilitate mutual learning.
“Our goal is to establish partnerships in the technocratic realm, fostering an environment where participants can learn from one another,” stated Dr. Agangiba.
The genesis of the Digital Inclusive Hackathon can be traced back to a comprehensive four-year empirical research conducted by Dr. Agangiba, the Executive Director of Inclusive Tech Group. The research aimed to enhance digital accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the development of disability-friendly technologies and devices. The findings revealed that collaborative efforts between technocrats and PWDs will yield more accessible and effective solutions.
The hackathon is organized by the Inclusive Tech Group (ITG), a registered Not-for-Profit Organization (NPO) in Ghana, the 72-hour hackathon demonstrates a commitment to developing technologies that promote digital inclusion for vulnerable groups. The ITG envisions a society where tailored assistive devices and technologies cater to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities making them readily available and fully utilized.
As technology continues to advance, initiatives like the Disability Inclusive Hackathon play a crucial role in ensuring that progress is inclusive, leaving no one behind.
Hexohub’s victory not only celebrates their technical prowess but also highlights the potential for transformative change when diverse minds come together to address societal challenges. The 2023 Disability Inclusive Hackathon the 3rd edition in the series was under the theme “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World”.
By: Ishmael Awudi
