LNFOD drives inclusion with Assistive Tech
TEBOHO KHATEBE MOLEFI
MASERU – The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) stands at the forefront of Lesotho’s drive for inclusive assistive technology (AT) access, a pivotal role undeniable as the nation marked the International Day of Assistive Technology on June 4.
Partnering with the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development for a major event at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, LNFOD amplified the urgent call for change – in a gathering that underscored the country’s commitment to inclusion.
Social development minister, Pitso Lesaoana, stressed AT’s vital role beyond devices, declaring that “this technology restores dignity, unlocks human potential, and ensures no one is left behind.”
Speaking at the same event, LNFOD Executive Director, Shatu Nhlapo, reinforced this urgency. He stated that “assistive technology empowers people with disabilities to live independently, engage fully, and enjoy better lives.”
However, he highlighted a critical gap: “Access remains a major challenge. Alarmingly, over 90 percent of Basotho with disabilities still lack the AT they need to thrive.”
The event culminated in a powerful call for inclusive policies and nationwide collaboration to improve AT access.
LNFOD’s advocacy aligns with recent initiatives like Vodacom Lesotho Foundation’s (VLF) launch of Braille versions of its Protection Code and Impact Booklet. This directly addresses the information access barrier, a point emphasized by Lesotho National League of the Visually Impaired Persons representative, Keketso Mangope, who noted during the launch that accessibility isn’t a privilege – it’s a fundamental right.
Mangope urged further action, including audio formats and Braille transcription of key laws like the Persons with Disability Equity Act of 2021.
“This pursuit of information access fulfills their inclusion mandate,” said Refiloehape Sesinyi of LNFOD applauding Vodacom Lesotho, and linking AT directly to achieving development goals.
Sesinyi cited LNFOD’s own research revealing people with disabilities lagging in education, health rights, GBV response, and economic empowerment due to access barriers.
VLF’s commitment extends beyond Braille. In 2024, they donated 13 audio recorders and 10 C-Pens (text-to-speech scanners) to visually impaired students at the National University of Lesotho.
“We are committed to an inclusive learning environment where all students excel,” affirmed Vodacom’s Katleho Pefole. This builds upon VLF’s 2021 launch of the Vodacom Insight Centre – a specialized Braille and digital library at the State Library, featuring cutting-edge AT like Braille printers and talking book readers.
Vodacom CEO, Mohale Ralebitso, stated then that “We harness technology to ensure no one is left behind.”
Government support was evident.
The Ministry of Social Development called VLF’s Braille initiative “a bold step towards realizing disability rights,” aligning with the vision of an inclusive society. “This is about dignity and empowerment,” the ministry stressed, affirming that access to information is a right, not a favour.
Expert Chabeli Mohatlane, an orthotist and prosthetist, speaking in a Public Eye interview defined AT broadly: “These devices help people perform daily tasks – from wheelchairs and magnifiers to specialized apps. They enable mobility, communication, cooking and more.”
For Tieho Monare, Programme Manager at the Lesotho National Association of the Physically Disabled (LNAPD), reclaiming independence meant more than just easier movement, it meant reclaiming his livelihood and passion.
Before acquiring an electric wheelchair, Monare’s active life as a consultant, marketing professional and dedicated commercial farmer was severely restricted.
“Before this chair, pushing a manual wheelchair consumed all my effort just to move,” Monare explained in an interview, fresh from his fields. “I am a commercial farmer. Even yesterday, I was harvesting potatoes. I have done this work for years, even before the electric chair, but it was far harder.”
Monare’s demanding role at LNAPD requires extensive travel across Lesotho for meetings and fundraising. The electric wheelchair, he says, has been transformative.
“The real benefit shines during in-house meetings and workshops. Manoeuvring with the joystick is effortless, unlike struggling to push myself before, which required both hands and limited my participation. My mobility has improved dramatically.”
This newfound freedom extends beyond the office, “the manual chair discouraged travel,” he noted. “But since getting this one, I travel frequently and comfortably. Previous restrictions have lifted; it’s given me genuine freedom.”
However, Monare, who has a spinal cord injury, offers a crucial caveat born from experience: electric wheelchairs require careful consideration of the user’s specific health needs.
“There’s a danger in our enthusiasm for these new chairs – we forget they must be compatible with our health complications,” he cautioned.
“The level of injury dictates the right assistive technology. You can’t just use any tool, considerations like support collars are vital. This chair helps immensely because when I am in the right posture, comfortable, I can participate fully in activities for extended periods.”
Monare learned about electric wheelchairs through media reports and sought assistance from the LNAPD, as such technology wasn’t widespread locally. He chose it proactively: “I opted for it to make my life easier, aware it might not perfectly fit all requirements. It wasn’t a doctor’s prescription, but a choice for my lifestyle.”
The chair provides liberation, facilitating social interaction and enabling him to manage his farm duties effectively, with battery life sufficient for his chores. Yet, he identified a significant challenge: “This chair wasn’t designed for Lesotho’s terrain. It struggles on grassy patches. I initially thought it was the weight, but my mechanical engineering background helped me realise the terrain itself is the problem.”
Foreseeing durability issues for many users, Monare revealed that the LNAPD is already planning modifications to adapt the wheelchairs for local conditions.
Monare also issued a powerful plea to caregivers – parents, relatives, and nurses alike.
“Give people with mobility impairments the latitude to move freely. Even animals raised for milk, eggs, or meat are allowed to roam. This freedom is crucial. When people move independently, they notice subtle changes in their environment – a new pavement, streetlights – small things others take for granted, but which profoundly impact mental well-being.”
He urged organisations like the LNFOD to intensify sensitisation drives about assistive technology.
“Traditionally, people with disabilities were hidden away. Society felt shame. But awareness about technology that eases our lives is changing that. Focused communication from these organisations is vital – providing information, awareness, and hope to caregivers. They need to understand: people with disabilities are alive and have a life to live.”
Monare’s story is a testament to how the right technology, coupled with awareness and adaptation, can unlock potential, restore dignity, and drive advocacy for a more inclusive society.
The global need is immense. As LNFOD’s efforts highlight, closing Lesotho’s AT access gap is critical, especially as the World Health Organization estimates 2 billion people will rely on assistive technology by 2030.
Lesotho’s steps, driven by partnerships like those between LNFOD, the government and Vodacom, are vital to ensuring Basotho with disabilities are not left behind.
