Breaking Barriers: Advancing Diversity in Science, Technology, and Innovation

The Disability Inclusive Hackathon (DI-Hack) is organised annually by Inclusive Tech Group to coincide with the annual celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). During DI-Hack, participants, in groups of 10, with one member being a person with disability (PWD), collaborate to create a diverse range of assistive technology solutions that address the unique needs and challenges PWDs face in Ghana. This 3-day event is not just a competition but a platform that fosters creativity and social impact by leveraging technology to bridge gaps and create a more accessible world; solutions that are deeply rooted in the lived experiences of those they aim to benefit. 

The 2023 DI-Hack winning team, Hexohub, developed smart shoes that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cameras for path recognition, obstacle avoidance, and route learning for the visually impaired. They also proposed solutions such as smart spectacle and stick to aid mobility of the visually impaired; a gesture-based communication device to improve access to emergency assistance and to advance social inclusion for the deaf; a multimodal educational tool for children with autism; and an app that will help the visually impaired to independently access ATMs using their mobile phones. 

After each DI-Hack, the top three teams receive six-month mentorship to assist them develop their prototype designs into minimum viable products. 

According to Elisa Afia Matey, a participant of the DI-Hack 2023, the program is an enlightening and rewarding experience. She notes that, her team “Hexohub, created smart shoes and glasses to help people with vision problems (a challenge I personally understand) avoid obstacles.”  She expressed the hope that such “programs will grow to make even more positive changes for everyone”

Since 2022, UNESCO has supported the Inclusive Tech Group on this initiative to underscore the crucial message that science and technology should benefit everyone, and everyone, irrespective of their differences, should have the opportunity to contribute to and participate in these fields.