A multimillion-rand government grant for adaptive technology is receiving a number of applications, as commercial interests get involved with its promotion.
The grant covers a part of the cost of adaptive technology and was initially made available a year ago. However, initial responses were minimal, says Neville Clarence, MD of adaptive technology company NCTec, which focuses on technology for the visually impaired. NCTec`s technology includes Braille translation software, Braille PC displays and digital voice recorders.
"Of the money set aside by government for these grants, less than 1% was actually used. Now that it is being promoted more actively, NCTec has received 250 applications in the six days since announcing it."
The reason the grants were not initially snapped up is because adaptive technology is such a niche market, says Clarence. "Very few people know about this industry, and you also need in-depth knowledge. At the end of the day, government will take over this initiative again, but as yet they don`t fully understand the market."
Clarence says the demand for adaptive technology - technology that is modified to cater for the specialised needs of the disabled - is high, but is mostly unaffordable to those who need it.
"Importantly, it appears to be government`s policy to cover the costs of the entire system. Because in SA, only covering half the costs would not make it accessible to many of the poor people who need it - they would still be paying for that half up to 30 years later!"
Of the 250 applicants so far, at least 200 would have been unable to afford the technology, says Clarence, adding that companies also stand to benefit from the grants. "It will help companies meet their employment equity quotas.
"Often, smaller companies want to hire disabled staff, but they can`t afford to buy all the extra technology required. So these grants not only empower disabled people, but also make them employable to companies."
To prevent the funds from being abused, the onus is on the adaptive technologies companies to submit grant applications on behalf of customers and ensure that grant is only given to those who need it. However, this complicates the application process, says Clarence, which in turn deters people from applying.
"The application process needs to be simplified. We can`t expect visually impaired people to go through reams of paperwork. We will sit with government to resolve this problem."
Another barrier to the successful roll-out of the grants is ensuring that approved applicants are provided with the correct technology, Clarence says. "You need to have a specific understanding of each individual situation. Otherwise you could end up with a situation like, for example, giving someone a car without the tyres."
For more information on the grants, contact Neville Clarence on (012) 452-0380, or e-mail neville@nctec.co.za.
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