Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) is developing tools to protect people with disabilities from the threat of crime.
“The Ministry of Social’s innovation stems from my anxiety that I often find cases of coercion that often affect children with hearing and speech disabilities,” said Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini as quoted in the ministry’s press release in Jakarta, Monday.
Assistive devices that have been developed to protect people with disabilities include the Hearing and Speech Bracelet (GRUWI) and the Mentally Impaired Bracelet (GRITA) as well as adaptive canes.
GRUWI and GRITA are equipped with motion sensors and pulse detectors. If the wearer panics and their pulse rate suddenly rises, the bracelet will make a sound to attract the attention of other people so that hopefully crimes that threaten the wearer can be prevented.
GRUWI, GRITA, or adaptive sticks can be used as early warning devices for people with disabilities if there is a threat of danger from outside.
“Initial production for GRUWI was 217 units and GRITA was 100 units. Of this amount, 65 units have been distributed by GRUWI and for GRITA there are none yet,” said Head of Integrated Inten Center Soeweno Bogor, MO. Royani.
He added that there are 75 GRUWI and 90 GRITA that are being prepared to be sent to those who need social welfare services who need assistive devices.
The Minister of Social Affairs said that efforts to develop tools to protect people with disabilities are in line with the spirit of support of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) towards people with disabilities.
“No one left behind. So, no one is left behind, including people with disabilities,” he said.
He also said that the ASEAN High Level Forum (AHLF) on Disability-Inclusive Development and Partnership Beyond 2025 will be held from 10 to 12 October 2023 in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province. (mhn/bbs)
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