Technology can be a supertool, especially for persons with disabilities (PWD). In Bhutan, where infrastructure and accessibility pose major challenges to PWDs, technology can play a pivotal role in helping them navigate daily life, communicate, work, and learn with greater ease and independence.
A young Bhutanese woman with cerebral palsy, who cannot speak, relies on her thumb and smartphone to communicate, whether through text messages or by spelling words on the palms of her family and friends. In a world that often fails to accommodate non-verbal individuals, her ability to connect with others is proof of how digital tools can bridge the gap between disability and inclusion.
Similarly, for another person with low vision, apps like NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA), a free and open-source screen reader, allows him to work efficiently.
According to the National Health Survey 2023, 6.8 percent of Bhutan’s population—approximately 47,000 people—live with some form of disability. For many of them, technology is a crucial lifeline, but accessibility remains a challenge.
Many international assistive apps struggle to recognise Dzongkha, creating a linguistic barrier. Navigating websites and online documents is another difficulty, as many are not designed for screen readers, forcing visually impaired users to depend on external apps.
While iPhones offer better assistive features, their high cost makes them unattainable for many Bhutanese PWDs. The lack of affordable and locally adapted assistive technologies further exacerbates the problem.
Emerging technologies present exciting possibilities, for instance artificial intelligence (AI) and innovations such as Tesla’s self-driving cars. These advancements could revolutionise mobility and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, without investment in training and infrastructure, many PWDs may be left behind in the digital age.
To truly harness the power of technology for PWDs, we must address three key areas: awareness, affordability, and accessibility.
First, greater awareness is needed among policymakers, businesses, and the public. Many websites and digital platforms in Bhutan are not designed with accessibility in mind. Government and private sectors should ensure that their online services are screen-reader friendly and include accessibility features such as keyboard navigation, voice commands, and alternative text descriptions for images. Schools, too, must integrate digital accessibility training into their curriculum so that students with disabilities are not left behind.
Second, affordability remains a significant hurdle. High-end assistive devices such as Lumin Glasses, Glide, and advanced Braille note-takers are beyond the financial reach of most Bhutanese PWDs. The government and development partners should explore subsidies, funding, or partnerships with tech companies to make these tools more accessible.
Further, investment in local innovation can help create cost-effective alternatives tailored to Bhutanese needs, including software that supports Dzongkha.
Most importantly, accessibility must be embedded in the country’s digital infrastructure. Websites, mobile apps, and digital services should be designed with universal access in mind. Training programmes on assistive technology should be expanded, equipping PWDs with the skills to use available tools effectively. And tech developers must collaborate with PWDs to create inclusive solutions, ensuring that assistive technology is designed by and for those who use it.