Conference proceedings (UNL)

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Browsing Conference proceedings (UNL) by Author "Ngula, Anna Kaukowe"

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    Access to information for people with albinism: Issues, challenges and resolutions
    (2021) Ngula, Anna Kaukowe; Bitso, Connie
    Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair and eyes. The difference in appearance between pigmented people and those with albinism is often the object of inaccurate and harmful beliefs about the condition. These beliefs are fuelled by myths, lack of knowledge and understanding. In recent years, it has cost people with albinism (PWA) severely with the mutilation of their body parts and killings in some countries in Africa. PWA challenges include discrimination, stigmatisation, derogative naming, skin cancer, visual impairment, rejection, and social exclusion in fundamentals such as healthcare, education, and employment. Also, access to information remains a challenge to PWA due to poor eyesight and myths associated with the condition, making it difficult for society to openly discuss albinism issues and share information with those in need. The study explored PWA’s challenges, parents of children with albinism (CWA) and organisations that serve PWA in Khomas region Namibia when accessing information. The researchers adopted the interpretivism paradigm and employed a qualitative approach. Data was collected through individual face to face interviews with all the participants. Sixteen participants, both male and female, took part in the study. The fi ndings show that PWA encounter problems when accessing information. These include lack of awareness of information sources coupled with poor eyesight for PWA and reading of information in small fonts that are not provided in alternative formats. The immediate sustainable resolution is delivering inclusive information services that avail health information in multimedia formats to accommodate people with challenges such as visual impairments and other forms of impairments. Although far-fetched, a change in mind-set and negative attitude to PWA, especially in Africa, is critical.
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    Barrier on access to archives by people with disabilities and inclusive solutions: A review of literature
    (2021) Mosweu, Olefhile; Ngula, Anna Kaukowe
    Access to archives by members of the public is essential in promoting democracy, accountability, good governance and civic engagement. It is normally provided for by archival legislation. It is also vital in fostering an informed society. The International Council on Archives’ (ICA) Principles on Access to Archives further also nurtures access to archives by all, regardless of their physical health, race and religious affiliation, just to cite a few. However, literature has shown that people with disabilities (PWDs) are denied access to archives due to existing barriers. These include unfriendly building infrastructure and challenges related to physical disabilities, visual impairment, and hearing impairment or other physical coordination. This study is based on a review of literature, and it seeks to identify barriers on access to archives by PWDs and inclusive solutions geared towards facilitating access to archives. Qualitative in terms of the research approach, the study uses the ICA Principles on Access to Archives as a theoretical lens to identify barriers on access to archives by People with Disabilities ((PWDs) and to determine the inclusive solutions required to promote access to archives by PWDs.