To remain a relevant sector in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe), persons with disabilities (PWDs) must equip themselves with science and technology skills to become productive in an era dubbed as the next big thing in the economy, according to leading advocate for empowering PWDs.
Marx Melencio, managing director of Grayscale Communications, said PWDs can face the challenges of FIRe from a user standpoint and a professional perspective, saying that this development “significantly affects the accessibility features of new devices and platforms.”
“Focusing on science-oriented disciplines is the right path for PWDs with emphasis on the new applications of relevant scientific knowledge,” Melencio, a visually challenged computer programmer and software developer, told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview last week.
The FIRe involves a mix of the different technologies, such as digital, biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI), among others. The Third Industrial Revolution involved electronics, automation and information technology, while the Second Industrial Revolution had electricity and bigger machines to help in production.
Moreover, Melencio added that building a strong foundation on mathematics and specialized knowledge in applied statistical probability can give anyone a competitive edge at the time they start to learn related software programming languages for big-data science and AI industries.
He noted that PWDs should learn how to use these tools and harness their knowledge and expertise in these technologies to give them a global competitive edge over others, across thriving industries.
“I think PWDs can begin by learning relevant skills in any field currently at the front and center of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. They should start early in this new game so to speak so they can be at the forefront to obtain advantageous positions. They should then steadily build up their expertise,” he pointed out.
Besides honing the necessary skills that will be relevant in FIRe, Melencio said PWDs must also learn to be effective communicators.
“Next, PWDs should also be able to effectively communicate what they can do across relevant business networks. In my experience, choosing to specialize in any two or more of these areas can generate the best results,” he added
These specialized areas include small business development, multilingual business communications, digital marketing, software and Web programming, big-data science and analytics, deep/machine learning, AI modeling, system and network automation, smart device customization and assembly.
To scale up the training of PWDs on a massive scale, Melencio said the government can offer training programs designed for a PWD to learn relevant skills in any of the industries related to FIRe.
“They can also partner with organizations that look after the welfare of PWDs. This is for the government to tap the expertise of these groups in developing programs and activities for specific disability sectors,” he explained.
Moreover, Melencio said the government could offer financial and professional assistance for start-up businesses that want to compete in these industries.
“I’m thinking of several organizations stepping up planning to train competent PWD work forces with the needed skills. Training programs in small business development, livelihood creation and basic financial management should also be helpful for PWDs,” he said.
He added that PWDs should also be able to effectively communicate what they can do across relevant business networks.
“In my experience, choosing to specialize in any two or more of these areas can generate the best results,” he said.