Speaking at the official opening of a week-long information and education exposition for the deaf on Tuesday in Francistown, the minister said the disabled do not have to provide anything in order to be assisted by the government. "This is one of the things that we do to show our commitment as government in improving their lives. Recently the Office of the President enrolled some of its key customers to learn sign language and there is an office of people living with disabilities established," he said. In his address, the minister was assisted by two women who used sign language to interpret what he was saying to the audience. The expo is held under the theme: "Information and education to all: a basic human right".
Masisi said the theme is in line with the Vision 2016 pillar of "an informed and educated nation". He said the pillar emphasises that all Batswana should be educated and skilled irrespective of their mental or physical status. He stated that the deaf must be given an opportunity to contribute to the realisation of Vision 2016. He said the expo is meant for the public to interact with the deaf, appreciate them, and assess their services and products to see if they benefit all citizens equally.
