Journalists with various impairments in Cameroon have raised concerns that digital access and inclusion remain elusive in both the private and public sectors. Many of them, still striving to advocate for inclusive work environments, describe digital access as a distant myth. The lack of internet facilities and appropriate digital tools, such as accessible software and hardware, poses significant challenges for research and content creation.
Prince Nsah Edwin, a visually impaired journalist based in the North West Region of Cameroon, paints a stark picture of the situation.
“The workspace is not digitally inclusive, even for able-bodied workers, let alone someone like me. First, there is no Wi-Fi or modern internet infrastructure to facilitate online access, and we all have to rely on personal internet connections. Secondly, while laptops for editing may be available, there are no provisions for screen reader applications like NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) and JAWS (Job Access with Speech). This limits my ability to use these machines effectively."
“There are also websites I attempt to access for news investigation and other purposes that are not compatible with talkback features,” he adds.
Nsah highlights additional issues with widely used platforms such as WhatsApp.
“The application has become unfriendly with talkback, despite being a Google product. For instance, when I search for a chat group or forum and exit using talkback, the app often goes blank. I have to restart my phone to restore functionality. I’ve written to Google, hoping they will address these challenges, as it hampers my efficiency at work.”
These challenges are not unique to visually impaired journalists. They resonate across different disabilities and professions in Cameroon.
A hearing-impaired journalist based in Yaoundé, who requested anonymity for fear of losing her job, shared her struggles.
“It is very difficult for me as a journalist with hearing impairment. When covering events, I’m often left in the dark because most projectors used lack captioning or subtitles. I miss crucial details because there are rarely sign language interpreters at these events." She explains
“In my newsroom, instructions and information are given verbally, but for me, they’re often summarised on a piece of paper or sent via WhatsApp. It’s isolating and makes me feel left out,” she confided.
From the Littoral Region, a journalist with a mobility impairment recounted her challenges:
“The work environment isn’t digitally accessible. There’s no Wi-Fi for research or publication, and when we use our personal internet, the connection is slow. When covering events in remote areas with no network, providing live updates becomes impossible. These situations hinder our productivity, but we have no choice but to adapt.”
Securing a job in Cameroon as a person with a disability is an uphill battle, regardless of one’s qualifications or education. Many employers perceive persons with disabilities as burdens with little to offer. This stigma discourages many from speaking openly about their struggles, with several declining to grant interviews and others requesting anonymity to protect their livelihoods.
Journalists with disabilities are calling on the government to create a digitally inclusive work environment to enable them to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Without such support, they risk missing out on professional opportunities that could empower them to contribute meaningfully to their fields and society at large.
By Jolenta Rose Afanwi
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