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Mike Hess, the founder of the US-based Blind Institute for Technology, is interviewed by Kevin Cassidy, the Director of the ILO Office for the United States.
ILO Photo/John Isaac

First Person: ‘people with disabilities are the greatest untapped resource on the planet’

Economic Development

Worldwide, persons with disabilities experience higher levels of unemployment and economic inactivity than non-disabled persons. Ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Mike Hess, US-based entrepreneur and founder of the Blind Institute of Technology, spoke to UN News as part of the International Labour Organization (ILO) photography project "Dignity at Work: The American Experience".

UN Photo/Helena Ndume

Namibian eye doctor honoured for fighting blindness

General News

An eye doctor from Namibia who has provided no-cost treatment to more than 30,000 people is a recipient of the first United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

Dr Helena Ndume originally wanted to be a fashion designer but switched to ophthalmology because her country had a greater need for doctors.

The prize, which is named after South Africa’s first democratically elected leader, honours one man and one woman who have dedicated their lives to serving others.