TQM report,
Deaf Women Aloud Initiative has paid an advocacy visit to Bwari Area Council as it seeks implementation of the 5% employment workforce for PWDs cited in the Disability Rights Act (2018) and assented by President Muhammadu Buhari. The group also made a case for the appointment of a disability Desk Officer for PWDs.
Calls were made during the visit for collaborations to ensure provision of sign language interpreters in primary health centres for easy accessibility of health care services by specific disadvantaged groups. DWAI likewise requested to be given opportunity to support the technical working group on health matters.
The Executive Director of DWAI, Mrs. Hellen Beyioku-Alase disclosed the information on Monday when she led a team to visit the chairman of the council to intimate him on the recommendations while carrying out a fact finding mission on issues of accessible health services and information.
Hellen appreciated the Chairman for hosting the team and also prayed for a successful tenure. She went on to highlight the objectives of DWAI’s visit, stating that the project in question was supported by Disability Rights Fund (DRF) to cover four(4) Area Councils in the FCT.
She noted that the objective of the project was to improve access to health care services for Deaf women and girls in four Area Councils, namely, AMAC, Kuje, Bwari, and Gwagwalada Area Councils.
Going further, Hellen said, “the project aims, amongst other things, to create awareness amongst Deaf women in those four Area Councils, ensure health services providers commit to adoption of policies and directives that makes health services and information not only accessible but also inclusive for Deaf Women and girls, DWAI also aims to create awareness on the rights of Deaf Women and Girls among the public in FCT.
She asked the Council to include Deaf Women and Girls matters in policies domesticated by the council. According to her, such policies are necessary to support the rights of Deaf women and girls, as well as ensure quality healthcare services, especially for nursing mothers and newborns.
Still appreciating the Council Chairman, Mrs Helen thanked him for his love and support for the Disability community, especially the Deaf whom he had employed to work at the Area Council.
Also in the visiting delegation was CEO and founder, March Care Initiative, Comrade Bunmi Lawan. He pleaded with the Chairman of Bwari Area Council to make their demands a priority and help drive the beautiful initiative to fruition by ensuring adequate implementation is achieved, and by providing interpreting services at the Kubwa and Bwari General Hospitals. This, according to him will help ease sufferings of Deaf women and Girls in accessing Healthcare services.
The Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Dr John S. Gabaya appreciated DWAI for this laudable Initiative. Considering the significance of the project, he said he appreciates the pains Deaf women and girls pass through in accessing healthcare. He therefore pleaded not to be begged as it is obligatory that both society and Government profer solutions to this challenge of Deaf women and girls.
Dr. Gabaya promised to work towards implementation of the Law. He however advised that important issues as these cannot be randomly decided. He therefore requested the DWAI team to go back and document everything in formal writing.
DWAI was tasked to direct the write up to the Hon. Minister of State for Health, FCT. They were assured that as soon as the letter arrives it will be forwarded to the Chief Medical Directors of both Bwari and Kubwa General Hospitals for implementation.
Highlight of the event was presentation of award to the chairman in recognition of his contributions to the cause of Deaf women, and persons in general. (Inclusivenews)
Photos from the event:
