In a significant stride towards promoting disability rights and ensuring accessibility for all, FAECARE Foundation carried out a successful advocacy visit to the National Television Authority (NTA) Port Harcourt. This visit, part of the ongoing Disability Rights Initiative Project, emphasized the critical need for inclusive practices and environments that cater to persons with disabilities in Rivers State.
The FAECARE team, comprising trained disability advocates, staff, and volunteers, was warmly received by Dr. (Mrs.) Evelin Nwosu, the Zonal Director of NTA Port Harcourt, along with her dedicated team. The visit underscored the crucial role of the media as a stakeholder in disability advocacy, pivotal in shaping narratives and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Highlighting the Importance of Media in Disability Advocacy
During the discussions, the FAECARE team stressed the importance of inclusive and positive media representation of persons with disabilities. They highlighted the need for the media to play an active role in promoting accessibility not only within their content but also within their physical environment. Key points of discussion included the necessity for sign language interpretation, the promotion of accessible events, and ensuring that all media content is accessible to everyone, regardless of their disabilities.
Key Recommendations for Enhanced Accessibility
FAECARE advocates presented several recommendations to the NTA team to enhance accessibility and promote disability rights. These included:
- Broadcasting Inclusive Programs: Airing programs and documentaries that focus on the lives and achievements of persons with disabilities.
- Improving Physical Accessibility: Implementing minimum standards of accessibility for buildings and services within Port Harcourt and its environs.
- Promoting Accessible Events: Ensuring that all events and initiatives are accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Sign Language Interpretation: Providing sign language interpretation for news and other programs.
- Featuring PWDs on TV Programs: Increasing the representation of persons with disabilities as guests on television programs.
- Supporting Awareness Campaigns: Promoting campaigns that raise awareness about disability rights.
- Staff Training: Offering disability sensitization and inclusion training for NTA staff.
- Developing Inclusive Policies: Creating guidelines and standard operating procedures that ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the station’s operations.
NTA Port Harcourt’s Commitment to Disability Inclusion
The discussions were met with positive responses from the NTA team. Dr. Nwosu reaffirmed NTA Port Harcourt’s commitment to supporting disability programs, stating, “There is ability in disability. You don’t have to beg to live, you don’t have to let anyone bring you down because you have any form of disability. As a station, NTA Port Harcourt has always believed in the rights of PWDs and we will never shy away.”
She pledged to support FAECARE Foundation by providing opportunities to discuss various aspects of disability rights on their platform. Dr. Nwosu also emphasized the station’s commitment to maintaining sign language interpretation during broadcasts as a standard practice.
A Collaborative Effort for a More Inclusive Future
The advocacy visit marks a pivotal step towards fostering inclusivity and advancing disability rights in Rivers State. FAECARE Foundation believes that through continuous advocacy, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, the goal of ensuring equal access and eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities can be achieved.
FAECARE Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the NTA team for their support and willingness to engage in ongoing dialogue to address emerging issues related to disability inclusion. Together, these collaborative efforts pave the way for creating a more inclusive state where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to society.
This advocacy visit is a testament to the power of collective action and the significant impact that can be achieved when stakeholders unite for a common cause. FAECARE Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to champion the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure a future where accessibility and inclusivity are the norms, not the exceptions.
About FAECARE Foundation
FAECARE Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, FAECARE Foundation strives to create an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to all aspects of life.
