By Agbo Christian Obiora
Lagos, Nigeria — June 21, 2025 — As the world comes together to celebrate the International Deafblind Awareness Week 2025, one message rings out clearly from Nigeria: “We are here, we matter, and we deserve to be seen, heard, and included.”
This was the powerful call from the Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network–Nigeria (DIAN), a foremost platform championing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with Deafblindness across the country.
Marking the occasion on Saturday, June 21, the Board and members of DIAN, alongside their parent body — the LionHeart Ability Leaders International Foundation — sent heartfelt wishes to all persons with Deafblindness around the globe, while also issuing a sobering and passionate appeal to the Nigerian government, institutions, and the general public: Recognize Deafblindness as a distinct disability. Include us. Hear us. See us.
“It is far from easy living life and going through everyday activities without vision or hearing—the two primary sensory organs of the body,” said Solomon Okeola, Executive Director of the Foundation, in an official statement. “Yet, the zeal and dogged determination with which persons with Deafblindness persist through each and every day is nothing short of astonishing. They are proof that disability does not mean inability. The only true disability is the one in the mind.”
A Hidden Disability, An Overlooked Population
Deafblindness — a rare dual sensory disability involving varying degrees of both vision and hearing loss — remains one of the most misunderstood and neglected forms of disability in Nigeria. According to DIAN, this lack of awareness and recognition has led to systemic exclusion of Deafblind persons from policies, programs, and even legal frameworks meant to protect the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Most concerning is the fact that Deafblindness is not specifically mentioned in the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, or in any of the domesticated versions of the Act passed by Nigerian states. Even the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), which is tasked with championing disability inclusion nationwide, has yet to give focused attention to the Deafblind community.
“Majority of Nigerian states are not even aware that Deafblindness exists as a unique disability,” said Okeola. “Aside from Lagos State where we were able to carry out a pilot survey, the rest of the country remains largely in the dark about this condition and its devastating impact.”
When Ignorance Kills: The Mental Health Crisis
This “invisibility” has real, heartbreaking consequences.
In a shocking revelation, DIAN disclosed that three of its members have died by suicide due to the profound social isolation, lack of support, and total disconnection from the world around them. These tragedies occurred before the organization could reach them. There are likely many more, as families continue to hide Deafblind relatives out of fear, shame, or hopelessness.
“It is painful to know we lost them before they even had a chance to hope. And Heavens only know how many others are still locked away, hidden from view, thought to be incapable of contributing to society just because they cannot see or hear.”
This brutal reality has given new urgency to DIAN’s mission to bring visibility, hope, and empowerment to the Deafblind in Nigeria.
A Bold Step Forward: Nationwide Deafblindness Survey
To address the staggering lack of data and visibility, DIAN has announced plans to conduct a national survey to identify the incidence of Deafblindness across Nigeria. The goal is to create a comprehensive database that will allow for proper inclusion in government programs, targeted interventions, and customized support strategies for this underserved population.
“This survey is not just an academic exercise — it’s a lifeline,” said Okeola. “It will help us find those who have been left behind, connect with their families, and equip them with technology, knowledge, and skills to lead meaningful, independent lives.”
The foundation plans to provide assistive technologies, communication training, and family counseling to ensure persons with Deafblindness are not just surviving — but thriving.
Week-long Series of Events to Mark Deafblind Awareness Week
As part of this year’s celebration, DIAN has curated a rich lineup of sensitization activities under the theme: “DeafBlind, Determined, Bold: It’s About Creating An Inclusive World That Works For Everyone.” These events aim to educate the public, engage families, and give the Deafblind community the voice and visibility they deserve.
📅 Full Schedule of Activities:
🟩 Monday, June 23
🎓 “Understanding Deafblindness: Facts and Fiction”
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (WAT)
📍 Join via WhatsApp
🟨 Tuesday, June 24
🧠 “Causes and Prevention of Deafblindness”
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (WAT)
📍 Join via WhatsApp
🟦 Wednesday, June 25
👥 “One-on-One With The Deafblind”
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (WAT)
📍 Register on Zoom
🟧 Thursday, June 26
👪 “Striving Through Life and Learning with Our Deafblind as Parents and Guardians”
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (WAT)
📍 Register on Zoom
🟥 Friday, June 27 — Helen Keller Day
📢 Public Lecture and Interactive Session: Communication with and Education for the Deafblind
🕚 11:00 AM (WAT)
📍 Register for Zoom Webinar
🕌 Jumat Service
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Ikeja Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja
⬜ Sunday, June 29
🙏 Thanksgiving Service
🕘 9:00 AM
📍 DayStar Christian Church, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos
Call for Partnership and Support
DIAN is urging partners, philanthropists, and government agencies to support the national survey and donate towards the empowerment of Deafblind individuals.
Bank Details:
🏦 United Bank for Africa (UBA)
🔢 Account Number: 1023022127
💼 Account Name: Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation
Join the Movement Online
📸 Instagram: @deafblindnetwork
🐦 X (Twitter): @Deafblindinc
📘 Facebook: Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network
📱 TikTok: @deafblind.network
As Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating this year’s Deafblind Awareness Week, the voices from DIAN serve as a reminder that every life matters, and inclusion must be all-encompassing. It is time to break the silence, shatter the stigma, and build a Nigeria where no disability is left behind.
