Prejudice is a close friend of discrimination, both of which have been confronting the community of Persons with Disabilities for centuries. Sadly, neither shows little sign of ending anytime soon. According to the English Dictionary, prejudice is an adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge of the facts.
Persons with disabilities, irrespective of their nationality, age, background, and ethnicity live in a prejudice-filled world. Human rights advocates who believe that mass sensitisation and ceaseless advocacy will go a long way towards emancipating persons with disabilities from this ugly situation have been frustrated by deep ignorance and indifference on the part of the masses. Awareness, which is another approach conceived by clusters of the disabled and some non-governmental organisations like the “Project Enable Africa” and Centre for Citizens with Disabilities in intensifying the advocacy efforts in a bid to reduce the scope of the prejudice meted out to the PwDs, has given birth to many disability-inclusion quotes like “Deaf can do anything except hear, Inclusion elevates us, and Focus not on the differences of persons with disabilities but the talent of the individual.”
Now, the PwDs are discriminated against in one way or the other in the area of education, employment, politics, and undoubtedly, the family unit. No sane person from the community of the PwDs can voluntarily say, “I have never been discriminated against.’’
Education cannot be overlooked as being one of the main areas where the PwDs face discrimination and prejudice. Because it is through this phase of life that one understands the world one lives in, be open to different opportunities, qualify for optimum employment, be part of policymaking, and so on.
Prejudice in education destroys the promising future of youths with disabilities, leaving them in a hopeless and helpless state. Many of them are forced into disciplines they have no interest in, that they did not dream about, and do not wish to be saddled with. Sadder still is the fact that more than a few are often denied admissions into higher institutions due to their disabilities. They have no choice but to move on, while ruminating on the fact that the consequences of their disabilities are routinely worsened by the adverse opinions and attitudes formed by society, which is indifferent and unaware of the fact that the PwDs are differently and uniquely able.
In the area of employment, an area where one works to earn a living, an area where one utilises one’s skills to survive, the PwDs have been unfairly judged by many employers laden with ableism. Even with the existence of the “Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (PROHIBITION) Act 2018”, the PwDs remain the biggest category of citizens that are discriminated against in a developing country like Nigeria. This is however what gave birth to the idea: “Equal opportunity for all.” Such an idea harps on the fact that employers should first pay attention to the ability of individuals rather than their disability.
In politics, the quote, “nothing about us without us” has been perceived by many in high positions as pure garbage. Those in power are of the view that life as a person with a disability is futile or miserable. Nowadays, it is obvious that some special advisers to governors who are voicing the cause of the community of persons with disabilities are appointed by those with preconceived opinions that are not based on reason or experience. These advisers, with not even a morsel of familiarity in the field they set their foot on, cannot provide services desired by the very people they represent. This, therefore, makes the emancipation of the PwDs from prejudice and discrimination a hard nut that cannot be cracked with the current tools in use.
Family institutions also exert prejudicative approaches when dealing with any of their members with a disability. In the family, the PwDs endure exclusion when it comes to family matters, especially firstborns who are deliberately or ignorantly kept oblivious of daily happenings and are usually regarded as inferior.
In conclusion, prejudice which many PwDs regularly encounter is one of the biggest issues that urgently need to be properly tackled, or there will never be a fair and just world. Without prejudice and discrimination, the PwDs are better able to realise their potential and live their dreams. And no one can wish for anything better!
- Douglas Izuchukwu, a PwD, University of Ilorin. izuudouglas20@gmail.com
