In a groundbreaking step to amplify the voice of Nigeria’s deaf-blind community, the DeafBlind Support Initiative was officially launched, uniting advocates and policy leaders to raise awareness of dual sensory impairment and promote inclusion in mainstream society. This initiative, spearheaded by Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation (LALIF), aims to reshape perceptions, influence policy, and bring greater visibility to the needs of the deaf-blind.
At the launch event, Solomon Okelola, Executive Director of LALIF, delivered an impassioned keynote speech, calling for the integration of deaf-blind individuals in all facets of Nigerian society. Highlighting the lack of representation in key decision-making areas related to disabilities and special education, Okelola urged policymakers to include the deaf-blind community in discussions that impact their lives. “The voices of deaf-blind individuals must not be marginalized any longer,” he emphasized. “Our goal is to build a society that listens, understands, and supports all its members, regardless of their sensory limitations.”
Okelola warned of an impending increase in cases of deaf-blindness, attributing this trend to a lack of medical awareness around its causes and preventive measures. “We need proactive action and education on the preventable factors contributing to deaf-blindness,” he explained, underscoring the urgency for medical and educational sectors to be involved. According to him, insufficient support structures not only reduce the personal growth potential for individuals with deaf-blindness but also limit their economic contributions, which indirectly impacts the nation’s overall standard of living. “Without adequate support in education and skill-building, we are losing valuable talents to dependency and neglect,” he stated, stressing the need for immediate action.
Beyond advocating for policy change, Okelola appealed to the public for support in creating awareness and better understanding of the needs of people with dual sensory impairment. Thanks to LALIF’s efforts, Nigeria will now observe Deaf-Blind Awareness Week annually in June and recognize Global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day in September, bringing global attention to the issues facing the deaf-blind community.
The event featured notable voices in the disability community and government, each pledging their support. Mrs. Osi Foluke, a representative from the Special Needs Department of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, assured attendees of the government’s intent to include deaf-blind programming in their future initiatives. She urged continued collaboration with LALIF to create programs that would effectively address the unique challenges faced by the deaf-blind community. “This partnership is a significant step forward,” she affirmed, “and we are committed to ensuring the inclusion of deaf-blind individuals in all our department’s initiatives.”
Mr. Abiodun Oguntola, representing CBM Global Disability Inclusion, further amplified the call for inclusivity, expressing his organization’s support for equal access to resources for the deaf-blind community. “Our goal is to break down barriers to ensure all people with disabilities have the same opportunities and resources,” Oguntola declared, calling for a society that actively works to accommodate and celebrate diversity.
In a pioneering move, Mr. Badmus Adebola from the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs celebrated LALIF’s establishment in Lagos and highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting the deaf-blind. Lagos State, he noted, had recently marked Global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day, making it the first African entity to do so. This, he said, underscored the state’s pledge to provide resources and advocacy to the deaf-blind community. “We are thrilled to support this initiative and are dedicated to making Lagos a more inclusive city for all,” Adebola shared.
The importance of inclusive education was echoed by Dr. Ndubuisi Iroham of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, who highlighted the role of education in uplifting people with disabilities. Dr. Iroham expressed hope for collaborative research with LALIF to enhance special education and introduce training tailored to individuals with deaf-blindness. “Education is the foundation of change,” he said. “We need programs that recognize and address the unique needs of the deaf-blind.”
Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, representing the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, pledged the Commission’s unwavering support for the deaf-blind community. He assured attendees that the Commission would integrate deaf-blind inclusivity into all policies and programs. “We are ready to work closely with LALIF and other organizations to ensure that all individuals with disabilities can enjoy full rights and access within society,” Idemudia said, drawing widespread applause from the audience.
The event concluded with the formal inauguration of the DeafBlind Support Initiative, a significant milestone in Nigeria’s disability rights landscape. Representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, along with other disability advocacy leaders, witnessed the launch, signaling a promising new chapter for the deaf-blind community in Nigeria. This landmark event was not only a celebration of unity and advocacy but also a call to action, reminding all stakeholders of their responsibility to foster a more inclusive society for people with dual sensory impairments.
With ongoing support from LALIF and allied organizations, the DeafBlind Support Initiative is poised to lead a powerful movement, ensuring that the deaf-blind community in Nigeria is seen, heard, and empowered.
