Seeks Collective Action To Remove Barriers And Create an Inclusive Space For Persons With Disabilities.
Abuja Association Of The Deaf (AAD) has called on The FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike to consider creating an agency, commission or Secretariat for Persons With Disabilities in theFCT.
The Chairman of the group, Ayoade Beiyoku-Alase made this call on Saturday through his press release for the occasion of Annual Get Together (AGT 1.0) and International Day For Persons With Disabilities: A Call for Collective Actions to Remove Barriers and Create an Inclusive Space for Persons with Disabilities, with Consideration for the Domestication of the Disability Act and Agency for Persons with Disabilities in. FCT.
Ayoade speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the Abuja Association the Deaf (AAD) called for collective actions to remove barriers and create an inclusive space for persons with disabilities in FCT.
“We emphasize the necessity of prioritizing the domestication of the Disability Act and the establishment of the FCT Agency for Persons with Disabilities to effectively address the needs and rights of persons with disabilities in Abuja”.
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3rd, serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the urgent need for societal change.
This year’s theme, “United in Action to rescue and achieve the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities underscores the vital role of full participation of inclusive policies and practices with sign-language in constructing a resilient society for all.
The group recognized that Deaf in particular and persons with disabilities in general face various barriers that hinder their full and equal participation in society.
“Limited accessibility, inadequate education and employment opportunities, social exclusion, and insufficient healthcare services are just a few examples the challenges faced by persons with disabilities on a daily basis” he added.
He suggested that In the face of economic turnmoil and removal of fuel subsidy, governments often step in to provide relief and support for their citizens in form of palliatives.
“These measures are meant to ease financial burden, particularly for the vulnerable segments of society. We commend the efforts of Mr. President Bola Tinubu “Renewed Hope Agenda” to ensure everyone benefitted from the palliative initiative”.
He noted that it is imperative that the palliative initiative support announced by the FCT Minister has not been distributed to Persons with Disabilities especially the Deaf community and none of us benefitted from monthly transfers to eligible vulnerable individuals and family, access to free health care service, provision of food and other essential items and support for education and skill development.
“To address these challenges and create an inclusive environment for the Deaf in particular and persons with disabilities in FCT, we call upon the FCT Minister Bar. Wike Nyesom Ezenwo and FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure to prioritize the domestication of the Disability Act with an Agency for Persons with Disabilities in FCT to serve as a dedicated agency responsible for addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, including the Deaf community. Its mandate will include providing support services, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring the accessibility of public spaces, education, and employment opportunities.
He also said that “By aligning with National Commission of Persons with Disabilities policies with the principles and provisions of the Disability Act, we can ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to rights, opportunities, and services”.
The group then called upon other Ministries or Agencies in FCT to take immediate action and ensure that DEAF and persons with disabilities are included in their plans, policies and programs with 5% employment opportunity set aside for PWDs in line with Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
“Our Association also frown at the constantly abuse and discrimination of Deaf people mostly women and children at their home and workplace”.
He urged business owners, non-governmental organizations, and the wider community to actively participate and provide enable environment with sign-language for the Deaf and persons with disability to strive and it is very important they reach out to us first before engaging any sign-language interpreter to prevent unprofessional one noting that nothing about US without Us.
“Together, we can create a more inclusive and accessible society that embraces and empowers persons with disabilities.
As Abuja Association of the Deaf, we remain committed collaborating with relevant stakeholders to break down barriers and promote the rights and-being persons with disabilities, particularly within Deaf community.
“We encourage dialogue, awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the active involvement of Deaf and persons with disabilities in decision-making processes with full participation of sign-language. Only through collective actions and the commitment of all stakeholders can we truly create an inclusive space and enable environment for the Deaf and persons with disabilities”.
Some Pictures Of The Event
