TQM report,
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has begun a 3-day Capacity building to develop the inclusivity of Persons with disabilities in the society.
The programme scheduled from 16th-18th September, 2021 is designed to enlighten the participants on social re-orientation in their dealings with persons with disabilities especially, at work place.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. James David Lalu who was represented by the Acting Director, Social Integration Department, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia charged the participants to pay rapt attention to the Instructors in order to achieve the desired results. He disclosed that most of the Staff of the Commission do not have fore knowledge of the living conditions of some PWDs but, the training will enlighten them.
In a press release signed by Mbanefo JohnMichaels I. Head Media and Publicity (NCPWD), the ES further stated that the training will guide the staff on disability issues and will also help facilitate collaborative partnership among the various Departments in the Commission. He also said that issues of Education, Health and Housing are critical basic needs that affect the disability community directly.
Speaking further, Lalu described the society as one that has developed a psyche of pity for Persons with Disabilities rather than perceiving it as an issue of rights.
He however, reiterated that the training is just starting with the Directorate cadre and will be extended to other members of the staff in due time. He also promised that the Commission will strategize on how to engage the staff in other aspects of training especially in the sign language communication to enhance interpersonal communications among everyone.
While fielding questions from Newsmen the Head of Legal Department NCPWD, Hajiya Mariam Saleh spoke extensively on the need for constant advocacy for the rights of Persons with disabilities. She opined that PWDs have been disenfranchised over a period of time and its time they began to have their way beyond the sensitizations. The Legal officer underscored that every challenge faced by an average person without Disabilities in the society comes double on the persons with disabilities.
One of the facilitators at the event, Mr. Precious Ohis, Managing Director, MODIBA Consults said the lectures are targeted at improving the understanding the constructs for policy formulation around disability issues.
Noel Balogun, Programme Manager and Co-founder, Grassroots Initiative for Gender & Development (GRID) took the participants on Advocacy framework sections for brainstorming and policy directions.
