At the 5th International Conference of the West and Central African Association of Special and Inclusive Education (WACAASE) held today 1st of November, 2022 in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu has asserted that proponents of Inclusivity must make it practical.
During his address, the ES hinted that there are countless Disability interest groups trying to propagate inclusivity but not demonstrating it in practice. He, therefore, urged that never again should the Disability community be undermined by mere proclamations.
Lalu further commended WACAASE for organizing this year’s conference which is basically focused on the Horizons of Inclusive Education in Africa.
The Commission’s helmsman equally informed the meeting of the minimum Accessibility standard being produced by the NCPWD which he said will soon be ready for public use.
The Executive Secretary also explained that the Accessibility document will become a regulatory code that will be ready by 5th December, 2022 after it must have passed through the Federal Executive Council.
He described the 224 page document as a heavy guide for all engineering practitioners and students in various faculties of higher institutions in Nigeria.
Lalu also mentioned the importance of Sign language Interpreters in ensuring seamless communication within the community of the Deaf and the society at large.
“I am pleased to inform you all that Sign language is that tool that has propelled me to where I am today. Therefore, we must not fail to acknowledge it’s impact in our society”, he said.
The President of the West and Central Africa Association of Special and Inclusive Education, Prof. Izuka Ihenacho in his welcome address emphasized on the recognition of the rights of Persons With Disabilities across Africa especially through access to quality education.
“We are gathered here today to give credence to educating the girl child in Africa whom we have identified as the most vulnerable in our world”.
He specifically appreciated the Executive Secretary for making out time from his busy schedule to represent the entire community of PWDs at the conference.
