Helen Izang Dabo is a person with physical disability from Shere Jankasa of Jos East local government of Plateau state. She is from a family of ten children. She was not born with disability, she was told me that she became a person with disability at the age of two years as a result of sickness, which at first, her parents thought it was stomach ache, but after treating her at home for two days, they noticed her leg have swollen up, and that was the genesis of her disability.
In this interview with our correspondents Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, she answered questions on the discrimination she face and how she can report cases of violations against her.
TQM. Was medical attention given to you?
Yes, in fact? my parents seek medical attention for me for years. The success of it, is that, l am living, even though l became a person with disability.
TQM. What about your education, were you privileged to have that?
My parents also provide me with formal education, though, l started late, l started at the age of eight because of the illness. I did my primary school at Shere- Jankasa primary school, after completion. I again admission with Akan Secondary school Jankasa. Which l completed in the year 2011.
TQM. It has been ten years since you completed your Secondary education, what stopped you from going to higher Institution of learning?
My parents are not financially strong to shoulder my education up to that level, and l could not get someone to aid me in that aspect.
TQM. What have you been doing then?
I have a chance in 2015, when the former first lady of Plateau state, Ngo Talatu David Jang, through her WAYE Foundation Program, gave me an opportunity to be trained as a hair dresser, and after the training, l was given #50,000.00. Which l used to start my own beauty hair saloon here in Jankasa. I remain grateful to God and to her for equipping me to be productive in life.
TQM. People with disabilities usually faced discrimination from family members or in the society. What is your story like?
I have not recorded any discrimination within my family. But, some members of the society do discriminate against me. Like when discussing in a group, and l made a contribution contrary to what some of the group members are making, in order to have their way, they usually say words like ” people are talking, you too, you are also talking”. Indicating that my disability have taken away my right to socialize, or my freedom of speech, or even my right as a human being.
TQM. What do you do in situations like this?
Intimidation would not discourage me. I feel bad, when ever l am treated badly. But, l still hold my head high, because despite my disability, God have given me abilities, and that settles it.
TQM. Are you aware of Institutions like the Plateau state Disability Rights Commission?
Yes.
TQM. Are you aware of its functions?
No.
TQM. The institution is there, to help protect the rights of persons with disabilities from being abused in the society.
TQM. Finally, if you have any personal request to make to the government or other members of the society, you may do so.
I wish to appeal to the government or any other person to come to my assistance, by providing with a scholarship, so that, l can go to a higher Institution for more study.
TQM. Thank you for sharing your time with us.
