This is to create awareness about the Discrimination against persons with disabilities( Prohibition) Act 2018. We will be publishing it in episodes as it was summarized by Disability Rights Advocacy Centre (DRAC) and published by Alabaraonye Kenneth.
DO YOU KNOW THAT : PART VII CREATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
1. There shall be established, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities which will be under the Presidency (it is referred to as “ The Commission” in this Act). The Commission is a corporate body and will exist forever despite any changes in leadership or membership or any other circumstances. The Commission can also take people to court or be taken to court in its name. The Commission can also acquire or sell any type of property. The Head Office of the Commission shall be in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
2. The Commission shall have a Governing Council (which is referred to as the “The Council” in this Act) to carry out its work and responsibilities. The Council will be made up a part time Chairman, a person with disability from each geo-political zone and one representative each from the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Sports, Women Affairs, Housing, Transport, Environment, Labor and Productivity, Justice and Finance. There will also be a representative each from the National Human Rights Commission and the National Planning Commission. The Chairman of the Council and one representative each from the six geo-political zones shall be appointed by the President and will be confirmed by the Senate.
3. The additional information listed in the Second Schedule shall have effect with respect to the meetings of the Council and the other matters contained in the Schedule
4. The Chairman and members of the Council shall be in office for four years and can be re-elected for another four years after which they can no longer hold office .
5. A person stops to be a member of the Council if he becomes broke, or owes money that he cannot pay, or if he is involved in any offence like dishonesty and fraud, banned of his professional qualification, is guilty of serious misbehavior in doing his duties, or resigns from his position by a letter sent to the President. If a member of the Council is no longer holding the position he was appointed to before his tenure expires for whatever reasons, another person that has the same interest or is from the same constituency shall be appointed to replace him on the Council. A member of the Council shall be removed by the President on the advice of the Council if he is sure that member no longer works for the interest of the Commission or the public .
6. Members of the Commission shall be paid allowances and expenses as the Government may direct
7. The Council shall have the power to manage and control the affairs of the Commission, make rules and regulations for the smooth running of the Commission, employ staff of the Commission and pay them salaries that are paid to persons in similar organizations in the country, and receive, distribute and account for all the money of the Commission.
8. The Commission shall create and put into practice plans and guidelines necessary for the education, growth and well being of persons with disabilities by encouraging the public to change their views towards persons with disabilities. The Commission shall make available not less than 5% of the workforce to persons with disabilities, inform the public and encourage persons with disabilities, and make possible the procurement of scholarship awards for persons with disabilities up to university level. The Commission shall collect data and information on special education of persons with disabilities so that there is a database of the population of persons with disabilities to aid in planning and providing for them. The Commission will also ensure that buildings in communities are built in such a way that persons with disabilities will have easy entry and movement in and around the building. The Commission will welcome persons with disabilities whose rights have been violated under this Act, receive their complaints and support them in seeking justice. The Commission will work with the media to raise awareness on the needs of persons with disabilities. The Commission shall also buy assistive devices for all disability types, set up and promote inclusive schools, vocational rehabilitation centers for the development of persons with disabilities, issue sign of identification to persons with disabilities, and receive complaints of persons with disabilities on abuse of their rights. Responsible Bodies: The Presidency
