Disability Rights Action Group, DRAG, a Human Rights Organization geared toward achieving gainful improvements for Persons with Disabilities, has called on these persons to take responsibility.
DRAG’s Executive director, Chukwu Chikwado Raphael who gave the injunction in a statement made available to Inclusive News Network, passionately seeks to advance healthcare, education and employment for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The statement lamented that despite progress made in recent years, Persons with Disabilities continue to face numerous access barriers to full inclusion and participation in the life and activities of communities.
It drew attention to the lingering crisis of poverty at its peak; lack of access to education, health services and employment among Persons with Disabilities.
The statement read in part:
“Persons with disabilities have been widely marginalized as they continue to experience under-representation in decision-making processes and political participation.
“The main access barriers to inclusion entail discrimination and stigma on the grounds of disability; lack of accessibility to physical and virtual environments; dearth of access to assistive technology, lack of access to essential services and rehabilitation; and lack of support for independent living – all critical for the full and equal participation of Persons with Disabilities as vibrant agents of change and beneficiaries of development.
With over 35 milion citizens with disabilities in Nigeria, it is evident that PWDs constitute the largest minority group in Nigeria.
Nothing is absolutely working for our good. Limited access to education, no access to employment, unavailability of schools that are sensitive to students with disabilities, no inclusion and empowerment, limited access to transportation, no accessible public and green spaces, among others.
“Fellow Disabled, now my question is: as our government has failed us, should we also fail ourselves? A loud NO is the answer! We have been locked up for long. We have been silenced by the same people we elected to represent us. We have been bitten, raped to death, starved, discriminated against, excluded from the mainstream society, denied access to our basic and fundamental rights. It is therefore time for us to rise to our responsibilities. Yes! We may not have the money or other material resources to fight the government or to confront those at the helm of authority; but we have only one thing, which is our voice! By the time we come together, unite in one spirit, sing with one voice, match across all the streets and cities in Nigeria, hopefully, all the access barriers created by the society shall be dismantled; all the laws and policies that are instrumental in championing discrimination against us shall be repealed or reversed; all the evil practices that are detrimental to our health, posing threats to our lives and freedom shall be abolished.
“Further, let me congratulate all of us for embracing and welcoming a life changing non-profit Disability rights, legal and humanitarian organization into our community. Disability Rights Action Group (DRAG) as a disability human rights organization has put up certain strategies and mechanisms that will, to a large extent bring a lasting solution to society’s extant problems.
The group said “DRAG shall be using litigation, advocacy, structured negotiation, community education and media to reform systems and practices that discriminate against Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
DRAG passionately seek improvement in healthcare, education, employment, emergency planning, access to private and public facilities/services, assistive technology, transportation, housing, among others for persons with Disabilities.
“As part of it’s existential mandates and values, DRAG shall work to advance equal rights to justice: advocating for inclusive society and equality for the disabled in Nigeria. Once again, congratulations and happy international Disability Day to my fellow citizens with disabilities.”