Intervention: Disability commission provide certificates of identification for persons with Disabilities

The National Commission for Persons With Disability (NCPWD) is to roll out certificates of identification for all persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Its Executive Secretary, Mr James Lalu, who gave the hint when the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) paid an advocacy visit on NCPWD in Asokoro, Abuja recently, said the identification certificates would pave the way for seamless intervention programmes of the disabled persons in the country.

Kalu explained that the effort would also help in taking proper census of the disabled through mobilisation campaigns.

He said there was need for LGA campaign and mobilisation to ensure that PWDs come out in their numbers to participate in the proposed exercise.

He also identified the concerns of self-denial amongst PWD, stating that some PWDS were being influenced by their family members not to identify with the PWD community.

According to him, the data will also assist NCPWD in carrying out their role better, especially around social protection programmes of the government.

The ES lauded the idea of partnership with IFA, based on its track record of successful engagements for PWDs and requested organisation to identify possible areas it intends to work with the commission and communicate same in good time.

In response, the Executive Director of IFA Grace Jerry, appreciated NCPWD for its open-door policy and congratulated the management on their appointment.

Grace said IFA seeks a strong partnership with the commission in the area of training and advocacy, to understand the core mandate of the commission if there is any addition apart from the Discrimination Against Person With Disability Prohibition Act, challenges faced by the commission and what steps and plans the commission has put in place concerning the proposed census planned by the country.