LALIF Visits LASODA, Seeks Equal Rights for Persons with Deaf-Blindness

Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation, LALIF, has taken it’s awareness campaign on Usher Syndrome to the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs in the quest for special recognition and equal rights for people with deaf-blindness in Lagos.

The advocacy visit was part of public awareness rally organized by LALIF on Friday, 17 September, 2021 with support from Disability Rights Fund as part of the activities to commemorate the 2021 Global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day.

Speaking on behalf of the members, the executive director of LALIF, Solomon Okelola in his remarks highlighted the importance of including people with deaf-blindness in the affairs of the society.

He revealed that people with deaf-blindness are not adequately recognized by government and society.

He said “most people don’t know the ordeal people with deaf-blindness go through. They don’t know what causes deaf-blindness, and how to make provisions for their needs so that they can live meaningful life”.

Okelola revealed that during the recent data collection of PWDs, several deaf-blind individuals were lost in the count as they were not identified and included.

“Deaf-blind children are wasting away at home because parents and teachers are not prepared for this kind of children”, the disability advocate lamented.

“That’s why we are creating awareness to commemorate the day and enlighten society and government on the condition meanwhile strategizing on how we can join hands together to ensure persons with deaf-blindness have equal rights and other legal protection they need.

This year’s theme was “Operation Stop Usher Syndrome: Let’s give individuals with deaf-blindness in Nigeria a future”.

Lagos State Office For Disability Affairs, LASODA, General Manager, Dare Dairo, appreciated LALIF for all they have been doing and the advocacy visit. He requested a possible meeting with the group next month with invitation extended to the group for identification and discussion on the aims of the campaign. While reiterating that LASODA is for all groups regardless of disabilty type, Mr. Dare promised LALIF royal treatment. “We give respect and recognition to all clusters of Pwds” he said.

Solomon promised to set a date to meet with LASODA to brainstorm on plans to give equal opportunities and recognition to Persons with deaf-blindness within the Lagos State Disability community.

Assistant Director, Administration, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi also spoke. She said LASODA would work closely with LALIF to achieve the goal of inclusion for individuals with Deaf-blindness in the State.

Photos from the awareness campaign: