The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities NCPWD, is planning to convene a first ever national disability summit as part of her activities to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This was disclosed at a press conference yesterday December 3rd at the Commission’s headquarters, Plateau State liaison office complex.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. James Lalu says top academicians, respected members of the disability community, stakeholders, and government officials will be present at the Summit holding in Abuja on the 9th of this month. They will be brainstorming to come up with a workable document which would enhance implementation of the discrimination Act, 2018.
Mr. Lalu, in his appreciation message thanked the inspector general of Police (IGP) for his commitment and the recognition extended to PWDs. He also thanked him and for setting up of disability desks in some 46 police stations nation-wide.
Mr Lalu also explained that the Commission, in its effort to offer capacity building to the police force, have started training officers – starting from top to junior ranks on how to be disability friendly.
He noted that the Commission has produced a document on the least accessibility standard requirements for every public building accessibility. The Commission will also make sure these standards are adhered to.
Mr Lalu stressed that the discrimination against persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 has two years left for enforcement to begin. He therefore called on owners of public buildings, both government and private sectors, to sit up as enforcement will certainly commence as stated in the document. According to Lalu, the document has highlighted the accessibility requirements to be fixed in every public building.
Going further, Mr Lalu pointed out that the least accessibility standard curriculum developed for universities would aid in the training of architects, quantity surveyors, and civil engineers to make them experts in accessibility consultancy.
In another news, the commission, in partnership with the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, NNAD, has developed a National Sign Language Dictionary for Nigerians. It promised to continue to push for its recognition as a second official language.
Lalu also promised to ensure full implementation of section 18 of the Disability Act 2018 which states that sign language should be included into the nation’s school curriculum to provide opportunity for primary and secondary students to learn sign language and ensure an all inclusive society.