Commemorated every 3rd of December across the globe, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) offer unique opportunities for groups and individuals to champion the Disability cause in multiple ways.
This year, a FAECARE team made up of the Executive Director, Ndifreke Andrew-Essien, Assumpta Ebiriukwu and Osaki Theresa Georgewill opted to mark the global event by organizing a week long series of media advocacy via radio discussions. The series lasted from 1st. – 7th December.
The series focused on riveting discussions targeted at raising awareness, sensitizing, and educating the public on disability issues.
Each of the discourses reflected the IDPD theme for the year; “Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable Post-Covid 19 World.
Inclusive News Network gathered that several questions were raised and answered during the series conversations. Some of these include:The importance of creating Leadership opportunities and promoting participation for Persons with disabilities. Practical keys for improving the lives of PWDs in Nigeria, etc.
Recommendations were also made to enlighten the public on Disability Inclusion and Participation.
“Disability Inclusion strategy is an intentional act of removing barriers that exclude Persons with Disabilities. It engages a multi-pronged approach to its target.
Inclusion strategy for Persons with Disabilities operates on the following principles:
“Participation and not just Representation is what is insisted upon. PWDs are not just available to make up the numbers and quotas. They shouldbe part of the conversations and decision making processes.
“Persons with Disabilities in leadership or aspiring to leadership must be given the opportunities and privilege to build their capacity and expertise in areas of concern.
“Advocacy for the rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as enlightenment on disability issues isn’t a one time event, it must be continuous and intentional.
“The Media have a key role to play in disability advocacy and awareness. They can influence how the public perceives disability through the way they project stereotypes behind these perceptions.
“Organizations, corporate bodies and institutions should, as a matter of priority have a Disability Inclusion Policy.
“Government (Federal and State) must give attention to Disability Laws and their Implementation.
“The discussants noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had many lessons for everyone which should not be forgotten. It was reiterated that:
“Interventions put in place by Government, private or social sector players must be inclusive right from conception and planning. PWDs must be at the core of the process and not just an afterthought during implementation.
“Poor access to health information for a group of Persons, will affect everyone. Information sharing must be inclusive.
“Health Systems that are not inclusive will remain ineffective
“Remote working has opened more opportunities and access to work, as the traditional 9-5 is not the only way to be employed.”
Andrew-Essien says: “the concept of Disability Inclusion was pivotal in all of the conversations”. It was further amplified by the FAECARE Team catchphrase: “Disability Inclusion starts with You and I”.
