The Abuja Association of the Deaf (AAD) has urged the Nigerian government, FCT Ministers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media to ensure equal opportunities and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs), with a special focus on the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
During an advocacy visit to the General Manager of NTA Channel 5 Abuja, Ayoade Beyioku-Alase, Chairman of the AAD, stressed the need for enhanced communication accessibility. He called for the employment of Deaf individuals and sign language interpreters at NTA Channel 5 Abuja to help bridge the communication gap between the Deaf community and the wider public.
Beyioku-Alase also underscored the importance of enforcing the 5% employment quota for Persons with Disabilities, as stipulated by the 2018 Discrimination Against PWDs (Prohibition) Act.
He further urged NTA to support awareness campaigns regarding the insufficient distribution of palliatives to PWDs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and to fully back the upcoming International Week of the Deaf People, set to take place from November 28-30, 2024.
“Partnership is key to achieving our objectives,” Beyioku-Alase emphasized. “By amplifying our voices, we can dispel misconceptions and foster a more inclusive society.”
The AAD expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting, noting the positive commitments from NTA Channel 5 towards promoting Deaf inclusion and accessibility.
In response, the General Manager of NTA Abuja, Paul Atte pledged to collaborate with the AAD in amplifying the voices of PWDs. He also expressed interest in exploring employment opportunities and providing sign language training for NTA staff to improve communication accessibility. Furthermore, he affirmed NTA’s commitment to partnering with the AAD for the International Week of the Deaf People.