As the world marks the International Deafblind Awareness Week, the Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network–Nigeria (DBIAN) has extended warm wishes to all individuals living with Deafblindness both in Nigeria and across the globe. In a heartfelt message to commemorate the week, the organization called for increased visibility, policy inclusion, and government recognition of Deafblindness as a unique and distinct disability.
In a statement signed by its National President, Solomon Okelola, DBIAN highlighted the extraordinary resilience and determination displayed by persons with Deafblindness, despite the daily challenges of navigating life without sight and hearing—two of the body’s primary senses.
“Living with Deafblindness is far from easy. Yet, the courage, determination and tenacity of persons with the condition continue to inspire admiration,” Okelola said. “Their achievements affirm the truth that disability is not inability—and that every individual has something valuable to offer.”
DBIAN emphasized the urgent need for the Nigerian government, at all levels, to recognize Deafblindness as a distinct disability, separate from blindness or deafness. The organization expressed concern over the persistent exclusion of persons with Deafblindness from disability policies, programs, and recognition by national agencies, including the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities.
“It is disheartening that Deafblindness is not mentioned in the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 or in any of its domesticated versions across the states,” Okelola stated. “Many Nigerian states are unaware of this rare disability. Outside Lagos State, where we’ve carried out a pilot survey, there is still little to no data on the condition.”
The lack of recognition, DBIAN noted, has led to extreme marginalization, isolation, and in some tragic cases, loss of lives to suicide. “We have already lost three members to suicide before we could reach them,” Okelola revealed. “And we fear there may be many more living in silence, hidden away by families due to shame, ignorance or lack of knowledge.”
To address this crisis, DBIAN announced plans to launch a national survey on the incidence of Deafblindness across Nigeria. The goal is to identify individuals living with the dual sensory disability, empower them and their families with the tools, knowledge, and technology they need, and build a comprehensive database that will drive future inclusion in national and state-level disability initiatives.
The group is appealing for public support to make the survey a reality. “We ask all Nigerians to assist by sharing information about individuals living with both hearing and vision loss in their communities, and by contributing financially to the project,” the statement said.
As part of the Awareness Week activities, DBIAN is also hosting a series of virtual programs to educate the public on Deafblindness, share coping strategies, and showcase success stories from the community. These events can be followed via DBIAN’s social media channels.
DBIAN expressed gratitude to key partners and supporters including the Disability Rights Fund, Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation, and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA)—the first government body in Africa to officially recognize and support the Deafblind community and to proclaim solidarity with Global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day.
DBIAN celebrated the theme of this year’s observance: “DeafBlind, DeterminedBold: It’s About Creating an Inclusive World That Works for Everyone.”
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