The Deaf Positive Abilities Initiative (DPAI), a Non-governmental organisation charged with empowering deaf individuals by identifying their unique talents and providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to develop those talents into impactful contributions to society, has sponsored three deaf dancers who are passionate about dancing with ₦150,000 to participate in the just concluded Beyond Words Dance Camp Festival, Lagos 2024 organised by DE-Lights Academy hold annually in July.
Speaking to Inclusive News Network, the Executive Director of DPAI, Miss Odedina Abosede said she drew inspiration from Deaf Can Dance, being one of the founding members. She has passion for dancing, and this encouraged her to create an NGO that offers support to upcoming talents both within and outside disability community and work to help them reach their full potential.
Speaking on how she came about DE-Lights Academy, Miss Abosede said, “In July 2022, I came across DE-Lights Academy on social media and reached out to the manager to see if I could apply and register for the Dance Camp Festival despite being deaf. I was the only deaf dancer among my hearing counterparts. Having garnered experience from the festival last year, I offered to support these deaf individuals so they too can gather the same experiences I had and build their confidence and abilities to conquer in the world of dancing without any form of discrimination.
The multitalented, Abosede added that the three deaf dancers, Miss Olubanjo Olufunso Modupeoluwa, Mr Femi Emmanuel Oladipo and Mr Aleriwon Toluwase Isaiah, are passionate about dancing because dancing is in their blood but they couldn’t meet their Dance camp festival fees due to economic hardship in Nigeria. “It maybe sad if they didn’t apply. Even though I didn’t have much, I offered to support them because I believe in their ability to succeed as persons with disabilities.”
INN reports that despite being the only Deaf dancer, Aleriwon Toluwase won 2nd prize, taking home ₦20,000 in the Krump Bucktitude competition at the Beyond Dance Camp 2024 organised by DE-Lights Academy.
The Executive Director, of DPAI, urged the government and private sectors to never look down on persons with disabilities or discriminate against them because, according to her, “the Deaf and persons with disabilities have a great and smart future, they are talented and have the inherent potential to succeed if given the opportunity.
She also urged the government to implement National Disability Acts, create access to communication in sign language for the deaf, provide sign language interpreters in every public gathering, and create access to healthcare services for the persons with disabilities, among others.
INN also reports that despite not understanding music or beats, Femi Emmanuel Oladipo, the other deaf dancer, danced with passion and energy; his unique style, which includes intricate footwork won him 2nd prize taking home $20 at the Syndicate Dance Competition’s all-style dance battle at the Beyond Words Dance Camp Festival 2024. Femi’s success is a testament to his hard work and resilience.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Toluwase thanked DPAI for their support. He, however, urged the government and other organizations to continue investing in the potential of individuals and communities, just like DPAI has done for them.
According to Toluwase, “your support can be a turning point in someone’s life, providing opportunities for growth, learning, and development.”