Freky Andrew-Essien Care (FAECARE) Foundation has engaged Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rivers Chapter under the auspices of the Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG) to present challenges persons with disabilities face in accessing places of worship, address, and recommend possible solutions to the elimination of inaccessibility to the physical environment for Persons with Disabilities.
The foundation disclosed this during its one day summit called “Anointing for Good Governance.”
This is part of the foundation’s ongoing project on Disability Rights Initiative Project Accessibility (DRIPA).
Speaking during the event, Program Officer, Elsie Worgor highlighted the consequences, and challenges faced by Persons with disabilities in accessing the religious centres and its environs.
Worgor urged the church to provide ramps for wheelchair users and a sign language interpreter to enable persons with hearing impairments follow services.
She also reminded the religious leaders on what the Bible itself recorded about the entrance of God’s word which brings light but persons with disabilities are denied this knowledge due to their inability to access the religious centres.
The Directorate of Politics and Governance, who was impressed with the advocacy team, noted that it’s his first time hearing about issues around accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in places of worship. He inquired the audience who were seated if they have followed up and heard all that was said with respect to the accessibility of the churches and environs for PWDs.
He spoke to the religious leaders to make their churches and worship centres accessible, baptismal tanks and engage PWDs in church activities.
The head of Directorate of Politics and Governance, PFN, assured that he will make his church accessible by structuring a ramp for wheelchair users and other necessities with respect to making his place of worship accessible.
INN reports that copies of the advocacy materials, UNCRPD pamphlets, stickers from FAECARE Foundation on accessibility were submitted to the DPG Directorate.