Executive Chairman, Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, Mr. Saleh Barde Keana, has challenged other public and private institutions to strictly adhere to the nation’s Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
Barde said disability inclusion is paramount in influencing tough and inclusive development in the country.
He made the disclosure when he led members of the Commission on a familiarisation visit to the Rector of the Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic in Lafia, Monday.
He emphasised that most public buildings are inaccessible to PWDs, adding that such is a contravention of the law which mandates institutions to provide friendly access to PWDs.
According to him, the law states that person with disability shall not be discriminated against on the ground of his disability by any person or institution in any manner or circumstance.
“The law also mandates that a person with disability has the right to access the physical environment and buildings on an equal basis with others.
“A public building shall be constructed with the necessary accessibility aids such as lifts (where necessary), ramps and any other facility that shall make them accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities,” .
He appreciated the Rector for giving PWDs special attention in the institution by implementing the five percent quota in employment, admission and free education.
He expressed satisfaction with the Rector’s willingness to serve the institution in the best of his ability, adding that “We are proud of you”.
In his remarks, Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Nurudeen Mu’azu Maifata, congratulated the Executive Chairman and his members on their “well-deserved appointments”, believing that the PWDs are essential components of every society’s growth.
Dr. Maifata said since the legislation on Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, the institution has done it’s best in granting access to public services and facilities for PwDs. He assured of his commitment to disability inclusion in the institution.