In an effort to strengthen the voice of the deaf-blind community in Nigeria, the “DeafBlind Support Initiative” has been launched with support from Disability Rights Fund, aiming to foster unity and raise awareness about dual sensory impairment.
Solomon Okelola, Executive Director of Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation (LALIF), spoke at the event, calling for the inclusion of deaf-blind individuals in mainstream society and policy. He noted that decisions on disabilities and special education should actively include the deaf-blind community, advocating for greater representation.
Mr. Okelola warned of a likely rise in deaf-blind cases due to gaps in medical awareness about its causes, underscoring the need for preventive action. He emphasized the loss of potential talent due to insufficient educational support, leading to dependency and limited economic contributions, which impact societal standards of living.
He appealed for public support in raising awareness and better understanding the needs of people with deaf-blindness. He announced that Nigeria would now observe both the annual Deaf-Blind Awareness Week in June and the Global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day in September, thanks to LALIF’s initiatives.
Mrs. Osi Foluke, representing the Special Needs Department at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, stated her department’s intent to include the deaf-blind community in its programming and urged close collaboration with LALIF.
Mr. Abiodun Oguntola of CBM Global Disability Inclusion affirmed his organization’s support for the deaf-blind community, aiming for equal access to societal opportunities and resources.
Representing the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mr. Badmus Adebola celebrated the establishment of LALIF in Lagos and praised the state’s recent commitment to supporting the deaf-blind community, including marking Global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day—a pioneering step for Africa. He assured ongoing support from Lagos for future initiatives.
Dr. Ndubuisi Iroham of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council spoke on the importance of inclusive education, expressing hope for collaborative research with LALIF to advance special education.
Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, representing the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, assured the Deaf-blind community that the Commission is committed to their inclusion in every policy and program. He expressed readiness to work with LALIF and other disability groups to ensure all people with disabilities enjoy full rights and equal access within society.
The event concluded with the formal inauguration of the DeafBlind Support Initiative, attended by representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and leaders of other disability organizations.