Special Persons Club in conjunction with University Health Service holds International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2019 with the theme “The Future is Accessible” on December 4th, 2019 at the maternity ward, Jaja clinic, University of Ibadan (UI)
Speaking at the event, Dean of students representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (admin), Prof. K.O. Adebowale in his goodwill message, mentioned that the university recognizes students with special needs and provides inclusive education for them. He highlighted the fact that Queen Elizabeth II and Kuti halls were reserved for students with special needs and that there has been transfer of students from other halls of residence to those two on referral from Jaja. He concluded by encouraging the organisers of the program and students with special needs informing them that there is no discrimination and they are a part of all.
Goodwill messages were also given by the Chaplain, Rev. Fr Francis and a representative of the Chief Imam. Speaking, Rev Francis encouraged everyone not to think less of ourselves and encouraged the attendances to know God through Christ Jesus.
The representative of the Chief Imam mentioned an instance when a prophet was corrected by God for ignoring a visually impaired man’s interruption. He mentioned that disabilities are as a result of the destiny of Allah and these persons deserve empathy, not sympathy.
After the Chaplain’s goodwill message just before that of the Imam representative, the cake was cut accompanied with photographs.
INN gathers that the next section of the program- “Telling our story – inclusiveness and our battle to fit in” involved four individuals that shared a few of their experiences with the audience.
Akolade Ruth, who is physically-challenged and a graduate of the university of Ibadan, Department of Special Education gave her experiences so far as tough and rough especially in the aspects of transportation and healthcare but she remained an achiever despite all.
The second person, Oluwatobi Peter also a physically-challenged individual is a student of UI, department of Sociology. His disability was as a result of a football injury when he was in primary school and he was denied admission because of his condition. He described the members of his faculty as very homely and helpful.
The third participant, Enweremadu Mercy had been visually impaired since age 5. She outlined several challenges she faces on campus such as sourcing for materials and navigating around campus.
The fourth participant, Eze Kelechi Miracle was hearing-impaired from birth as a result of jaundice and premature birth. His challenges were more at his elementary level as it took a long while for his mother to find a school that had provision for the hearing-impaired. He is currently a 100 level student of the University of Ibadan and expressed his displeasure in unavailability of interpreters on campus which the HOD of the department of special education gave reasons for.
According to the Head of Department of Special Education, Prof. M.S. Eniola, there are only about 5 interpreters in the whole university which prevents them from being able to meet up with the students demands. He appealed to the University management to employ more interpreters.
The Dean of students, Professor Adekeye Abiona promised to write to the VC concerning parking on walkways which is not in favour of the visually impaired students and the blocking of ramps would be looked into.
The last participant, Odejimi Oluwakemi had congenital visual impairment as she developed steven Johnson’s syndrome from an injection. She pleaded that guide cane awareness should be made viral and expressed her displeasure in movies that make jest of disabled persons.
Video clips of special talents were projected on the screen. A visually impaired man that draws, a lady with physical disability singing beautifully, the piano being played with the toes due to absence of the hands, people on wheel chairs playing basketball. The audience was indeed amazed and the disabled persons encouraged that they can achieve even more.
The invited guests also gave their speeches in the event, speaking, Dr. E.B. Ajala expressed his displeasure at the fact that a policy in favour of the individuals with special needs has been approved but no implementation up till now. He praised Unilorin for the functionality of their disability centre where his son who had a disability resulting from jaundice graduated from.
Prof. A.O. Fakolade, another invited guest mentioned instances of visually impaired people attaining their Ph.D, consideration during post-UTME for special needs aspirants, advantages of scholarships and promised that the condition will get better as it is a gradual process. He highlighted the aims of celebrating the day which are to create awareness and also support them. He also explained inclusion, i.e looking beyond segregation.
Another guest, Joke Alonge shared her experience of denial from British airways which a body rose and fought for her and she got paid for the denial. She also shared her experience of how her HOD locked her out of the class for being late despite the fact that she waited for him to pass on her way to the class. This was during her undergraduate days. She encouraged disabled persons not to give up as the qualification you have is what allows for progress.
Prof. Adeniyi, the former assistant warden at Tedder hall explained that there are several forms of disabilities which includes intellectual, sensory, physical, and some occur in pairs. He also explained that some are congenital and majority are acquired. He mentioned some ways forward which include;
-Implementation of existing laws
-Deployment of technology.
-Institutional care and support.
-Giving priority to Individuals with special needs,
-Use of mobility devices.
-Encouragement from others.
He concluded with the Rose and tomato theory which says the rose looks and smells better but the tomato prepares a better stew.
Barrister Adekanbi Ayodele, the executive assistant to the governor on disability (Oyo state) who is visually impaired said that the society is discouraging and the discouragement will not stop. He added “we have to be determined and see the discouragement as a big challenge and begin to talk now for the government to bring about a change.”
He mentioned that the federal government just signed a special needs individuals equal-opportunity bill which they have been fighting for for about 15 years. He said people should use social media to move the government for implementation if not they won’t. He advised them to put in effort and be consistent to make sure it works.
The occasion was graced by over 150 people which included a Representative of the Governor, the Deputy Registrar, the Dean of Students, the Chaplain, Special Assistant to the governor on disability, the Director of University Health Service, Persons with special needs, professors and lecturers, students of the university of Ibadan, members of the university health service. Members of the Special Persons Club, invited guests and media crews, Splash FM and Diamond 101.1 were also present at the event.