By Justina Auta
Stakeholders on Monday advocated for improved access to assistive technologies to increase inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in all sectors.
They made the call during the 2022 International Disability Dialogue organised by Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF) and Palladium on Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagements (SCALE) project in Abuja.
The theme of the event is “Unite Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Ms Dolapo Agbede, an Inclusion Expert at Will Way Paradigm Limited, Nigeria, said many companies have developed technological devices that would improve the well being, increase visibility and facilitate communication for PWDs.
Agbede, however, stressed the need for accessibility, affordability and insurance packages that would enable PWDs to maintain and upgrade their assistive technologies.
She said “it will be interesting to have insurance policies that will help us replace our accessibility tools and devices.
“When given these devices and assistive technological tools, we know they need maintenance and upgrading, but we need sustainable ways to ensure they are in good form.”
Ms Susan Agada, the Vulnerable Population Sector Manger of SCALE, said PWDs tend to suffer more violence than other people.
She said “we want to keep lending our voices to zero tolerance on issues of violence, abuse and continue to promote an inclusive society so that we can have a better Nigeria.
“This year’s theme for the International Day of People Living with Disabilities shows that we have to continue to be tech-savvy
and leverage on technology to ensure our impacts are felt across board.
“Technology allows more visibility and provides platform for PWDs.
“We want to encourage everybody to leverage on technology and ensure that we share knowledge, learning and practices all over the world for a developed society.”
On her part, Miss Rose Daniel, the Technical Adviser, CSF, said the event provides platform to highlights challenges facing PWDs, as well as GBV perpetrated by close relatives, though serving as their aides.
She added that “PWDs face challenges such as attitudinal barriers in not only our communities, but also in institutions, employment opportunities, health and education sector.
“We plead with the government to fully implement the Disability Act as it will help reduce challenges and discrimination faced by PWDs.”
Mr Okoye Vincent, a participant and an IT Specialist, said some materials have been produced for PWDs like the braille, motorised wheelchair, magnifying glasses and hearing aide.
“If these devices are easily accessible, it will provide an enabling environment for PWDs to work and go about their lives with ease and less stress.”
Vincent, while highlighting the challenges and discrimination PWDs go through, said the dialogue was an opportunity to sensitise them on rights and potential, as well as showcase to the world their abilities.
“We call on the government to put more action to their words, provide support and funding, as well as monitor the funds allocated. Put more monitoring and evaluation measures into programmes meant for PWD,” he said.
He charged government to include PWDs in programmes meant for them and to fully implement policies that would protect their rights.
