The need to put in place, a legal framework and policies that protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities,  PWDs,  in Ondo State to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, topped the list of priorities at the one day workshop on the development of PWDs Charter of demand, organised by the Disability Is Not A Barrier Initiative, DINABI.

Funded by the Disability Rights Fund, the workshop, held at the Sunview hotel Alagbaka, Akure the state capital, was aimed at collating the needs of PWDs in Ondo State for DINABI to channel them in a drafted document to the government and political parties ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial election.

Giving the overview of the project which has been executed in Osun and Ekiti states, the DINABI Executive Director,  Mr. Olajide Funso Benjamin noted that the outcome of the PWDs’ needs assessment workshop would be duplicated after revalidation, and forward to the candidates of six political parties ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial election.

He decried the  lack of disability law in Ondo State which has been enacted by Ekiti state government, attributing it to the reason members of different associations of PWDs clusters couldn’t demand for their rights to inclusive governance, education, empowerment, Healthcare services, among others.

Earlier in his introductory remarks, the DINABI Programme officer, Mr. Michael Ogundele, had informed that DINABI’s mission was to help in championing  advocacy for the rights of the PWDs, their inclusion in every sector of life, and for equity and justice.

In her goodwill message, the Chairman of Ondo State Agency for the welfare of persons with disabilities,  Princess Folasade Arise lauded DINABI for championing the cause of the PWDs, noting that inclusivity and accessibility are fundamental human rights which required the commitment of individuals and organizations in ensuring equal opportunity for everyone to participate and contribute to societal affairs.

According to her, even though Ondo State is yet to have a disability law, the government had been magnanimous in prioritizing the welfare of PWDs, starting from the establishment of the agency she heads, to employment of PWDs into government ministries, agencies and parastatals.

Arise expressed optimism that the outcome of the workshop would  serve as impetus for government to further implement policies that are favorable for the different categories of the PWDs in Ondo State.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, Mr. Segun Abiodun thanked the organizers for bringing the initiative to Ondo state. He was optimistic that the programme would yield the desired results.

In attendance were representatives of the visually impaired, deaf and dumb, albinism group, mobility disability group, Civil society organizations, among others.

Other priorities highlighted to  form the PWDs charter of demand include, affordable and accessible Healthcare services, motivation for para-sports, inclusive education, agricultural opportunities, social protection schemes and inclusion in governance.

The programme featured general discussion about issues that affect the various PWDs’ categories, including the recent increase in the death of albinos caused by skin cancer due to unavailability of skincare items and absence of specialized Healthcare services;  appointment of PWDs into normal positions in consideration of their potential and professional expertise, among others.

Published by Mary Agidi