By Mary Agidi

In a move to promote inclusive healthcare delivery, the Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) has announced plans to train healthcare providers in Ondo State on basic sign language. This effort is aimed at enhancing communication between medical personnel and patients with hearing impairments, thereby improving access to essential health services for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

DINABI is taking bold steps to raise awareness among policymakers and healthcare providers on global best practices for disability inclusion, particularly in healthcare and social protection. The organisation has expressed readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders to drive sustainable, inclusive policies across the state.

Speaking during a one-day capacity-building workshop in Akure on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of DINABI, Mr. Funso Olajide, emphasized the urgent need for the domestication of the Disability Law in Ondo State, similar to that of neighbouring Ekiti.

He noted that implementing such legislation would foster an enabling environment where PWDs can participate, contribute, and benefit from life-enhancing opportunities without discrimination.

Mr. Jide decried the absence of disability-friendly facilities and trained medical personnel in the state, stating that these gaps have made it difficult for PWDs—especially those with hearing and speech impairments—to access quality healthcare.

He revealed that with support from the Disability Rights Fund, DINABI will soon commence the training of medical staff on basic sign language to address this critical barrier.

He also announced plans to convene a stakeholders’ workshop in the coming weeks, aimed at sensitising policymakers on globally accepted welfare standards for PWDs.

According to him, many deaf patients are unable to access the healthcare they need simply because providers cannot understand their sign language, adding that the absence of visual aids and sign directions at health facilities further compounds the issue.

During the workshop, themed “Advancing the Rights of PWDs to Accessible Healthcare and Inclusive Social Protection in Ondo State”, Mr. Jide led discussions on two key topics: Accessible Healthcare for PWDs and The Concept of Inclusive Social Protection. He cited research by the Institute of Development Studies indicating that nine out of ten PWDs in Nigeria live in poverty, attributing this to the lack of inclusive social protection programs.

“PWDs are four times more likely to receive inadequate healthcare compared to their non-disabled counterparts,” he added. “Social protection must be about universal coverage, reducing poverty and inequality, and improving health outcomes.”

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ondo State Joint National Association of PWDs, Comrade Samuel Olusegun, commended DINABI for extending its advocacy to the state. He called for collaboration to fast-track the domestication of the disability law in Ondo.

The workshop, held at BON Hotel, Ijapo Estate in Akure, featured a breakout session where participants brainstormed on existing social protection programmes in Ondo State, assessed their inclusivity, and proposed strategies for more robust engagement with stakeholders.

Story Credit: Mary Agidi, Publisher of JATS Online News