The Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ondo State has presented a comprehensive needs assessment report for the various clusters of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), aimed at promoting an inclusive 2026 budget.

With technical support from the Disabilities Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), the report comprises responses gathered from an online survey and a physical workshop held in the state.

It was unveiled during a stakeholders’ validation meeting on the draft report of PWDs Need Assessment toward 2026 bugdet in Ondo State,  held on Friday 25th, July 2025 at Sunview Hotel,  Akure, the State capital.

Among key demands outlined in the report are: a 5% employment slot for PWDs across all sectors; the establishment of a cadre for sign language interpreters, as already practiced in Osun, Ekiti, and Lagos states; and the introduction of a monthly disability grant, such as Conditional Cash Transfers or PWD stipends.

The PWDs also called for a comprehensive review and implementation of the social protection policy in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the National Disability Act, 2018. Part of the demand includes the provision of a special disability allowance—equivalent to 25% of the basic salary—for civil servants with disabilities, as already implemented in Nasarawa State. Many participants shared their struggles with transportation to work, which incurs additional expenses.

The report further requested the establishment of a state-run vocational and skill acquisition centre tailored to the unique needs of PWDs, and an increase in the scope of scholarships and bursaries for PWDs at all educational levels in the state.

To ensure inclusive healthcare services, they advocated the procurement of modern, disability-friendly infrastructure such as ramps with handrails and elevators where necessary. They also appealed for the training of healthcare professionals on best global practices in engaging with PWDs.

Specifically, persons with albinism requested the establishment of free dermatological care facilities in designated state specialist hospitals across the state, as well as the free provision of sunscreen and sunblock creams.

Another key recommendation was the upgrading of the State’s neuropsychiatric hospital to offer comprehensive psychological support for PWDs. The report also called for an upward review of monthly running and administrative grants to the four special schools in the state.

Other requests include the procurement of specialized learning tools—such as computers with adapted features, braille textbooks, and audio materials—deployment of healthcare officers and provision of dedicated school buses for special schools.

Additional proposals include: the establishment of one pilot fully inclusive school in each of the three senatorial districts; deployment of sign language interpreters in all government hospitals; creation of a Para-sports department; and training on inclusive agricultural practices, among others.

Addressing participants, the Executive Director of DINABI, Engr. Funso Olajide, noted that Ondo is the fourth state in the Southwest—after Ekiti, Osun, and Kwara—to produce and present a PWDs’ needs assessment report, thanks to the support of the Disability Rights Fund.

He said DINABI has provided similar technical support in these states over the past four years, yielding positive results.

In his goodwill message, the Administrative Secretary of the Agency for the Welfare of PWDs, Barr. Eniola Olusola, refuted claims of inadequate support from the agency. He stated that the agency operates based on established principles and guidelines, which must be followed in decision-making processes.

He assured the PWDs of the agency’s commitment to collaborate and support the implementation of the report’s recommendations, urging them to maintain trust and transparency in their demands.

The State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Samuel Olusegun commended the initiative, describing it as the first time that PWDs would jointly present a budget proposal based on their needs. He expressed optimism for a favourable response from the government.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Albinism Cluster, Mrs. Busola Ademeko, appreciated DINABI for its advocacy and unwavering support for the welfare of PWDs in Ondo State.

The Programme Manager of DINABI, Mr. Mike Duyile, emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving inclusive budgeting. He highlighted the need for clear communication, defined roles, continuous monitoring and evaluation, and leveraging collective resources for sustainable outcomes.

The meeting was attended by stakeholders, including representatives from the State Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, and Civil Society Organisations, all of whom pledged support for the realisation of the report’s recommendations.

The highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of a committee to oversee the presentation of the needs assessment proposals to relevant authorities and to lead advocacy efforts toward a successful outcome.