A two day capacity building  programme for sign language interpreters on
violence against persons and prohibition law, child rights law and disabilities right law, has ended in Awka.

The training which was organized by a non-governmental organization, Rule of law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC attracted thirty sign language interpreters from various schools of specialty across the State.

Rule of law and Anti-Corruption RoLAC was established to enhance good governance, strengthen rule of law and curb corruption in Nigeria.

Addressing the media shortly after the programme, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs Dr Azuka Ofomata who lauded the RoLAC initiative
expressed optimism that the right of persons living with disabilities will be better protected if they have the knowledge on the application of the law.

Dr Ofomata appreciated Chief Willie Obiano who he described as disability friendly Governor and called on other people of goodwill in Anambra State and beyond to key into the RoLACs initiative in order to give a sense of belonging to those living with disabilities.

He canvassed for sign language to be taught in schools to help improve
communication between the speech and hearing impaired persons and the
public.

In an interview, the Anambra State RoLACs programme Manager, Mrs
Josephine Onah, said that the objective of the training was to equip sign language interpreters with proper knowledge of the disability rights law.

Delivering lectures during the programme, the President of Anambra
State Customary Court and a consultant to RoLAC on Disability Rights law, Mr Prince-will Iwuafor, and his Child’s Rights  Law counterpart, Sir Emeka Ejide noted that the landmark law enacted to protect persons living with disabilities in the state prohibits all forms of
discriminations and criminalizes various offences against People Living with Disabilities.

Some of the participants including Mrs Jane Okaroh of the Special School for the Deaf Odakpu Onitsha and Mr Bertrand Ifediegwu of BASDEN Memorial Special Education Centre Isulo, while lauding the initiative assured of communicating effectively to speech and hearing impaired persons in their communities and schools.

They further advised parents to always allow their children with disabilities to attend special schools.