International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day set aside and promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The aim is to encourage a better understanding of people affected by disability, helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The day does not discriminate between mental and physical disabilities. This is why part of the focus this year is: “Not Every Disability is Visible”. Many persons, whose disabilities are not apparent, face double jeopardy in life. They suffer from invisible disabilities and are also denied of the numerous programs instituted to make life better for persons with disabilities.
While the blind, the deaf, the physically challenged and the mentally ill may be easily identifiable, persons with autism, down syndrome, psychological and emotional imbalance may not be phenotypic, except with professional diagnosis.
The spirit of the day we commemorate today seeks to ensure that all people in the world, irrespective of their condition, have equal opportunities to work, play, enjoy life and achieve success. Persons with disabilities can contribute and add value to the society.
The great achievers in Disability community have clearly demonstrated that disability is not liability but can be an asset, if given the required access to equal opportunity. Today is all about recognizing and appreciating the assets they possess.
The theme for this year is: “Building back better: towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities”. People with disabilities are highly affected by the health, social and economic consequences of the global COVID-19 pandemic. W.H.O estimates that more than one billion people, about 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability.
It is estimated that no fewer than 30 million people are living with disabilities in Nigeria, while in Anambra State; the number of people with disabilities is estimated to be not less than 400,000 according to 2006 census.
The theme of this year’s celebration therefore calls for an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 society for persons with disabilities. It also calls for evaluation of the effect COVID-19 has on persons with disabilities and the impact of the various interventions provided by government and private sectors.
No doubt, the disability community is the most vulnerable with regards to W.H.O guidelines on COVID-19 protocols. Physical distancing is not for the blind and persons on wheelchair. The deaf do not hear the jingles. The effect of these includes difficulty in accessing caregivers’ services.
Consequently, poverty, hunger and economic vulnerability constitute further barrier in their quest for the unfettered attainment of full potential and personal fulfillment. Here, we must commend Governor Willie Obiano for his prompt intervention by setting up the Anambra State Disability Community COVID-19 Response Team, through which many other interventions were made available to persons with disabilities by government and private sectors.
It is also worthy to note that Anambra is the only state in the South East that has a legislation to protect the rights of Persons with disabilities. Considering the reality of the post COVID-19 era, it is expected that all governments and other private sectors should promote programs that remove barriers to the survival of persons with disabilities. Activities lined up for this year’s International Day of People with Disabilities in Anambra state include media chats, highlighting Government Commitments on issues and challenges facing Persons with Disabilities. It continues with a rolling rally by the entire Disability Community in Anambra, taking off from the premises of the Anambra Broadcasting Service. The days’ activities will climax with lectures, presentations, awards and empowerments at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center.
The climax of the year’s activities will be a pontifical high and Thanksgiving Mass by 10am on Sunday, December 6th at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka. You are invited.
BARR. CHUKS EZEWUZIE
Comments are closed for this post.