Foundation seeks full implementation of Disability Act

This includes their right to accessible physical structures, inclusive education, employment opportunities and transportation systems.

Update: 2025-01-23 13:12 GMT
Foundation seeks full implementation of Disability Act
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An NGO, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the full implementation of National Disability Act.

President of the foundation, Mrs Rose Mordi, made the call in an interview with the news men on Thursday in Lagos.

Mordi decried the slow pace of implementation of the act which had been since 2018.

According to her, the non-implementation of the act has continually made persons with disabilities (PWDs) to face lots of challenges, ranging from denial, discrimination, frustration to stigmatisation, in the society.

“I have not seen any implementation of the Disability Act.

“Unfortunately, the act is being politicised. The right structures needed to ensure its implementation are not yet in place.

“Hence there’s urgent need for the federal government to put the needed structures in place; awareness of the act and its provisions need to be enhanced,” Mordi said.

The DSFN president said that other ways of advancing disability rights was to ensure inclusion of PWDs in the state and non-state programmes and activities across all sectors.

She advised relevant stakeholders, policymakers, government, civil society and the private sector to be more proactive in advancing inclusive policies and practices supporting PWDs.

These, according to her, include: promoting greater community support for disability inclusion, improving accessibility and ensuring active participation of PWDs in decision-making processes.⁣

“The relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as the private sector and the public need to prioritise the implementation and enforcement of National Disability Act by ensuring that persons with disabilities are able to fully participate in the society.

“This includes their right to accessible physical structures, inclusive education, employment opportunities and transportation systems.

”Other areas are political participation, healthcare services and safety in all situations of risk, violence, emergencies and natural disasters, among others, as enshrined in the act.⁣

“Together, we can make Nigeria a more inclusive, accessible and equitable society for everyone,” she stated.

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