The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Osun State has urged Nigerians to show immense respect towards persons with disabilities rather than mistreating them in ways that might diminish their spirits. According to the group’s chairman, Mr. Stephen Idowu, people with disabilities face many societal struggles. These struggles include a lack of support for their basic needs. Mr. Idowu stated that adding additional forms of mistreatment only makes life worse for them. The group urges society to treat individuals with disabilities with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Mr. Idowu delivered a speech at a two-day capacity-building workshop in Osogbo. The workshop focused on rights-based advocacy and strategies for organizations of PWD in Osun State. The Festus Fajemilo Foundation coordinated the event.
According to a statement released by Idowu on Saturday, he said, ”
People’s attitudes towards persons with disabilities is very derogatory. The words people use to qualify us are naughty.
“Landlords do not want to give us apartments because of our conditions, and it makes it very difficult for us to secure accommodation. Securing employment is another issue. People are not ready to give our members jobs.
“Getting into public buildings can also be difficult for our members. We find it difficult to reach some public places because there is no provision for pathways that we can use because of our conditions to reach there. What we need is encouragement, more respect, and not any kind of treatment that can bring down our morale.”
While addressing the gathering, the charity’s co-founder, Afolabi Fajemilo, emphasized that adopting the state’s legislation banning discrimination against people with disabilities will improve their quality of life.
CC: Punch
