by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS – The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, in Plateau State, has observed that, because of ‘barriers,’ PWDs in the State are living below poverty level – making them prone to all kinds of disasters.
While briefing journalists in Jos, recently, Chairman of PWDs in the State, Shindol Aaron A., said “As part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ celebration, with the theme: ‘United in action to rescue and achieve sustainable development goals for with Persons with Disabilities,’ the celebration underscores collaborative action for a better future for all.”
According to him, to achieve the theme of the year, it is expedient to address the press on the ordeal of Persons with Disabilities in Plateau State.
He noted that, the purpose was to voice out the challenges being faced in their community – in the hope that, together, they can initiate positive changes and foster a more inclusive society.
“It is disheartening to note that, despite progress made in advocacy and creation of awareness in the society, Persons with Disabilities in the State continue to face numerous challenges that hinder their full and equal participation in all aspects of life.
“Even though, we have one form of impairment or the other, it does not in any way affect our minds or our intellectual capacities.
“We have a very sound mind and highly progressive in our thoughts. The biggest problem we have is the barriers that hinder our equal and equitable participation in societal endeavors,” he stressed.
Shindol Aaron observed that, although, 5 percent slots of employment barriers was apportioned by law, yet it remained what he termed as a “paper policy document” in the state, while some states thrive well in that area.
He said, “Empowerment barriers is a major component that is meant to help de-escalate poverty among disabilities, but has been denied oxygen to survive, and so even PWDs hardly survive.
“On education barriers, the Disability Right Law made provision for home and abroad scholarship for PWDs, yet it remains unrealistic dreams in the state.
He stressed that, “Attitudinal barriers, structural barriers and societal barriers and discrimination seem to be rising, despite the advocacy and awareness campaign. Persons with Disabilities deserve to live a good and decent life – just like any other person.
The chairman appealed to the Plateau State Government and spirited individuals to grant them their request, because the “Time is Now” for Persons with Disabilities not to be treated as second-class citizens, but to be given their rightful place.
He also noted, saying, their demand is that, all PWDs should be granted waver for immediate employment; empowerment packages should be rolled out to them to better their standard of living, and their children should be allowed to enjoy free education at all levels and free health services or at highly subsidized rate.
Also, they want government to make provision for grant and/or soft loans to encourage businesses owned by PWDs, provide housing for them to enhance and guarantee their well-being.
Mr. Shindol Aaron was emphatic that, “Persons with Disabilities should be considered for all political appointments, and they should be given 5 percent consideration in award of government contracts through the principle of equity, as enshrined in the Disability Right Law.”