PWDs Calls for Increased Support and Inclusive Policies

…Presents Key Recommendations for SDG Summit

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The president of the joint national association of persons with disabilities (JONAPWD), Dr. Abdulahi Alihu Usman, has urged both federal and state governments to allocate more funding and prioritize the inclusion of people with disabilities in decision-making processes.

Usman said this at a one-day consultation forum organized by Sightsavers, which is focused on the mid-term review of disability inclusion in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the theme “Leaving No One Behind.”

He stressed the importance of building a society where persons with disabilities are integral parts.

He said, “ We need a society where persons with disabilities are not only prepared for the workforce but are also seen as integral parts of society.”

Dr. Usman called upon all relevant stakeholders to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and a say in decisions that affect their lives.

Country Advocacy Coordinator for Sightsavers, Esther Bature emphasized the importance of collaboration with the government and advocacy efforts led by persons with disabilities to ensure their recommendations are heeded.

This grassroots approach aims to address inclusiveness in government decision-making processes across the country.

Deputy director Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAB-SDGs), Dr. Zakariya Mohammed, called on world leaders to prioritize transformative and inclusive actions for people with disabilities.

Disabilities inclusive development specialists Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, the keynote speaker put forth a series of vital recommendations which was discussed at the forum.

“ In preparation for the upcoming 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit in New York and to advance the SDGs with inclusivity in mind, key recommendations were discussed at the forum.

“ One of the key proposals is a comprehensive review of various social intervention programs by relevant ministries. The aim is to tailor these programs to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including accessibility and accommodation.

“ The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities intends to collaborate with relevant health ministries to develop guidelines that ensure the provision of disability-inclusive and accessible health services, taking into account diverse disability needs.

“ Education is another critical aspect addressed in these recommendations. The NCPWD plans to work with education ministries to create standards and guidelines aligning with inclusive education policies, regulating practices in disability-inclusive classrooms and schools.

“ Efforts to reduce gender disparities as outlined in the Disability Act of 2018 are underway. The NCPWD, in partnership with women-focused ministries, will develop a gender framework to address gender-specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

“ Collaboration between relevant ministries aims to design and implement a framework to foster disability-inclusive labor, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

“ The NCPWD intends to collaborate with research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders to establish a nationwide technical support program, building capacities for effective implementation of the Disability Act.

“ Advocates recommend that all government ministries establish Disability Desks, staffed by persons with disabilities, to ensure representation in policy and decision-making processes.

“ For accurate data collection, the federal government is advised to adopt the Washington Group Questions Sets (WGQS) for disability-disaggregation of data, providing a more accurate understanding of the disability landscape in Nigeria.”