Advancing Inclusion: Persons with Disabilities Charter of Demand Workshop in Ondo State

The Disability not a Barrier Initiative (DINABI) hosted a meaningful one-day workshop on May 2, 2024, at the Sunview Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State. The workshop aimed to create a Charter of Demand for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to advocate for their rights and inclusion in various areas. Miss Esther, representing the Kids & Teens Resource Center Akure, joined other individuals with disabilities from diverse clusters.

The workshop started with registrations, a heartfelt opening prayer, and a warm welcome address, setting the stage for the day’s discussions.

The agenda covered three key areas:

1. Looking into disability legal frameworks and policies.
2. Discussing disability inclusion and highlighting gaps in existing legislation.
3. Identifying key demands for PWDs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legal frameworks, accessible healthcare, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and social protection schemes.

Key Insights and Advocacy:

• Discussions revealed the absence of comprehensive disability legislation in Ondo State, highlighting the need for progress comparable to other states like Ekiti.
• Advocacy efforts focused on the employment of interpreters in key offices and the allocation of 5% of employment opportunities for PWDs.
• The formation of advocacy groups, such as the Bauv Handicap Group, was emphasized to drive inclusion and representation for PWDs within the community.
• The identified needs for PWDs spanned crucial aspects including legal frameworks, healthcare, sports, education, employment, accessibility, agriculture, transportation, social protection, and political participation.

Group Discussions and Solutions: Participants engaged in brainstorming sessions, with group three focusing on Employment, Empowerment, and Social Protection Scheme:

Employment:

1. Advocated for the implementation of a 5% employment quota for PWDs at state and local government levels.
2. Emphasized the need to recruit qualified individuals from special schools. Also, to promote inclusive education and the provision of adequate facilities in educational institutions.

Empowerment:

1. Proposed specific provisions for PWDs in government empowerment programs, such as protective kits and soft loans.
2. Recommended regular training and skills acquisition programs tailored to individual disabilities.

Social Protection Scheme:

1. Advocated for the full implementation of social protection acts to safeguard PWDs from harmful practices.
2. Stressed the significance of respecting the rights and entitlements of PWDs without discrimination.

The workshop concluded with group presentations and a collective photo session. This symbolizing solidarity in advocating for the rights and inclusion of PWDs in Ondo State.