ABIA STATE: Quality Of Life Among Persons With Physical Disability Matters

ABIA STATE: Quality Of Life Among Persons With Physical Disability Matters

The global discussion of the quality of life of the physically challenged people has continued to be a viral deliberation with ASSURED STEP CHARITY FOUNDATION hosting an interactive session at Roots Restaurant, Umuahia, Abia state with the theme being the role of society in making life easier for physically challenged persons in our communities.

The interactive session which took place on the 1st of March 2024, had the Founder of Assured Step Charity Foundation Mrs Nkebuifu E. Agu explaining the aim and objective of the Foundation and also revealing the challenges faced daily by the Physically Challenged Persons in society.

In her speech, he revealed that the attitude towards the vulnerable groups around us is deeply affecting the realization of their potential and called for an institutional change of character towards the vulnerable groups to enable them to meet up with their potential and exceed expectations.

Mrs Nkebuifu made it clear that Persons with disabilities are more likely to experience extreme poverty than those without disability if institutions and groups do not play effective roles in assisting them and providing frameworks that will encourage them.

While speaking Ferdinand Ekeoma the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on media and publicity, stated that both the state and federal level have taken some steps to address the needs of persons with disabilities. One significant step he mentioned was the 2019 ratification of the Discriminations Against Persons with Disabilities (prohibition) Act 2018, though implementation is yet to materialize.

In addition, the Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on People with Disability Mr. David Anyaele highlighted states in the federation that have enacted Disability Laws which are meant to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. He said;

“Persons with disabilities in Nigeria persistently face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing basic social services and economic opportunities. Today, they face greater barriers. persons with disabilities may experience negative attitudes at family and community levels, including name-calling, negative beliefs and misconceptions surrounding the causes of disabilities usually associated with religious or cultural norms and beliefs.”

During an interview with AF TELEVISION, a woman with a physical disability stated;

“Some people say the reason why I am visually impaired is because I committed a sin”, these negative attitudes manifest in rejection, neglect, loss of respect, denial of Identity or self-worth, and often result in low self-esteem, depression and isolation.”

Lecturing, Dr. Eferibe Nemenma Jessica who spoke on Sexual and Reproductive Health along with structural limitations and challenges, revealed the barriers of persons with disabilities in accessing basic services such as education, health, public transport, and social safety nets.

Professor Tony Nlewadin said unemployment rates among persons with disabilities are almost double that of the general population, owing to attitudinal, mobility-related, technological, and physical barriers (lack of accessible workplaces) faced by physically challenged persons.

“Assistive devices are expensive and not easily available which limits the mobility and access to technology for persons with disabilities.”

In conclusion, Elder Dr Gilbert Elesie Agbai further emphasized the need to place focus on disability equality, the rights of disabled people and also the delivery of improvements in the experience of the vulnerable groups in our society.

“This should be used as a clarion call; we cannot ignore the disabled people or leave them behind.” He concluded.