(Punch)
December 13, 2012
LAGOS, NIGERIA– [Excerpt provided by Inclusion Daily Express] On Monday, December 3, 2012, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed across the world. The annual ritual was celebrated in Nigeria, not unexpectedly, with speeches and glib promises by government to improve the lot of the physically challenged persons in our society.
It is estimated that over 15 per cent of Nigerians are PWD. However, this should be persons with bodily disabilities. In truth, however, all human beings are disabled one way or the other as no human has infinite ability.
In Nigeria, the community of persons with bodily disabilities is growing at a geometric rate. Every act of terrorism, road and domestic accidents, medical misdiagnosis, parents refusal to immunise their children against polio and other killer diseases, collapsed buildings and many others leave victims as potential temporary or permanent members of the PWD.
But it must be noted that Nigeria’s persons with disabilities are vulnerable and marginalised lot. The enabling environment is lacking for these persons to realise their full potential.
We always view them from the prism of invalids and dependants. Our mindset is that they are beggars and never-do-wells. How wrong we are!
Entire article:
Plight of persons with disabilities in Nigeria
http://tinyurl.com/ide1213125a
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