The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) today received the Deafblind Cluster, one of the most unique and often overlooked disability groups, on an official courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. The visit, led by Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation, sought to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons who are deafblind and to advocate for their full recognition and inclusion within the disability community.
Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has worked for over five years to identify, support, and unify persons who are deafblind in Nigeria. The Foundation currently has a record of 96 individuals, many of whom have remained hidden by their families due to stigma and lack of understanding. Out of this number, only four are employed, ten are educated, while the majority have no educational access. The Foundation also reported the unfortunate loss of two members whose illnesses went unnoticed by relatives due to communication barriers.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Okelola Solomon, highlighted key areas where the Commission’s intervention is urgently needed, including:
Bringing deafblind persons together for rehabilitation;
Ensuring their official recognition and representation within the disability community;
Expanding access to education and an accessible environment;
Reviewing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act to include clear recognition of persons who are deafblind.
He further noted that the Foundation is guided by five professionals on its board and already has an actionable plan for progress.
The Executive Secretary of the NCPWD warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the Foundation for its dedication to identifying and supporting persons who are deafblind. He assured them of the Commission’s readiness to work closely with the group, reaffirming that “the number one goal of the Commission is to include all disability clusters, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
He emphasized the Commission’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive national disability database, increase access to assistive support, and strengthen interventions that will meet the needs of every person with a disability across the country. He commended the deafblind community for their resilience and reaffirmed that “there is indeed ability in disability.”
The Commission congratulates Mr. Solomon and welcomes the Deafblind Cluster fully into the national disability community.