The Executive Secretary (ES) National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), James David Lalu, says poor construction of ramps in public places has caused more harm to persons with disabilities (PWD).
Lalu said this in Abuja, recently, when he played host to the executives of the Parents’ Teachers’ Association (PTA) of the Center for Children with Special Needs (CCWSN), Maitama.
He said the commission has designed a minimum standard for constructing ramps and other forms of accessibility requirements, for general compliance.
The ES said children with special needs are exceptional and most times win more awards than their counterparts, in many fields of endeavours.
Lalu said the commission would offer scholarships to children with disabilities, beginning from next year.
The leader of the delegation, Toromade Olabisi, expressed appreciation and commended the ES for receiving the group despite the short notice.
He said CCWSN has been operating for 15 years with about 35children with different disabilities ranging from Autism, Cerebral palsy, Deafness, intellectual deficiency, and Down syndrome.
Olabisi appealled for assistive devices to aid the learning of the children. He also appealed for the commission’s intervention to protect children from further discrimination in gaining admission to further their education to higher institutions.
He urged the commission to ensure the National Hospital and banks comply with the minimum accessibility requirements for ease of movement by PWDs.