Deaf Awareness Month: Group Demands Action For Inclusion And Accessibility In FCT.
The Albino Foundation Public Notice
The Abuja Association of the Deaf – AAD has called on the Nigeria government, FCT Ministers, CSOs and medias to ensure equitable opportunities and accessibility for persons with disabilities, especially the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
The call was made by the Association members led by the Chairman, Ayoade Beyioku-alase, during a visit to the management of NTA Channel 5, Abuja
The visit is part of advocacy event to mark the International Deaf Awareness Month 2024. The month is set aside by the World Federation of the Deaf to create awareness on the needs and plight of the deaf, Deafness, hearing loss, Deaf culture, and Deaf identity, and to seek support in amplifying the voices of the Deaf community.
Mr. Beyioku-Alase emphasized the need for greater communication accessibility, such as employing Deaf and sign language interpreters at NTA, to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the wider public. He also stressed the importance of implementing the 5% employment quota for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), as stipulated by the Discrimination Against PWDs (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The Chairman requested NTA’s to support the association efforts in raising awareness about the inadequate distribution of palliatives to PWDs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and full support for the upcoming International Week of the Deaf People (November 28-30, 2024).
“We believe that partnership is crucial to achieving our goals,” stated Ayoade Beyioku-Alase. “By amplifying our voices, we can challenge misconceptions and promote a more inclusive society.”
In his remark, the MD of NTA Channel 5, Abuja pledged to collaborate with the AAD in amplifying the voices of PWDs, including exploring the possibility of employment and training NTA staff in sign language to enhance communication access.
