The lack of a Disability Commission in the state is a matter of concern for the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Enugu State chapter.
A communiqué was issued following the group’s two-day capacity workshop for Disability Rights Advocates in Enugu, when the concern was voiced.
Executive Director (VDI, Abuja) Barr. Catherine Edeh, Women Lead (ENUGU JONAPWD), and Chairman (ENUGU State) Mr. Onyebuchi Mba all signed the communiqué, which was then given by Program Coordinator (Mr. Edward Ogenyi).
The program was organized in collaboration with JONAPWD and Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), a non-governmental organization that fights for the rights of people with disabilities.
It was part of the 2-Year Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Project in Kwara, Enugu, and Ebonyi States, which is being funded by AMPLIFYCHANGE.
Participants bemoaned the lack of a Disability Commission in Enugu State, even as they praised the government for its support of disabled citizens.
Additionally, they detailed the difficulties faced by those with impairments, particularly those who are deaf, blind, or physically challenged, when trying to receive healthcare.
They were upset because state hospitals did not have Disability Support Desks or Sign Language Interpreters.
In keeping with the United Nations’ Leaving No One Behind principles and in light of the critical need to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities in all aspects of society, they urged Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah, to immediately:
To manage issues pertaining to people with impairments, “create a Disability Commission” to report directly to the Enugu State Executive Governor;
“To ensure that individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are visually impaired, autistic, or physically challenged, have equal access to healthcare services, it is recommended that government institutions, particularly healthcare facilities, establish Disability Support Desks and staff them with Sign Language Interpreters.”