National Association of Persons with Disability in Nigeria has solicited for partnership with Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication to create awareness among the populace on the plight of Persons with disability in the State.
Chairman of the Association Mr. Aron Shindock made the appeal yesterday during a courtesy visit to the Office of the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang at JD Gwomwalk Secretariat, Jos.
Mr. Shindock informed the Commissioner that the association whose primary role is to protect the welfare and interest of its members is an umbrella body of about 22 cluster of Persons with different kind of disability.
He used the opportunity to highlight the concern of the association which include, continues discrimination against members of the disability community in terms of political appointments and job placements. He sought for proper integration of their their members in the society.
The Association’s chairman added that accessibility has being a nightmare to members of the disable community, lamenting that years after the passage of the long awaited disability bill into law, public building infrastructure are yet to make necessary adjustments like creating ramps on old and new buildings to provide access for Persons with disability.
The Chairman noted that Persons with disability are integral part of the society with sound minds and progressive thoughts, therefore, most of them can contribute to issues of national interest.
He enjoined Nigerians to relate with Persons with disability base on their capabilities instead of treating them as beggars.
He also pleaded that the Ministry assist them by way of training members on ICT since it is not possible for some of them to enroll in schools due to some challenges.
While appreciating the management of the state own media outfit (PRTV) for giving them a platform to educate the public on the plight of Persons with disability and other activities of the group, Mr. Shindock pleaded with the Commissioner to use the goodwill of his office to appeal to other broadcast outfits in the state to assist in similar regard.
Responding, the Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang assured the Chairman of the support and partnership of his ministry with the Association.
The Commissioner alluded to the fact that there is ability in disability and cited an example with students of Gindiri School for the Blind whom he attested to their ingenuity and skills in handling daily tasks in all spheres of life.
Mr. Manjang disclosed that the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong through the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency, (PLASMIDA) had trained and supported members of the disable community with tricycles and wheelchairs, but regretted how some of them sold off such empowerment items given to them.
He also appealed to the leadership of the association to caution their members as he reiterated the commitment of government particularly Ministry of Information and Communication to do the needful within the mandate of which it has been established to partner with the community of disable Persons in the State.
The group was equally encouraged by the Commissioner to liaise with Plateau Information and Communication Development Agency, (PICTDA) to fashion out special program to train it’s members.