Stakeholders Want Special Commission For Disabled Persons

Stakeholders at a one day capacity building worshop for disabled persons have called on the government to establish a special commission to oversee their affairs in the state.

Speaking on the topic,’’ Need for a Legislation on PWDs in Rivers State,’’  at a workshop organised by the State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, a legal practioner,Mr. Sunny Ikeagwu argued that currently Peple Living With Disabilities(PWDs) still suffer discrimination in various spheres of public policy and programmes.

He submitted that PWDs need to be specially protected, ‘’ as we speak now there is a bill that has passed through its second reading for the protection of the rights of those living with disabilities’’.

Mr. Ikeagwu was of the view that one way such law could make impact was to enforce it, as he pointed out the need to give a seat in the assembly and other political positions for disabled persons.

He described the handicapped person as one disadvantaged physically or mentally, and whose condition bars him or her from major activities of life.

However, he opined that since ageing comes with disabilities everyone in society is vulnerable hence the need to enact enabling laws.

Another speaker, Mr. Kie Obomanu in his paper titled,’’ Changing Society Perception of PWDs,’’ harped on the need to reserve special political positions for those living with disabilities.

Mr. Obomanu lamented the poor employment opportunities for PWDs, while blaming societal perception for the discrimination suffred by those living with disabilities.

The broadcaster challenged multinationals and other firms to address the plight of disabled persons in society.

This he explained can be addressed through corporate social responsiblity activities in providing aids, loans and jobs for such persons.

Earlier, a motivational speaker and medical doctor, Mrs Ib Osuamkpe urged those living with disablities not to see themselves as handicapped.

Mrs. Osuamkpe counselled that once such perception was discarded, those with disabilities could contribute meaningfully in society,’’it’s up to you to make a contribution for the future of the society or be pitied and ignored.‘’