Hey people, I know this post is coming a little bit late that's because I waited to see bow buzzing and attention grabbing the issues of disability can get. All day I have followed blogs, newspapers both print and digital just to get a sense of how important today is to us especially in Nigeria. To say I am surprised is an understatement. World Aids day was on the 1st of December, we can all testify to the fact that it got a wide publicity, you could see it everywhere you went on the day that something an important issue is being talked about. In fact the reporting was off the roof. Campaign groups were everywhere wearing branded T-shirts with red ribbons, even churches and schools were not left out of the awareness champaign. We saw people living with HIV/AIDS on covers of magazines, newspapers and blogs sharing their stories.
It is however sad that today being the 3rd of December, a day set aside to support, create awareness and educate people on disability little attention is being paid the issue. I am however not surprised that the coverage, attention and publicity the day got was very minute compared to that of HIV/AIDS. To me I would say that the topic is not given the attention it deserved because it is not a priority issue, it doesn't hurt anyone and it is perhaps not sexy. Lets not forget that disability is a human issue. It is not an issue of "US" and "Them".... it shouldn't be so at all as every individual at some point would become disabled... yes you heard right!!! If it doesn't come by accident, old age will bring it to your door step.
Many disabled people in Nigeria are left feeling isolated, most disabled people are not in school, in training or vocational jobs but on the streets begging for alms. Those who beat the odds to study at universities, polytechnics and colleges of education can't find work. The very few who are incapacitated have been abandoned to fend for themselves, their carers dot it alone. It shouldn't be so as these people have given up their careers just to look after their loved ones. It is therefore needful for them to get some sort of support from the government. It will be a huge relief on them and their families.
Lets STOP this e no concern me attitude and get to work as a people, society, community and as a nation. Lets make our society more inclusive for everyone by this, no one will be left behind. Let's contribute our own quota by improving our infrastructures making all areas accessible for the disabled, lets build schools, offices, mosque and churches that can accommodate the disabled, Lets not see their aids (wheelchairs, crutches, sticks etc) before their abilities, talents, skills and personalities.
Remember, we are all humans with different abilities. everyone has a role to play.... use your position, resources, connection, authority, skills, knowledge and abilities to better the lives of persons living with any form of disability. EMPOWER SOMEONE TODAY!!!
AM OUT...
Sharon xxx.
Hmmmm......Food for thought!...This is alot to take in mami.
ReplyDeleteHahaha its not too much ooo just a little thought on disability and the attitudes of people I thought people ought to react on. Hope you and yours are fine?
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