According to WHO-2011,
an estimated 1 billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, have a
disability; 10% of an affected population [by disaster] will develop serious psychological
trauma. 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries, and
there, make up 20% of the poorest of the poor, living on less than $1 a day.
From
statistics/headcount about 22 million Nigerians live with one form of
disability or the other. Some disability conditions are from birth, some
through disaster/accident, and others by polio. Disability is just as much or
more about how society puts up barriers that exclude and disadvantage people
with impairments by not recognizing their rights, needs and potentials. These
barriers include poverty, lack of education, gender, religion, age, social
stigma and geographic isolation.
The changes need to be
brought from the policy level which was part of the bill recently passed by the
National assembly of Nigeria to make every public institutions accessible to
the people living with disabilities, develop education materials for the people
with disabilities and make it accessible to them, make provisions for their
independent living in the community as well as support need to be provided by
other funding bodies as well the government entity. Also, a social culture
should be developed, that accept every individual in the society equally
without discriminating in any of the ways.
For children living
with disability, every day is a struggle. The multitude of barriers limiting
their access to education and the weight of what other say about their
condition are obstacles to their well-being and fulfillment. No matter what
physical or mental condition the children are living with, they all are
entitled to an environment that will promote their development – whether to go
to school to learn about cultural activities or to have fun. Health care
interventions, education, rehabilitation and sustainable livelihood development
are the aspects to be taken care of.
“Disability does not define any
human; the only disability is one refusal to adapt”… Sean Stephenson
People with disability
are not less human; they deserve every good thing of life and special treatment.
They should be given the opportunity to participate, adapt, inclusive in
policies and the basic things of life. Stop discriminating and keeping them in
isolation, give them a chance; you will see the ability in them and wonders of
God.
“Love every human being no matter
their condition, status, religion, beliefs and sexuality, because you are not
better off and we are all created by God”…Kayode
Gomes
If you think you are
better than a person living with disability; Try being blind for a day.
Reference
World Health
Organization (WHO)