“PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITY ARE NOT LESS HUMAN”… Kayode Gomes

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)