A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), has trained more than 20 journalists on proper reportage on the plights of persons with disabilities in Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the training in Lafia, the Program Manager of the organisation, Mr. Kola Jayeoba, said the training was aimed at equipping media practitioners with requisite knowledge on inclusive reporting.
He explained that the initiative aims to improve the coverage of disability-related stories beyond just presenting Persons With Disabilities (PWD) as vulnerable groups to projecting their capabilities and achievements.
He added that the media should let the government and other stakeholders know the need to include language interpreters in all public events, preaching by Christians and Muslims, and schools, among others, to carry them along.
“The training, which focused on disability language, framing stories, and interviewing individuals with disabilities, underscores the importance of accurate representation in media.
“By empowering journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to report on disability issues effectively, we seek to improve stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
“This effort is part of a broader movement to enhance disability reporting, recognising the significant impact media can have on shaping public perceptions and attitudes,” he noted.
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The program manager also said that the commission has a long way to go in its mode of operations saying the budget of the Commission fall under the ministry of Women Affairs as according to him the Commission must work independently for effective service delivery.
He appealed to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to urgently amend the law to establish the commission to guarantee the budget allocation directly to the organisation and ensure a standing committee is provided to operate Independently.
Mr. Jayeoba, further called on journalists to create more awareness to the public.
“The media should educate the public to know the sexual and reproductive rights of PWD must be respected because they are human and have sexual desires just like persons without disabilities.
“They should be given attention when they want to do family planning as well as access any of the contraceptive methods,” he added.
Similarly, Nasarawa State Coordinator of AWWDI, Mrs Asaba Aversion, said that the government should do more to enforce the Disability Protection Law in the state to ensure that none of their members is found begging on the streets.
The state coordinator also appealed that the government should ensure public buildings make provision for PWD to give them a sense of belonging.
She added that the government should empower them and consider their members for employment, appointment as well as scholarships for further studies.
The participants were drawn from print, electronic as well as online media organisations.
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