The Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to provide automatic employment for qualified people with disabilities in the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise in the state.
The Chairman of JONAPWD, Ànambra State Chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke appealed the commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka, organised in collaboration with the Anambra State Disability Right Commission and the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.
At the event, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke disclosed that persons with disabilities are one of the most marginalised in society and as well facing numerous barriers to accessing education, employment, healthcare and social inclusion, saying the event allows them to understand how technology can help break some barriers that have been preventing them from being great in life, the reason while the theme was narrowed down to Breaking Down Barriers; Technology and Digital Inclusion.
Comrade Okeke drew the attention of the state government to some of the challenges facing disabilities in the state and asked her to collect and use the aggregate data on disability to inform policymaking, track progress and ensure accountability, such as regular disability surveys and involve persons with disabilities in data collection processes.
The Chairman of the Occasion and Chairman of the Disability Right Commission, Anambra State, and Barrister Chucks Ezewuzie emphasised the significance of the celebration and encouraged support for Governor Soludo’s agenda.
In a keynote address by the Managing Director of Anambra State Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Agency, Mr. Fred Agbata represented by Mr. Tochukwu Ebeku, highlighted the agency’s commitment to inclusivity in technology, aligning with Governor Soludo’s vision.
“As we embrace the transformative power of technology, we must also recognise the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. We must ensure that technological advancements are not just accessible to them but also designed with their needs in mind.
“The Anambra State ICT Agency in driving the vision of Mr. Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for everything technology and technology everywhere, has taken a great step forward in recognising the importance of inclusivity by incorporating it into the ICT Policy.
“The policy clearly states that “Ensuring that digital services and technologies are accessible to persons with disabilities is essential for their full inclusion.”
This is a significant commitment that will have a positive impact on the lives of many individuals living with disabilities in Anambra State.”
Agbata also stated the policy identifies the need to address barriers to accessibility, such as inaccessible websites, lack of assistive technologies, and limited awareness of accessibility standards.
“These are all important challenges that need to be addressed to create a truly inclusive digital society and this requires a collaborative effort. It requires a partnership between governments, businesses, and the disability community itself.
“Businesses must embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, ensuring that their products and services are accessible to all. They must also create inclusive workplaces where individuals with disabilities can thrive and contribute their unique talents.
“At the heart of this movement lies the disability community itself. Their voices must be heard, their perspectives valued, and their leadership embraced. They are the driving force behind this change and the architects of their inclusion.”
The event featured awards presentations to honor those contributing to the well-being of individuals with disabilities, dance, drama and news presentations.
The event, themed “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs For, with and By Persons with Disabilities,” commenced with a road show emphasising the capabilities of people with disabilities and the need for inclusivity.
Dominica Nwabufo
