2020:International Disability Day Harps On Inclusion,Access To Essential Services

By Frederick Peters,KADUNA.

The Annual International Day of Persons living with Disabilities is observing the 2020 celebration with a special focus on the rights of people living with Disabilities or Abilities,to unhindered inclusion and access to essential services among others

In a statements made available to NewsDailyNigeria,Thursday,the Chairman, Kaduna State Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN)Kaduna,Mr Nuhu Ayuba,said

” The International Disability Day (IDD) is annually observed on 3 December to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and to take action for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development.

” Since the global COVID-19 outbreak, the educational responses to the crisis have not always reached the most disadvantaged (Learners with Special Needs) or been adapted to their needs. Thus, the mobilization of resources in support of the application of digital technologies for the empowerment of learners with disabilities and capacity building for their teachers to adapt to new learning environments are crucial.

” This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive culture and strengthening our collective efforts for universal access to essential services, including immediate health and social protection, education, digital infrastructure, accessible information, employment and other socio-cultural opportunities in order to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in times of crisis and beyond.

” Disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security. The commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice; it is an investment in a common, inclusive, and accessible future.

“Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities to Persons, Colleagues, Family members, Friends with Disabilities in Nigeria and Diaspora.”,he added