In 2023 and 2024, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) embarked on a significant project aimed at enhancing the implementation of the Disability Act in Nigeria. Supported by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this initiative sought to amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
The project aimed to:
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- Policy Commitment: A motion was passed by the House Committee Chairman to investigate all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for compliance with the Disability Act.
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- Increased Collaboration: Strong commitments were received from policymakers, donors, and organizations to work collaboratively on disability act implementation.
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- Enhanced Media Engagement: There was a marked increase in media response and public knowledge regarding the Disability Act and related legal instruments.
- Technical Representation: Established technical representation of persons with disabilities in legislative discussions, leading to better feedback mechanisms.
Key achievements from the project included:
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- Secured 30 minutes of free radio airtime for three months to educate the public on disability issues.
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- Improved accessibility in radio studios for individuals using wheelchairs.
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- Commitment from the House Committee to follow up on compliance investigations related to the Disability Act.
- Introduction of sign language interpreters in the National Assembly, promoting inclusivity.
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- International Disability Day Conference: Held on November 30, 2023, at Ibeto Hotel, Abuja, this conference commemorated International Disability Day with the theme: “Advancing the post-moratorium agenda of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.” It brought together policymakers, disability advocates, and representatives from various sectors.
- International Disability Day Conference: Held on November 30, 2023, at Ibeto Hotel, Abuja, this conference commemorated International Disability Day with the theme: “Advancing the post-moratorium agenda of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.” It brought together policymakers, disability advocates, and representatives from various sectors.
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- Radio Awareness Programs: Two radio programs on KAPITAL FM 92.9 were conducted to raise awareness about the Disability Act and its implications for inclusion. These programs were facilitated by the Digital Embassy Solution.
- Radio Awareness Programs: Two radio programs on KAPITAL FM 92.9 were conducted to raise awareness about the Disability Act and its implications for inclusion. These programs were facilitated by the Digital Embassy Solution.
- Public Hearing: A public hearing on the implementation of the Disability Act was organized at the National Assembly, focusing on legislative mechanisms for the domestication and implementation of the Act.
The project achieved notable outcomes:
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- Policy Commitment: A motion was passed by the House Committee Chairman to investigate all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for compliance with the Disability Act.
-
- Increased Collaboration: Strong commitments were received from policymakers, donors, and organizations to work collaboratively on disability act implementation.
-
- Enhanced Media Engagement: There was a marked increase in media response and public knowledge regarding the Disability Act and related legal instruments.
- Technical Representation: Established technical representation of persons with disabilities in legislative discussions, leading to better feedback mechanisms.
Key achievements from the project included:
-
- Secured 30 minutes of free radio airtime for three months to educate the public on disability issues.
-
- Improved accessibility in radio studios for individuals using wheelchairs.
-
- Commitment from the House Committee to follow up on compliance investigations related to the Disability Act.
- Introduction of sign language interpreters in the National Assembly, promoting inclusivity.
