30 million Nigerians of voting age experience disability - TAF Africa

By Madu Obi

The All -rights Foundation (TAF Africa), a nongovernmental organization, has said that no fewer than 30 million Nigerians of voting age experience disabilities, thereby limiting their participation in electoral process.

TAF is an Independent organization committed to advancing the right and inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

With support from the European Union, EU, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, SDGN, programme, TAF Africa, at a workshop organized for journalists and People With Disabilities, PWDs, in Awka,emphasized on inclusive language while reporting PWDs.

The identified disabilities include those with visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disabilities, albinism, leprosy, cerebral palsy, autism, drown syndrome and psychosocial issues..

The programmes manager of TAF Africa, George Anwayi , who gave the figure, observed that PWDs are more likely to be excluded in life affairs, including accessibility to electoral process.

The Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Mr Edetaen Ojo, who was a resource person, observed that election officials appear not to be making adequate plans for effective participation of PWDs in elections.

According to him, the PWDs suffer neglect and attitudinal barriers, adding that journalists have a great role to play to reverse the situation.

“Some journalists help to perpetuate and enforce stigma through their method of reporting PWDs. We should know that some people are not born with disability, but became one due to health challenges, age, accidents", he said.

According to him, PWDs have professionals among them; they are parents, they have expertise in several areas, and so when stories are written about them, their personality should be taken into account.