Disability remains one of the challenging realities faced by many young girls and boys in Nigeria. These children often encounter numerous obstacles in their daily lives, both within their communities and from the state.
One such example is Tonia, a young girl born with a speech impairment. Her parents didn’t realize her condition until she turned two and was enrolled in school. Tonia’s inability to speak led to misunderstandings, as her parents assumed she was simply slow or stubborn.
Despite this initial setback, Tonia is a brilliant student. She communicates through writing, and in her own words, she shared, “My parents thought I was slow or stubborn because I couldn’t talk, but when I started school, I still took first position.”
Tonia’s story is a reminder of the importance of early detection and intervention. Parents must observe their children’s development closely to identify potential disabilities. Early detection can sometimes prevent certain disabilities from worsening and becoming permanent.
However, living with a disability does not mean an end to success. Many children like Tonia continue to thrive academically and socially, despite their challenges. Yet, there remains a troubling situation for children and young people with disabilities in Nigeria. Although the country has adopted legislation to comply with international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, widespread discrimination persists. This discrimination comes from state actors, communities, and even families. Children with disabilities often lack protection and access to redress, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and harm.
To address these issues, the government must implement measures that create an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities across all sectors. Schools can provide essential tools like hearing aids and other assistive devices to support children’s education. More importantly, persons with disabilities have the right to remain within their local communities and deserve access to the support they need to lead fulfilling lives.
This story was written by Chizoba Udokamma, MSc Student of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, following the training on Disability Reporting facilitated by Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews Service