Stakeholders at a recent virtual town hall meeting organized by the Centre for Disabilities and Inclusion Africa have demanded support and integration for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PIDD) in Nigeria.
The meeting, titled “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Barriers, Promoting Integration and Independent Living,” brought together advocates, therapists, and policymakers to address the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with these disabilities.
They called for greater inclusion and better support for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PIDD) in Nigeria, highlighting significant gaps in education, employment, and social services.
They also emphasized the urgent need for policies that promote integration and independent living.
The CEO Star Children Development Initiative, Grace Alexander, one of the speakers at the event, emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to understanding and supporting PIDD.
“Society must learn to understand PIDD if we truly seek integration,” she stated, calling for support across education, social, employment, and community needs.
The CEO Diary of a Special Needs Mum and an advocate for special needs children, Bukola Ayinde, highlighted the significant gaps in support.
“Nigeria and many developing countries still have a long way to go in supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Ayinde noted.
Mrs Daodu Omotola Joko, national President of the Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, pointed out the persistent knowledge gap in understanding different types of disabilities. She stressed the importance of educating society and policymakers about the nuanced needs of PIDD.
Key recommendations from the webinar include pushing for laws that protect the rights of PIDD, ensuring equal access to education and employment, providing vocational training, and developing accessible infrastructure.
Government representatives, including special advisers from Ekiti and Osun States, participated in the discussions.