In commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, disability experts have called for unity among the disability community to achieve positive results.
The online event, organized by the VOICE Persons with Disabilities Community of Practice, had the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” The event was facilitated by Mr Funso Olajide of DINABI and Susan Kelechi Ihuoma a gender and disability inclusion advocate.
In her opening remarks, Favour Adjara, the Lead Person for the VOICE Persons with Disabilities Community of Practice, stated that the VOICE is a network of different organizations of persons with disabilities with a common interest in working to ensure an inclusive society for everyone.
One of the speakers, Kolawole Ogunbiyi, a program management and development consultant, explained that organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and persons with disabilities (PWDs) must work together to achieve a common goal to get a seat at the decision-making table. “If there is too much competition, the goal will be defeated,” he said.
Ogunbiyi stressed the need for stronger enforcement of disability laws and policies as a challenge to PWDs taking on leadership roles in society. He cited examples from other African countries where dedicated slots are given to PWDs in leadership, policy, and decision-making.
“With one voice, we can push for the amendment of the constitution to include dedicated slots for PWDs,” he said.
Another speaker at the event, Dr Ayoola Arowolo, the Executive Director of Deaf in Tech, during his presentation, highlighted strategies for deaf persons to utilise available technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to access opportunities and express themselves better on platforms such as LinkedIn. ” Technology democratises opportunities for all,” he said. He further added that this initiative will be extended to other disability clusters
A participant, Cedric Owuru, a program officer at OXFAM, urged OPDs to work collectively and leverage projects and programs done by others to pursue the same course.
The event was held to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.