Stakeholders in disability advocacy have called for an end to abuse of rights, challenges and discrimination being faced by physical-mobility individuals especially those who use wheelchairs.
The call was made during a stakeholder meeting that brought together government officials, representatives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) organizations, members of the media, and wheelchair users to address the challenges of physical mobility for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The meeting emphasized the need to promote the freedom of movement of wheelchair users and counter the misinformation about wheelchairs being luggage instead of mobility aid.
Some of the challenges associated with using a wheelchair were also highlighted as stakeholders came up with solutions that will enhance the accessibility and mobility of wheelchair users.
They lamented that despite the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 (DAPDA 2018), wheelchair users still struggle with transportation barriers due to misinformation, inadequate facilities, and non-compliant transport service providers.
Stakeholders reiterated the need for transport operators to recognize wheelchairs as essential mobility tools and provide reasonable accommodation for users.
They also demanded for the provision and accessibility of physical facilities in public or private facilities as they posited it is a key component of an inclusive society.
Other resolutions arrived at during the stakeholders meeting include: “the need for wheelchair users to unite and organised themselves to sensitize and engage with major stakeholders in the Nigerian transport system such as the ministries of transportation, NUTRW for advocacy and public reorientation.
“Continuous re- orientation and public sensitization for wheelchairs users’ community and the general public. There is a need to push for policy change which prioritizes accessible infrastructures, universal designs and address gaps that allow wheelchairs to be treated as aid not luggage.”
The stakeholders identified the need for political will and finance to prioritize mainstreaming disability inclusion as well as behavioural change materials to sensitize public road transporters to help eliminate barriers for wheelchair users and create a more disability-friendly Nigeria.
The Wheelchair Not Luggage initiative aims to drive continued dialogue and action toward recognizing, respecting, and accommodating wheelchair users to enable their full participation in society.