A member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Danlami Umaru Basharu has called for effective cushioning mechanism for persons living with disabilities, specifically the virtually impaired persons.
Mr Basharu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the fundraising dinner and graduation of the Resource Centre for the Blind (RCB), tagged “dining in the dark” held on Sunday, June 26.
NAN reports that three students with virtual disabilities graduated from the Centre after completing one year of rehabilitation.
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Basharu said that cushioning the effect of any disability was most important and that mechanisms such as digital tools, braille paper, and others could be provided.
“We need people to understand the various disabilities that are prevalent in our society, and find out how best they can get themselves mainstreamed into the world of persons with disabilities.
“Significantly, society must learn to support parents of persons with disabilities to continue to give that love and care that children and all persons with disabilities desire.
“More importantly, legislation is the key to creating an acceptable and accessible environment for all persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“And supporting the work of NGOs for the blind and other persons with disabilities is most important,’’ he said.
One of the graduands, Rukewe Agbiwe, 19, who suffered morning glory syndrome at an early age which rendered her partially sighted, appreciated RCB for the opportunity.
She, however, encouraged people with disabilities to see ability in their disabilities and make the best use of the opportunity.
NAN also reports that the foundation has a mission to educate, inspire and empower those with visual impairment to live an independent life.
(NAN)