Discrimination against people with disabilities refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals based on their disabilities, leading to disadvantages in various aspects of life. This can come in the form of employment, education, access to public services, and social interactions.
Discrimination against people with disabilities in Nigeria is a pressing issue that has been addressed through legislative measures such as the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The legislation aims to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and eliminate discriminatory practices that have long hindered their full participation in society.
The Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in various spheres of life, including education, healthcare, employment, and public services.
It mandates that public and private entities make reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and services.
One significant provision of the Act is the prohibition of discrimination in employment. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to enable persons with disabilities to carry out their job responsibilities. This includes modifying work arrangements, providing assistive devices, and ensuring a barrier-free work environment. Failure to comply with these provisions constitutes discrimination under the Act.
Furthermore, the Act addresses accessibility in public buildings and spaces. It mandates that public buildings, facilities, and infrastructure be designed and constructed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This encompasses wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations that facilitate the full participation of people with disabilities in public life.
In the education sector; the Act emphasizes the right of children with disabilities to access inclusive and quality education. It prohibits discrimination in admission to educational institutions and requires reasonable accommodations to be made to support the learning needs of students with disabilities.
The Act also addresses the issue of healthcare discrimination, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to healthcare services without facing discrimination or barriers. It calls for healthcare facilities to be accessible and for healthcare providers to accommodate the specific needs of patients with disabilities.
The following are few rights which People with Disabilities are to enjoy:
* Right to have Access to vehicles
* Equal right to work.
* Provision of special communication at hospitals.
* Reserved spaces
* Inclusiveness of education.
* Free healthcare
* Participation in politics
* Power to accept gifts
* Power to borrow
* Power to acquire land
* Pension and gratuity
Roles/Essence of Creating National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) plays an important role in promoting independence, inclusivity, and support for individuals with disabilities. This is evident from various snippets:
Promoting Independence and Inclusivity:
The Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, James David Lalu, emphasized the importance of creating facilities that support independence and promote inclusivity.
Renovations and initiatives by the NCPWD are highlighted as essential for promoting independence and inclusivity
Training and Knowledge Dissemination:
The NCPWD has been involved in training individuals to create impactful content and increase media visibility for the disability community in Nigeria.
Advocacy and Compliance:
The NCPWD is involved in ensuring compliance with the Act and advocating for inclusive healthcare services for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Research and Coordination:
The NCPWD is planning events related to disability research harmonization and coordination, indicating its involvement in research initiatives.
Meanwhile, the NCPWD plays a role in advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, promoting independence, providing training, and coordinating research efforts.
Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the legislation and its potential impact on combating discrimination against people with disabilities in Nigeria.
The Act marks a significant impact in promoting a society that is more important and fairer, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the respect, support, and opportunities that are rightfully theirs.
To read more on the Act, click on this Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018
