EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Disabilities do not limit individuals' gifts or talents, it only requires special effort to enable them to achieve their dreams.

People with disabilities are often victims of stigmatization and segregation, which limits their potential to participate in social activities, proactive steps have been taken to create awareness and foster love among people living with disabilities in society.

On this episode of Signals, our host Adewunmi Oshodi – Tapa engaged our guest, Treasures Uchegbu in a conversation about Empowering People with disabilities (PWDs).

Treasure got into PWD empowerment when she encountered a young deaf HIV patent and she couldn’t communicate with the patient. She has since created several platforms of inclusiveness and accessibility for PWD. She is currently championing the adoption of sign languages in every gathering.

Treasures maintained that the society needs to see beyond medical and charity whenever they encounter a PWD but Create inclusiveness. They are not to be pitied but the be carried along.

Our churches and our mosques are even culpable, that is why Treasures cautioned religious organizations against the thought of miracles whenever they see a PWD but create an atmosphere where they can enjoy the same benefits as others. She said it is important to ask a PWD what s/he wants before rendering assistance.

She advised any PWD or their caregivers to reach out for therapy and there are lots of options in Nigeria. She added that PWDs have access to the same life as others and she has been ensuring every policy creates inclusion for PWDS.

She explained that there is yet to be a universally accepted sign language but the American sign language is used in Nigeria and can be learned by anyone.

Listen to all that she said including comments from callers.