Hon. Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion,has taken a strong stance on accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to better their lives.
She gat e the charge at a 2-day Sensitization Workshop in Abuja, Organized by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme.The workshop aimed to raise awareness and discuss regulations to improve accessibility for PWDs.
Hon. Agboola praised the NCPWD and ROLAC for their proactive approach, stressing the critical need for better accessibility in education, health, communication, transportation, and public facilities.
She however highlighted Ekiti State’s commitment under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, showcasing various initiatives like the enactment of a Disability Law to protect the rights of PWDs, online sign language lessons for civil servants and officials to improve communication, the construction of ramps in new public buildings and retrofitting of old ones to ensure physical accessibility, and the enforcement of a 5% employment quota for qualified PWDs to promote job opportunities.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of examination accommodations during civil service recruitment, such as providing extra time and separate invigilawtion rooms, and free medical access in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Further initiatives include the introduction of digital learning tools like laptops and interactive boards in special schools to enhance education, the employment of vocational teachers and therapists in government special schools, the establishment of multi-sensory classrooms and vocational centers in special schools to provide practical skills training, and ongoing free training programs for adults with disabilities at the Skills Acquisition Centre.
Hon. Agboola also mentioned the provision of transportation for special school students, the construction of new classrooms and hostels to improve the quality of life, scholarships for indigent PWDs, pre-admission evaluations for special school students, and the acquisition of land for institutionalized home services and recreational centers for PWDs.
She reaffirmed Ekiti State’s dedication to supporting PWDs and aligning with the NCPWD’s vision.
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and plan future improvements for the welfare of the PWD community.
