Abuja – Mrs Patience Dickson, the National Coordinator, Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), an NGO, on Monday, urged the National Assembly to pass the National Disability Bill.
Dickson made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
She said that the bill, if passed and assented to by the president, would alleviate the sufferings of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
She added that “when the bill is signed into law, it will eradicate discrimination, increase access to education and healthcare services, transportation, justice, physical structures and information, employment, housing, credit and many others.’’
Dickson also urged government and policy makers to include people with disabilities in decision-making processes.
She added that the bill would enhance PWDs’ capacities and support them in setting their own priorities.
She noted that “when people are empowered, they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities to become agents of change and embrace their civic responsibilities.
“The great women movement in Nigeria should also include women with disabilities in their policies.’’
Dickson said that the attitude toward PWDs needed to change to make such people feel respected and valued like any other person in the country.
“Nigeria is for all Nigerians with or with disability.
“True development will only be appreciated by both citizens and the international community if that development is totally inclusive for all.’’
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AWWI is an NGO which started operation in 2009 with the mandate of improving the quality of life of women with disabilities. (NAN)