Sola POPOOLA
State Actors have been charged to always give full attention to People with disability whenever they engage them.The Executive Director, Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI) Funsho Olajide Benjamin gave this charge at a workshop for State Actors on disability inclusive practices on Gender Based Violence Against women and girls with disabilities.
The programme held at Kolkotel Hotel, Ado-Ekiti and organised by the non Governmental organisation (NGO) was attended by participants from the State Ministry of Women Affairs ,Security Agencies, Civil Society Organizations ,State Sexual Assault Referral Centre, as well as the media .
Participants were exposed to a wide range of issues around people with Disabilities.For instance they were tutored on understanding the concept of disabilities, intersectionality and legal framework on disability rights.
Funded by the Disability Rights Fund ,State Actors also learnt basic sign languages interpretaton and on how to interact and familiarize themselves with people with disabilities and survivors of gender basedviolence .
In his presentation on Strategy for Disability Inclusion, the DINABI boss said active listening remains one of the potent weapons needed to be deployed when dealing with issues relating to people with disabilities .
” Always ask people with Disabilities before you render any help. We have recorded instances where people caused more harm to them in the name of giving them assistance.”
He urged Desk Officers and other state actors to always maintain eye contact , be patient, flexible and carry out their duties with respectful language.
They were also encouraged to listen attentively to the PWDs” needs or concerns without any interruption.
He also cautioned the public against using derogatory or foul languages on the PWD,
Earlier in her goodwill message ,the consultant gynaecologist at the Ekiti State Sexual Assault Referral Centre ,Dr Okunola Temitope listed some challenges being faced at the centre to include difficulties in taking history of PWD survivors .
Other speakers urged government and development partners to support in the quest to have adequate interpreters/ sign language personnel at the various institutions and services in the State.
They advocated that efforts must be geared towards ensuring that all government institutions and services are accessible.
While giving commitments, participants pledged to do everything within their powers to protect and advance the course and rights of the PWDs.