Advocating for Increased Employment Opportunities for People wiht disabilities
Table of Contents
- 1. Advocating for Increased Employment Opportunities for People wiht disabilities
- 2. Advocating for Inclusive Employment: A Conversation with Disability Rights Leaders
- 3. Interview with Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWDS
- 4. Looking Beyond Employment: A Conversation with Abdullahi Usman, National President of JONAPWD
- 5. Building Inclusion: A Conversation on disability Rights in Nigeria
- 6. Enforcing Accessibility and dismantling Stigma
- 7. Implementation and Resources: Ensuring the Act’s Impact
- 8. Employment Quota: A Matter of Ongoing Review
- 9. Moving Forward: A Call to Action
- 10. What steps can individuals, communities, and the private sector take to contribute to a more inclusive environment for PWDs in Nigeria?
- 11. Building Inclusion: A Conversation on Disability Rights in Nigeria
- 12. Enforcing Accessibility and Dismantling Stigma
- 13. Implementation and Resources: Ensuring the Act’s Impact
- 14. Employment Quota: A Matter of Ongoing Review
- 15. Moving Forward: A Call to Action
In a recent public hearing on Access to Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in nigeria, representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDS) and the Joint national Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) urged the house of Representatives Committee on Disabilities to reconsider the current 5% employment quota reserved for PWDs.
Advocates argue that this percentage is insufficient given the high number of qualified PWDs seeking employment. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWDS, emphasized this need: “Our challenge and appeal from the commission is the employment portion reserved for PLWDs, which is inadequate. If only five per cent is reserved for PLWDs, then who and who gets the remaining 95 per cent when we have thousands of PLWDs who are qualified for employment but are being denied these opportunities based on the portion allotted.” Gufwan further stated, “We believe that since these things are going up for review in the house, we appeal that the five per cent be reviewed to be commensurate to the overall population of PLWDs.”
Beyond advocating for increased employment quotas, the NCPWDS has taken proactive steps to address the needs of PWDs. Gufwan highlighted the organization’s initiative to reserve 3,000 training slots specifically for individuals with special needs.
Abdullahi Usman, National President of JONAPWD, echoed the call for policy changes that go beyond employment. Usman stressed the need for policies that tackle poverty and enhance the lives of PWDs. he pointed out that PWDs face important challenges beyond limited employment opportunities, including a lack of accessible buildings and discriminatory practices.
Ashiru Dauda, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability, recognized that while the National Disability Act of 2018 is not perfect, it has paved the way for addressing many of the challenges faced by PWDs.
The current 5% employment quota is demonstrably inadequate, leaving many qualified PWDs without opportunities. This situation underscores the need for a more extensive approach to inclusivity. While the National disability Act of 2018 has made strides, its implementation requires continued attention and refinement to ensure equitable opportunities for all Nigerians, nonetheless of their abilities.>
Advocating for Inclusive Employment: A Conversation with Disability Rights Leaders
Interview with Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWDS
Archyde News: Mr. Gufwan, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDS) has been advocating for a review of the 5% employment quota for people with disabilities (PWDs). Can you elaborate on your concerns and the reasons behind this call for change?
Ayuba Gufwan: Our primary concern is that the current 5% quota is simply inadequate. We have thousands of highly qualified PWDs who are eager to contribute to the workforce but face systemic barriers due to this limited allocation. it sends a disheartening message that only a small fraction of our population is worthy of employment opportunities.
Archyde News: You mentioned that the NCPWDS has taken proactive steps by reserving training slots specifically for individuals with special needs. Can you tell us more about these initiatives and their impact?
Ayuba Gufwan: Absolutely. We believe that investing in skills progress is crucial for empowering PWDs.We’ve established programs and partnerships to provide specialized training in various fields, equipping them with the necessary tools to secure meaningful employment. It’s about breaking down the perception that PWDs lack the capacity to contribute meaningfully.
Looking Beyond Employment: A Conversation with Abdullahi Usman, National President of JONAPWD
Archyde News: Mr.Usman, JONAPWD has been vocal about the need for broader policy changes to address the challenges faced by PWDs. Can you expand on these concerns?
Abdullahi usman: While employment is undoubtedly crucial, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. PWDs face numerous hurdles, including accessibility issues, discrimination, and poverty. It’s vital that policymakers consider the holistic needs of the community and implement extensive solutions.
Inclusive employment is not merely about meeting quotas; it’s about fostering an habitat where everyone, regardless of ability, has the possibility to thrive and contribute their unique talents. The journey towards creating a truly inclusive society requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing systemic changes, policy reforms, and a shift in societal attitudes.
to move the needle, we must prioritize:
- Enhancing Education and Awareness: Comprehensive education about disability rights and inclusivity needs to be integrated into school curricula and public awareness campaigns. Breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy are vital steps towards creating a more accepting society.
- Promoting accessibility: Physical accessibility, including ramps, elevators, and Braille signage, must be a non-negotiable standard. Digital accessibility, ensuring that websites and online platforms are usable by people with disabilities, is equally important.
- Empowering Employers: Incentives and training programs can encourage businesses to actively recruit and retain PWDs. Providing reasonable accommodations and fostering a culture of inclusivity within the workplace are essential.
- Leveraging Technology: Assistive technologies, such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and adaptive keyboards, can empower PWDs to overcome barriers and participate fully in education, employment, and everyday life.
Creating a truly inclusive society requires a collective effort. It demands a commitment from policymakers, businesses, educators, and individuals to dismantle barriers, challenge prejudices, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Building Inclusion: A Conversation on disability Rights in Nigeria
Nigeria is making strides towards ensuring the rights and well-being of its citizens with disabilities (PWDs). While progress has been made, including the enactment of the National Disability Act in 2018, many challenges remain. To shed light on the ongoing efforts and discuss potential solutions, we spoke with Abdullahi Usman, an advocate for PWDs, and Ashiru Dauda, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability.
Enforcing Accessibility and dismantling Stigma
Abdullahi Usman emphasizes the need for stronger legal frameworks to guarantee equal opportunities for PWDs. “We need enforceable legislation that guarantees equal opportunities in all aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and public transportation,” he states. Usman also highlights the critical need for construction codes that ensure the accessibility of all public spaces.Furthermore, he stresses the importance of addressing the stigma and discrimination that PWDs often face through education and awareness campaigns.
Implementation and Resources: Ensuring the Act’s Impact
Ashiru dauda recognizes that the success of the National Disability Act hinges on its effective implementation. He outlines the House of Representatives’ commitment to providing adequate resources, raising awareness about the Act’s provisions, and holding stakeholders accountable for its implementation. Dauda emphasizes the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Act’s effectiveness to identify areas for betterment.
Employment Quota: A Matter of Ongoing Review
When asked about the current 5% employment quota for pwds, Dauda acknowledges that it is a topic under review. He states, “This is a crucial question that we are currently considering. We are committed to reviewing existing regulations and ensuring they align with the aspirations of the National Disability Act. Our goal is to create an inclusive and equitable society where all Nigerians have the opportunity to thrive.”
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The journey towards full inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria requires a collective effort. We encourage readers to engage in this dialog and consider how they can contribute to creating a more equitable society. By advocating for accessible infrastructure, challenging discriminatory attitudes, and supporting organizations dedicated to the welfare of pwds, we can all play a role in building a future where every Nigerian has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
What steps can individuals, communities, and the private sector take to contribute to a more inclusive environment for PWDs in Nigeria?
Building Inclusion: A Conversation on Disability Rights in Nigeria
Nigeria is making strides towards ensuring the rights and well-being of its citizens with disabilities (pwds). While progress has been made, including the enactment of the National disability Act in 2018, many challenges remain. To shed light on the ongoing efforts and discuss potential solutions,we spoke with Abdullahi Usman,an advocate for PWDs,and Ashiru Dauda,Chairman of the house Committee on Disability.
Enforcing Accessibility and Dismantling Stigma
Archyde News: Mr. Usman, you’ve been a vocal advocate for stronger legal protections for PWDs. What specific changes do you see as crucial?
abdullahi Usman: Our primary focus needs to be on legislation that guarantees equal opportunities in every aspect of life. This includes education, healthcare, employment, and, importantly, access to public transportation. We also need construction codes that mandate accessibility in all new buildings. it’s crucial to address the stigma and discrimination that PWDs often face through widespread education and awareness campaigns.
Implementation and Resources: Ensuring the Act’s Impact
archyde News: Ashiru Dauda,as Chair of the House Committee on Disability,what steps is the House taking to ensure the National Disability Act is effectively implemented?
ashiru Dauda: The success of the Act depends entirely on its implementation.We in the House of Representatives are committed to providing the necessary resources, raising awareness about the Act’s provisions among stakeholders, and holding individuals and organizations accountable for compliance.
We’re also focusing on ongoing monitoring and evaluation to assess the Act’s effectiveness and identify areas that require improvement.
Employment Quota: A Matter of Ongoing Review
Archyde News: The 5% employment quota for PWDs has been a point of debate. What is the current stance of the House on this issue?
Ashiru Dauda: This is a crucial conversation that is ongoing. We are committed to reviewing existing regulations and ensuring they truly reflect the spirit and goals of the National disability Act. Our aim is to create an inclusive society where every Nigerian has an equal opportunity to succeed, nonetheless of their abilities.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
Building a truly inclusive society for PWDs in Nigeria requires the collective effort of everyone.
What steps do
