JONAPWD rues absence of Disability Commission in Enugu, seeks Gov Mbah’s intervention

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, Enugu State chapter, has expressed concern over the absence of a Disability Commission in the State.

The group made the concern in a communiqué issued after its 2-day capacity workshop for Disability Rights Advocates in Enugu.

The communiqué was signed by Barr. Catherine Edeh, Executive Director (VDI, Abuja), Mrs. Chidimma Anyaoha (Women Lead, Enugu JONAPWD), Mr. Onyebuchi Mba (JONAPWD Chairman, Enugu State) and presented by the programme coordinator, Mr. Edward Ogenyi.

Voice of Disability Initiative, VDI, a non-governmental organization that advocates for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities, in collaboration with JONAPWD organized the programme as part of the activities under the 2-Year Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Project being funded by AMPLIFYCHANGE in Kwara, Enugu and Ebonyi States.

While commending the Enugu State Government for the support being provided to persons with disabilities, participants lamented the absence of a Disability Commission in the state.

They further narrated the ordeal of persons with disabilities, especially the deaf, the blind and the physically challenged while seeking access to healthcare services.

They rued lack of Disability Support Desks and Sign Language Interpreters in healthcare facilities in the state.

Recognizing the urgency and the need to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities were protected in all spheres of lives and in line with the UN principles of Leaving No One Behind, they called on the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah to as a matter of urgency:

“Establish a Disability Commission to be domiciled directly under the Executive Governor of Enugu State to oversee the affairs of persons with disabilities;

“Set up Disability Support Desks and engage Sign Language Interpreters in government institutions, especially healthcare facilities to enable persons with disabilities, especially the blind, deaf, women with albinism and the physically challenged to access healthcare services.”