The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) in collaboration with Fastus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), has urged the Lagos State Government on provision of right structures for Persons with Disability (PWDs) to have equal accessibility like others in the society.
The National President of DSFN, Mrs Rose Mordi made the call at a press conference organised by the Foundation for disability clusters on accessibility compliance in Lagos State.
She decried that the the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, has not been fully implementated within the state.
She lamented that PWDs have been marginalised for so long, saying that although the law was enacted in 2018, its implementation had remained poor across the country.
According to her, the structure of most public and private buildings/facilities deny access to PWDs, saying that the existing rams in some building are not designed to suit needs of most PWDs.
Mordi underscored need for the government mandate both the public and private organisations to put the right structures in place for PWDs to begin to have equal access like others, stressing that organisations that default should be dully punished.
She, therefore, suggested establishment of a disability desk in every organisation, to pilot affairs of persons with disability and promote their welfare.
“Most facilities and building are structured in a way that PWDs cannot access them.
“We asking that the government should make enough provision so that everyone that has disability have full access and can easily enter anywhere they want to go like others in the society.
“There should be policy that mandating organisations to put the right structures in place for easy movement, interaction and operation of PWDs.
“Hence, full implementation and compliance to the law is necessary so that persons with disabilities in the state can enjoy the same fundamental human rights as persons without disabilities,” Mordi said.
Mordi, however, cited that the accessibility audit has been on in Lagos State for the past five months, urging efforts toward total restructure to guarantee seemless operation of PWDs.
The Technical Consultant of the Project, Modinat Aina, urged the government to make policies to buttress contents of the law, while ensuring its enforcement and compliance.
According to her, this can be achieved through constructive collaboration and engagement with the communities of persons disability through office of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).
“We have the law already. Specifically, what we need is for the government to ensure its implementation.
“The truth is that PWDs are excluded from getting access to most services they need.
“Accessibility matter is not only about installing rams, whish are not up to standard at the entrances of building; it goes beyond that.
“Elections are upcoming, how do they get to the polling booths to vote when the roads and physical environment are not even accessible to them.
“So, let the government liase with disability community and commission to bring what the law says into practice,” she said.
Contributing, the Executive Director, Fastus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), Afolabi Fajemilo, underscored need for continuous advocacy to drive full enforcement of the provisions of the law.
According to him, there should be intentional move to encourage compliance thorough robust awareness strategies.
“Implementation is the major challenge. That is why we will continue to advocate that all government agencies and organisations comply with the law,” Fajemelo said.
