Stakeholders in Nigeria’s disability sector have urged the public and policymakers to distinguish between physical features, health conditions and disabilities, saying characteristics such as tribal marks, bowlegs and wearing glasses do not, by themselves, constitute disabilities.
The stakeholders made the clarification on Friday in Abuja during a discussion on disability models and inclusive approaches organized by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD. The meeting, supported by the International Climate Initiative, also examined greenhouse gas emissions and climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria, with Persons with disabilities, PWD, positioned as agents of climate action.
Mrs Florence Austin, CCD Finance and Administration Manager, said a proper understanding of disability was necessary to avoid undermining the vulnerabilities and rights of persons with disabilities.
Austin said disability should be understood beyond physical appearance, particularly where a condition did not prevent an individual from participating fully in society.
She explained that disability classification should consider the interaction between an individual’s impairment and barriers within the environment.
“The United Nations defines persons with disabilities as those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others,” she said.
Austin urged policymakers, institutions and the public to use appropriate language and adopt a better understanding of disability to promote dignity and prevent discrimination.
Also speaking, Ms Onyemaechi Constance, Executive Director of the Women and Girls with Albinism Network, said labelling people with certain physical characteristics as persons with disabilities could reinforce stigma and misconceptions.
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She called for greater public understanding of disability, saying attention should focus on removing barriers, improving accessibility and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities rather than comparing degrees of disability.
“The presence of a physical feature or condition does not, on its own, necessarily mean that a person has a disability. “I am a person with a long-term disability because I was born with albinism.
“I currently also have a short-term disability that has confined me to a wheelchair, but I cannot describe myself as a person with a physical disability because the condition is temporary.
“Disability should be understood within the context of an impairment and the barriers that may hinder a person’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others,” she said.
Constance added that disability should not be determined merely by physical appearance, noting that some conditions could be addressed through medical intervention, assistive devices or other forms of support without defining a person’s identity.
Mr Ousola Ojo, Youth Leader of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria and Convener of Politics and PWDs, also urged policymakers, organizations and the public to adopt appropriate definitions and classifications when discussing disability.
Ojo said that accurate classification was essential to developing effective policies and interventions that addressed the actual needs of persons with disabilities.
Mrs Sussan Ihuoma, Executive Director of Sussan’s Unique Oasis Foundation, emphasized the need for a rights-based approach to disability rather than viewing persons with disabilities solely through medical or charity models.
According to her, such an approach would promote dignity, equality, participation and inclusion for persons with disabilities across all aspects of society.
NAN
