Resource Centre for the Blind (RCB) has urged equal opportunities for disabled people and their full inclusion in development processes in the country.

The centre stated this as it joined the world to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Speaking during the 2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, themed, ‘Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: the Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World’, the Chairman, Resource Centre for the Blind (RCB), Vice-Admiral Jubrila Ayinla (rtd), said it is essential to empower people with disabilities, as this will afford them equal opportunities to participate in society.

“Basic human rights ensure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from all facets of life. However, many persons who are blind and visually impaired are disadvantaged,” he said.

Ayinla noted that in Africa, educated young professionals have challenges of equal opportunities, let alone those who are disabled. He explained: “The World Bank Group (Nigeria) states that out of 18 million people with disability in Nigeria, only 0.3 per cent are gainfully employed.

According to World Blind Union, less than 10 per cent of published materials are available in formats of print that disabled people can read. Putting disabled persons at a disadvantage in their studies. Most visually impaired do not have access to transformative solutions that would aid their dependency.”

To address this problem, Ayinla said many innovative technologies have been made to lower barriers that persons with disabilities encounter in their daily lives.

“Currently, innovations that are made available for the blind include mobility canes, cellphones, braille, screen reader, and talking wristwatches.”

He applauded moves by RCB to cater for the needs of persons with visual impairment by rehabilitating and equipping them with skills and requisite platforms.

Stressing that not all disabled persons have access to innovative technologies, he said: “We are calling for equal technology accessibility and equitable opportunities for all. In using the World Wide Web, there are barriers that assistive technologies may impose, as well as the affordability of technology products, discrimination, and stigmatisation, preventing the spread of accessibility to the end users.”

He implored government, policymakers and corporate entities to work together and make affordable transformative solutions available. He added: “Invest in inclusive employment as well as ensure the empowerment of disability-focused organisations to support and provide services to persons with disabilities.

“It is pertinent that policymakers make efforts to raise awareness surrounding disability, as this would serve to shift negative perceptions and stigma against persons with disabilities in the society.”