Teejay Ameen clamours for equal opportunities for creatives with disabilities in Nigeria

When it comes to fashion, film, digital media and other sectors of the creative industry, how many creatives do you know who are thriving in Nigeria? They are too numerous to count, right? Now, how many creative persons with disabilities in Nigeria do you know who are thriving in the industry? One, two, ten, not so many. Why? In an interview with Teejay Ameen who is an A&R and broadcast journalist living with albinism, he sheds light on this topic and clamours for equal opportunities for creatives with disabilities in Nigeria.

According to statistics, the Nigerian creative industry is one of the largest employers of labour. More often than not, the industry prioritises and advances the careers of creatives without disabilities than creatives with disabilities. Despite their immense talent and potential, creatives with disabilities are not adequately empowered, thereby preventing them from contributing to and benefitting from this lucrative industry. Teejay stated that this further contributes to a lack of representation and inclusion, perpetuating the fallacy that disability and creativity are mutually exclusive.

It’s astonishing that in today’s society, creatives with disabilities still face significant barriers to entry into the industry. For instance, the lack of accessibility and inclusive infrastructure in Nigeria’s creative spaces are huge obstacles. He said many studios, galleries, and performance venues are not designed with accessibility in mind, making it difficult or impossible for persons with disabilities to access them. There is also the problem of societal stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities in Nigeria and this discourages creatives with disabilities to confidently pursue their passion.

Furthermore, there are institutional barriers in the form of poor policy implementation and inadequate training of staff and stakeholders on disability awareness and support. He, however, urged the Nigerian government to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities established under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. Creating policies is one thing; proper implementation is another. Teejay, therefore, called on the government to ensure that these policies are implemented and enforced as they play a crucial role in promoting equal opportunities for creatives with disabilities in Nigeria.

Creatives with disabilities are also faced with the challenge of inaccessibility to digital platforms and appropriate assistive technologies that will help them thrive in the industry. These challenges not only stifle their creative potential but deprive Nigerian society of the unique perspectives and talents that persons with disabilities bring to the table.

As the Nigerian creative industry continues to grow, Teejay stated that the nation must appreciate the strength, resilience, and beauty that lies within every individual. Talent knows no boundaries or limitations hence raising awareness about the importance of inclusion in the creative industry is a step in the right direction. One effective way to achieve this, according to him, is through multimedia campaigns showcasing diverse creatives with disabilities and their work can be shared as ways to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and promote a culture of inclusivity.

Additionally, creative events, conferences, and workshops should be disability inclusive. This means that the venues should provide accommodations for attendees with disabilities. The events should also feature diverse speakers and panellists in a bid to promote representation and provide a platform for the voices of creatives with disabilities to be heard.

Teejay called for partnerships and collaborations to the creation of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in the creative industry. The Nigerian government, creative industry stakeholders and disability advocacy groups must work together to adequately empower creatives with disabilities. By doing so, the misrepresentation of persons with disabilities will be reduced to the point where it’s non-existent.

“It is time for Nigeria to break down the barriers that have excluded creatives with disabilities for far too long, we must understand and embrace the peculiarity in every individual and showcase the beauty in diversity as a nation,” Teejay Ameen said.