SNIG empowers persons with visual impairment with employment skills

The Special Needs Initiative For Growth (SNIG) in partnership has successfully completed a program aimed at equipping young adults with visual impairment in Lagos with essential employment skills under the Model for an Inclusive Quality Education and Social Ecosystem (MIQEE) project. The program, which took place over the course of six weeks planning and implementation of projects with young adults with visual impairment and their educators from the Resource Center for the Blind in Lagos.

The project included training in data management, mental health, project management, and other crucial areas using text-to-speech software to prepare the young adults with visual impairment for the future of work. The Special Needs Initiative For Growth is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing support and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Nigeria. Through this partnership support from the Global Youth Mobilization, the program’s participants had access to industry experts and mentors who shared their knowledge and expertise in the relevant fields.

The Administrative Director for the Special Needs Initiative For Growth, Ms Kikelomo Olatunde stated that the organisation is proud to have partnered with Resource Center for the Blind to provide these young adults with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the workforce and become contributing members of society. Mr Abiodun Oyeniran, the Technical and Accessibility Officer stated that the participants in the program reported increased confidence, motivation, and readiness for the job market. The text-to-speech software used in the program ensured that participants had access to digital content, making the learning process more accessible and inclusive.

Marcellina Favour Egbadekwu who shared strategies on mental health discussed with the youths with disabilities how they can cope with mental health challenges and lead fulfilling lives. This support can come in many forms, including counselling, therapy, support groups, and community programs. These resources can help young people with visual impairment develop coping strategies and build resilience, which can improve their overall mental health.

Ms Ejiro Ajabaron, who in 2022 is a SNIG trainee recipient of the soft skills employment program for visual impaired young adults had the opportunity to deliver a crash course to the young adults with on project presentation using digital tools such as powerpoint and visio software programs. As a recipient of the 2022 employment training, Ejiro shared her views of the project as to be seen as a replicable knowledge towards, where by young persons with visual impairment can be empowered to bridge the gap and level the playing field for other young adults with visual impairment in Nigeria who do not have access to requisite skills such as this.

The founding executive director, Racheal Inegbedion stated that the success of this project is a testament to the importance of providing equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Nigeria. It is hoped that this program will inspire other organisations and institutions to follow suit and offer similar initiatives to support young adults with disabilities in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

The Special Needs Initiative For Growth (SNIG) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing support and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Nigeria. Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) is a global youth-led movement that seeks to empower young people to create positive change in their communities.