Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A disability group under the auspices of National Association of Persons with Physical Disability (NAPWPD), Anambra State Chapter, has passionately appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and other good-spirited people for assistance to lift their burden of mobility in the state.
In a plea echoing across the community, they expressed the profound impact of financial constraints on their mobility, shedding light on the urgent need for solutions to ensure their inclusion in daily life activities.
They said the exponential rise in transportation fares in the state has become a huge burden that is derailing their active participation in societal affairs including attending works and other businesses to earn a living.
The group also said the economic situation of things in the land had affected the price of assistive devices and mobility aid which are mostly imported into the country.
Such devices are wheelchairs, crutches, surgical boots, and prosthetic arms or legs, among others.
They called on government to intervene by subsidizing the cost or waiving import taxes on the technologies to improve their practical capabilities and ability to participate in societal activities.
The group which made the plea at an event to commemorate the 2024 International Wheelchair Day celebration at Amawbia on Friday, also suggested the provision of buses with assistive devices like automatic ramps.
They said such arrangements would help to curb the neglect and heavy charges by transporters on their members with wheelchairs.
In his address, the National President of NAPWPD, Comrade Rilwan Abdullahi Mohammed represented by the State Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, tasked the Anambra State government to ensure the development of a minimum accessibility standard code for the implementation of disability laws regarding access to the environment.
He urged the Governor to make budgetary provisions for the modification and retrofitting of all existing public spaces and facilities to comply with relevant accessibility standard codes and universal design.
He also urged that the building control department of the government should not approve new buildings that failed to comply with the recommended standard.
He maintained that necessary adjustments to the environmental conditions are relevant to allow for the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the community.
Speaking further, the President emphasized that the basic purpose of International Wheelchair Day celebrated every March 1 was to raise global awareness about the critical importance of wheelchair accessibility and inclusivity in society.
He said it was to provide support and recognition for individuals facing mobility challenges as well as promote and independence of persons with physical disabilities in the state
He added that the day stands to honor and acknowledge the valuable contribution of organizations, caregivers, and communities that aid wheelchair users as well as to advocate for enhanced global access, striving for a more inclusive and accessible world.
