TheCable

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), a non-governmental organisation, has called for a more inclusive and equitable society for People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Imo. 

CCD said this on Wednesday at a one-day forum with disability cluster leaders on ‘Agenda Setting: Disability Inclusion for the new Government in Imo State’.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Florence Attah said the programme is meant to strategically influence and shape priorities and policies.

The session was followed by a break where disability cluster leaders highlighted the key issues for PWDs in the new government.

The group expressed satisfaction over the appointments of a senior special assistant and special adviser on disability matters, the building of ramps and walkways around some parts of the state secretariat, and the celebration of the “white cane day”.

At the end of the programme, the participants agreed that the Imo government should pay more attention to inclusive education for children with disabilities; domesticate the national disability law (2019); provide accessible structures, inclusive health delivery and social services; and make provision for a five percent quota system for employment opportunities and political appointments for PWDs in the next four years.

Among the attendees were representatives from the ministry of information and strategy, ministry of women affairs and vulnerable groups, disability cluster heads, civil society organisations and the media.