The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has pledged support for a youth-led initiative aimed at promoting inclusive learning materials for children and young adults with disabilities.
The assurance was given during a meeting with delegates from the Empowering Abilities Through Inclusive Pages (EATIP) project at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Ishaku Kigbu, the EATIP project is supported by the Youth Empowerment Fund in collaboration with the School for the Blind and Zamarr Institute, Jabi. It is led by disability advocate and Executive Director of YieldUp Development Initiative, Praise Akobo.
The organisation, which focuses on education, advocacy and assistive technology for children with disabilities, said it is working to reduce stigma by improving access to inclusive reading materials and training teachers on universal learning design. It has already recorded success in Benue State and is seeking to replicate the model in Abuja.
Part of the initiative includes the launch of a book titled Awakening Possibilities in Disabilities, which the group plans to produce in braille with the Commission’s support.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, commended the organisation’s efforts, noting that access to braille books, mobility devices and other assistive tools will help address long-standing challenges faced by children with disabilities.
He said improving the quality of life for Nigeria’s estimated 35.5 million persons with disabilities requires the collective effort of government, citizens and private stakeholders.
Gufwan assured the delegation of the Commission’s readiness to provide technical support and urged Nigerians across sectors to contribute to building an inclusive society.
The event ended with the presentation of a document titled Abilities Through Inclusive Pages to the Commission.