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White Cane Day: National Association of the Blind Urges Government To Make Public Structures Accessible For Persons With Disabilities
Government at all levels have been called on to ensure public structures are accessible to persons with disabilities, in accordance with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act.
National Association of the Blind, NAB, Kwara State chapter, made the call at a sensitization walk to commemorate this year’s White Cane Safety Day in Ilorin.
Addressing newsmen, Chairman of the Association, Mr Akeem Lawal expressed concern that despite five years given for public structures to be made accessible to persons with disabilities, both old and newly built structures remain inaccessible to them.
“It does not give us that sign of relief that perhaps in the nearest future, we will begin to enjoy some level of accessibility in some of these public buildings. And this to a very great extent deprives us access to some basic services such as access to financial institutions and some other services that persons with disabilities like every other persons out there will definitely not want to be left out.”
Mr Lawal called for an end to all discriminatory acts against visually impaired persons and sought for an inclusive society where persons with disabilities would be part of decision making process and appointed into key positions to protect their interests.
“The first thing after persons with disabilities must have accepted his or her condition, the first thing we expect from the government is to give access. When you give equal and unfettered access to persons with disabilities, then you will discover that there is no limit to the extent that which they can perform.”
He also advocated empowerment of physically challenged persons with skills that would make them less dependent on people and creation of employment opportunities.
Speaking on the significance of the White Cane Day, a member of the association, Mr Abioye Opadokun described the white cane as a symbol of freedom for visually impaired persons.
“The International White Cane is significantly for blind people all over the world because it symbolizes independence, it symbolizes freedom, it symbolizes inclusion, just like this year’s theme. It symbolizes a kind of liberty for the blind.”
Some members of the association, who shared their experiences on challenges confronting them in the society, called for an inclusive and safe society.
“Holding white cane doesn’t mean that blindness will transfer to you. Holding white cane doesn’t mean that you will also become a victim of blindness. You know that is one of the reasons for today, create awareness, to create Inclusion and to create robust engagement with our abled counterpart.
“We have to orientate the public so that they will know whenever they see us if we want to cross the road. There are many challenges with the cane.
“We need the help of Government on the road.”
The White Cane Safety Awareness Day observed on October 15th every year, was set aside in 1964 to raise awareness on issues affecting visually impaired persons, their success stories and how to make the society a better place for them.
This year’s theme is Promoting Inclusion, Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.
Reporting: Rasheedat Iliyas,
Editing: Abdullahi Ahmed
