Anambra: Obiano approves sign language curriculum, establishment of committee to implement Disability Rights law

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Awka

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, Wednesday, gave an approval for establishment of a committee to implement the state 2018 disability rights law.

The Special Adviser to the governor on disability matters, Bar. Chuks Ezewuzie, disclosed this in a media chat organised in Awka by the state chapter of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), in collaboration with Office of the governor in disability matters and the state ministry of women and children affairs. 

Ezewuzie added that Obiano has equally approved teaching of Signed language in private and public schools across the state.

"Vetting exercise is on to certify names of members of the Disability Rights Implementation committee. Once we are through, there names shall be made public followed by inauguration. They will work tirelessly to see the full implementation of the law which include establishment of disability rights commission. The governor has since established an office on disability matters headed by myself," he added.  

He recalled that the governor signed the bill into law on December 18, 2018 as a Christmas gift, appointed several aides in disability matters, as well as equipping their members, noting that the administration would not relent in providing the disability community with conducive environment to thrive in life.

Speaking on the theme of 2020 international day for persons with disability, "Not all Disabilities are visible," Mr Ifeanyi Igwegbe, explained that there are abilities in disabilities. 

Earlier, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, implored the governor to setup the Disability Rights Commission as provided by law stressing that it would enable them to enjoy full benefit of Anambra State Disability Rights law including employment opportunities, access to buildings and others.

“The idea for the call to establish Disability Rights Commission by the State government is to create a space for the civil society organisations to participate and as well assist in flagging off the demand for the implementation of the law by mobilising movements and open duty call on responsible stakeholders and caregivers to ensure its full implementation," Okeke maintained.