Yinka Olaito
Despite the challenges faced by persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (limitation in cognitive function(IQ), adaptive behaviours such as everyday skills in communications, social interaction and self-care) and the fact that the disabilities can vary widely from severe to above average several challenges which affect individuals’ ability to learn and live independently, a major challenge comes from lack of awareness and full understanding from the society or family members with regards to what really count.
In Most cases, these often prevent true knowledge and empowerment of the Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities(PIDD) especially here in Nigeria and other developing countries.
While it is known that PIDD can have difficulties in problem solving, decision-making and learning new things but of more importance to note is that such individuals have unique strengths that can be tapped for a productive life.
Some of the speakers at the event
A good point to note is that there are few differences between a person with Intellectual disabilities and Developmental disabilities even though they are always placed in the same cluster. Developmental disabilities can be an advanced milestone which can affect individual walking, talking and interacting socially. Often it manifests from childhood and continues till adult life.
Daodu Omotola Joko, National President Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of Nigeria
Despite the above, a good grasp of issues and demands associated with PIDD can aid a better inclusion, integration and promote independent living of such people. The above and many others are some of the submissions made s by speakers and other stakeholders present at a virtual town hall meeting “Disability Rights and Webinar Series’’ which is a monthly event of Centre for Disabilities and Inclusions Africa tagged “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Barriers, promoting integration and Independent living”
The first speaker, Grace Alexander after her introduction speech asked society to learn and understand PIDD if the society truly seeks integration. According to her “PIDD requires a multifaceted approach that cuts across education, social, employment and community needs” Furthermore “Access and rights should be accorded to PIDD” Grace Alexander mentioned.
Beyond the above, “Advocacy and awareness in several formats are essential if PIDD must live a fulfilling life” Said Grace Alexander.
Bukola Ayinde, an advocate of PIDD and lead for Special Needs mum demanded more reasonable accommodation for PIDD and orientation of the society at large to make any meaningful progress. According to her “As a mum of special needs child-IDD. O have seen enough to say that Nigeria and many developing countries still have a long way to go”.
Daodu Omotola Joko, the national President of Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on her side believes that the knowledge gap still exists for many in differentiating between persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities even though they are both merged under the same cluster. “We must educate the society as well as policy drivers to push for knowledge sharing within the ecosystem’’.
Yetunde Salimon, a PIDD therapist on her part challenged therapists to be up and doing in the profession but more importantly, some need to upgrade their skills. “According to her, PIDD therapists are doing great work and it actually requires passion. But continuous development will aid better value delivery for PIDD”.
Some of the participants in the two hall meeting, Mrs Agboola, who is the special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor, on Special education and Inclusion as well as Hon Olanrewajiu Oladosu, Special Assistant to Osun State Governor made their personal contribution from the policy maker’s point of view. Beyond this, they brought goodwill messages and commend Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa.
