Olukemi Ade-Adeniji
Until recently, I never gave much thought to the experiences of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
It took a deep, introspective journey to understand why. Perhaps, like many others, I had never been directly confronted with the realities they face daily. However, my reflections led me to realize just how marginalized this group has been in our society.
Understanding Disability
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) defines PWDs as individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, in interaction with various barriers, hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Despite this clear definition, societal perceptions and institutional barriers have historically sidelined PWDs, limiting their opportunities and access to essential services.
My upbringing in Lagos State—Yaba, Akoka, and Gbagada—exposed me to only a handful of individuals with disabilities. The prevailing attitude towards them was largely one of pity or even derision. Parents often shielded their disabled children from social interactions, perhaps out of shame or fear of societal judgment.
I recall a deaf and mute boy in my neighborhood. Our inability to communicate created an invisible wall between us, which led his mother to keep him away from other children. Another acquaintance had an intellectual disability, and the common references to him were demeaning. These attitudes shaped how we, as children, perceived disability—as something unfortunate and to be pitied.
The Systemic Exclusion of PWDs
Looking back at my academic journey, even through university, I encountered fewer than ten students with disabilities. This stark reality highlights the systemic exclusion of PWDs from educational institutions. Separate schools for children with disabilities, such as the Pacelli School for the Blind, further isolated them from mainstream society.
As a public school teacher for five years, I rarely saw students with disabilities—likely because schools lacked the infrastructure and resources to support their education, reinforcing their exclusion from formal learning environments.
The 2018 Disability Act: Progress or Paperwork?
The enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusivity. The law prohibits discrimination against PWDs in employment, mandates accessibility in public buildings and transportation, and ensures equal educational opportunities. Additionally, it established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to oversee the law’s implementation.
However, years later, the impact of this legislation remains minimal. Public awareness of the Act is low, and many PWDs are unaware of their rights. While the law promises inclusion, the reality is that access to education, healthcare, and employment remains a struggle.
A Growing Crisis Amidst Economic Hardship
Nigeria’s population is approaching 240 million, with estimates suggesting that 11 to 20 million people live with disabilities. The increasing number of PWDs, coupled with economic difficulties and poor governance, has exacerbated their plight. The country’s inability to effectively manage its resources means that issues affecting PWDs remain on the back burner.
Today, PWDs are often seen on the streets, begging for survival—a direct consequence of systemic neglect. With limited access to education and employment, many are left with no choice but to depend on public sympathy.
A Call for Change
PWDs are not helpless. They have the potential to succeed if given the right environment—one filled with love, care, and opportunities. As an HR professional, I believe inclusion is a collective responsibility.
If we continue to ignore their struggles, we risk becoming a society that is blind to justice, deaf to cries for help, and incapable of understanding the true meaning of equality. It is time to move beyond sympathy and take actionable steps toward true inclusion.
Let us ensure that PWDs are not just seen but are given the dignity, respect, and opportunities they rightfully deserve.
#Olukemi Ade-Adeniji(Ph.D) is an HR Consultant who is passionate about workplace inclusion
