PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED ASSOCIATION WANTS SPEEDY PASSAGE OF BILL TO IMPROVE MEMBERS WELFARE
The Physically Challenged Association of Nigeria,PCAN, Ogun State Chapter has called on the House of Assembly to speed up the passage of Bill that intends to improve the care of people living with disabilities in the state.
The appeal was made in a communique issued at the end of annual convention held on Monday in Abeokuta,the state capital.
The body also lamented over numerous challenges they are facing, especially concerning daily survival,stating that they are neglected and often stigmatised by the society.
‘We continue to survive amidst all kinds of discrimination in the society. We do not only face discrimination/stigmatization from the larger society but sadly it includes our family members and government institutions that are saddled with the responsibility of administering policies and managing programmes to alleviate our painful conditions’,the association pointed out.
The 9 point communique in furtherance to their needsappealed for the creation of a bureau to handle the issues pertaining to people living with disabilities in the State.
Others include; provision of Enabling Environment for them to pursue their educational desires;provision of Health Services for members at a very reduced rate.
The body equally make case for members involvement in decision making and policy formulation in the state.
They also enjoined parents and guardians of Physically Challenged Persons not to see or treat them as a misfortune or mistake from God but bring them out, educate them and give them all the necessary assistance in order for them to be integrated into the society.
The association urged government to reconsider using charity model but to imbibe the social model approach to treat disability issues.
The communique thanked the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga and other dignitaries who identified with the association through their attendance of the annual convention.
Meanwhile,the communique was jointly signed by Adebesin Abiodun,Okeowo Samuel,Oluwole Sunday and Ogunbayo Oluwaseyi
