ANAMBRA STATE DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION: THE JOURNEY SO FAR

The Commission commenced operation with practical attention to the everyday needs of persons with disabilities. These needs can be best captured with the acronym “START” which stands for Shopping, Transportation, access, recreation, and Technology. Just like you and everyone else, persons with disabilities buy goods and services daily. They need transportation to make this happen. They need access to the things that make life good. Recreation is an indispensable part of a good life. According to Mr Governor, Prof C.C Soludo CFR, technology is everything and everything should be technology. The above reason was why we went to everyday supermarket and successfully dialogued with the management on the accessibility of their shopping complex to persons with disabilities. OUR HISTORY. On the 13th day of September 2018, the Anambra State House of Assembly passed the State Disability Rights bill which became law following Fmr Governor, Chief Willie Obiano’s assent on the 18th day of December 2018. The Law is a mandated domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Section 3 of this Law provides for the establishment of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, with powers to implement the provisions of the law and create a one-stop shop for all Disability issues and Services in Anambra State. Consequently, on the 3rd of December 2021, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission was established. On 1st February 2022; ten (10) Commission members were appointed and inaugurated by His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano as stipulated by Section 4 of the Law. The Commission currently comprises 8 departments, 10 Commission members, 16 staff of 10 civil servants including an accountant and 6 volunteers. Although the Commission was not officially dissolved, the incumbent Executive Governor of Anambra State has promised to reconstitute, reorganize and fund the Commission for optimum performance. Providing for persons with disabilities, the poor, the elderly and various vulnerable groups is a critical function of Government and an indispensable part of the yardstick for measuring the performance of and commitment to Governance. The desire of the Governor to reconstitute the Commission is an indication of a clear understanding of this incontrovertible fact and a demonstration of compassion.

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THE JOURNEY SO FAR Since its inception, the commission has experienced breakthroughs and successes on different fronts.

Staff Development and Capacity Building: The Commission absorbed the functions and responsibilities of the defunct Office of the Governor on disability matters which had established access to a computer technology Centre where persons with disabilities are trained for enhanced productivity at work. Here, the hindsight of Fmr Governor Willie Obiano and the foresight of Governor CC Soludo CFR kissed each other in “technology everything and everything technology.” The Commission is today presenting a certificate of completion to the proud graduates of the Centre.
In inculcation of the spirit of Volunteerism in Ndi Anambra: The commission has nurtured a team of volunteers who have continued to render selfless services to the Disability community. Many of them are professionals bringing their expertise to help persons with disabilities, others are volunteer staff who come to the office every day without remuneration or transportation to render day-to-day services. One of them has recently gained global attention and received an award from Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Miss Vivian Ezeonwumelu who has been serving the Commission in the capacity of Albinism Community Cluster Services, Social Media Secretary, Clerical services etc, has travelled to the United States of America for the Fellowship.
Promotion of Special Sports: Section 55(5) of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law provides the Promotion of Special Sports and encouragement of Athletes with Disabilities. Today we are honouring 6 Medalists with Disabilities from various Sporting events. The Commission’s Head of Special Sports Mrs Esther Nwaodika has been working tireless and assiduously with Anambra State Sports Commission to organise persons with disabilities to participate in sporting events within and outside the State.
Eye and Skin Care for Ndi Anambra with Albinism: During this year’s commemoration of World Albinism Day, the commission collaborated with the Albinism Community to host and organise eye screening and workshop in skin care for Persons with Albinism. Today courtesy of Amb Uche Ajuluchukwu, a Disability Right Advocate who has been championing Albinism courses, we will distribute sunscreens to persons with Albinism.
Mobility Training for the Visually Impaired: Our foreign partners have donated and the Commission has continued to distribute guard cans for the blind and visually impaired. Today, courtesy of Mr Uchenna Ibekwe, the president of Communual Impact USA, we will distribute guard cans to persons with visual impairment.
The Deaf Community Services: The Commission has continued to provide Sign Language Interpreters for State Official Events which helps to bridge the gap in communication between government and Deaf Community. This service is currently also available to hospitals, courts, worship centres, NGO meetings etc.
E-Government and World Meeting Platforms: The Governor has spoken much about E-Government. The Commission has implemented E-Government Processes and Procedures. Our staff are now able to attend meetings around the world using various technology meeting platforms. Our ICT department has trained and retrained our staff to work from any and every location with Internet connectivity.

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WAY FORWARD

The Commission plans to take steps to enforce the accessibility requirements of the Disability Rights Law on public /private structural facilities, parking lots and building plans and permits.
The Commission will vigorously pursue various processes to harness the revenue windows provided for in the Disability Rights Law to support the government and persons with disabilities.
The Commission will embark on fact-finding tours to Special Schools and Rehabilitation centres in the state to ascertain the truth about the often reported “Sorry State” of affairs in these centres.
Within two weeks, the Disability Rights Commission will inaugurate a meeting of the Commission’s Disability Rights Advocate, many of whom are present with us today both physically and virtually. Also, this year the commission looks forward to partnering with RoLAC to establish a Disability Counselling Centre to address the psychological and social needs of children and parents of children with disabilities.
The Commission will partner with the Ministry of women affairs and social welfare and RoLAC to implement the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act(VAPP). I trust that very soon, persons with disabilities in Anambra State will celebrate again.