News Editor
By David Odama
A non governmental organisation, Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), has trained a cross section of journalists in Nasarawa State on proper reportage on the plaits of persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the training of the journalists, 25 of them on Tuesday in Lafia, Mr. Kola Jayeoba, Programme Manager of the organization, said the training is aimed at equipping the media practitioners with requisite knowledge on inclusive reporting.
He explained that the initiative aims to improve the coverage of disability-related reports beyond just presenting Persons With Disabilities (PWD) as vulnerable groups to projecting their capabilities and achievements.
He added that the media should let the government and other stakeholders know the need to include language interpreters in all public events, preaching by Christians and Muslims, and schools, among others,s, to carry them along.
“The training, which focused on disability language, framing stories, and interviewing individuals with disabilities, underscores the importance of accurate representation in media.
“By empowering journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to report on disability issues effectively, we seek to improve stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
“This effort is part of a broader movement to enhance disability reporting, recognizing the significant impact media can have on shaping public perceptions and attitudes,” he added.
The Program Manager also said that the trained journalists are now equipped to report disability-related stories with sensitivity and accuracy thereby contributing to a more inclusive and respectful media landscape in Nasarawa State.
Jayeoba also explained that barriers such as communication, cultural beliefs, and religious beliefs, among others, had served as impediments to easy living for PWD.
He added that persons with disabilities are having difficulties in accessing healthcare services due to discrimination by health workers and other members of the public.
“The media should educate the public to know the sexual and reproductive rights of PWD must be respected because they are human and have sexual desires just like persons without disabilities.
“They should be given attention when they want to do family planning as well as access any of the contraceptive methods,” he added.
Similarly, Mrs Asaba Aversion, Nasarawa State Coordinator of AWWDI, said that the government should do more to enforce the Disability Protection Law in the state to ensure that none of their members is found begging on the streets.
The state coordinator also appealed that the government should ensure public buildings make provision for PWD to give them a sense of belonging.
She added that the government should empower them and consider their members for employment, appointment as well as scholarships for further studies.
The training had participants drawn from print, electronic as well as online media organisations.
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