From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
As the 2023 general election draws closer, representatives of different clusters of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Kaduna Central have called for accessibility to Polling Units, (PUs), and equal voting rights for its members.
This was contained in a communique issued and signed by the following: David Pius Association of Persons with Albinism; Rahmatu Ahmad, WWDSRF; Queen David, NAB;
Suleiman Abdullazeez, JONAPWD Chair; and Abubakar Sadiq, NAB; at the end of meeting of PWDs in Kaduna Central yesterday.
The statement stated that in previous elections, PWDS suffered to access polling units, especially as experienced by PWDs that voted at the Polling Unit not cited at the Disability Centre.
The statement added that at some polling units, PWDs experienced difficulties crossing big gutters to access the voting area.
Even though the amended Electoral Act (2022) has some provisions for ensuring voting is made easier for PWDs, more still needs to be done.
While lamenting the poor education inclusion, the group called on the State Government to prioritize inclusive education and intensify efforts so that all disability types would be carried along; and increased budgetary provisions for materials needed to enhance inclusive education e.g. braille, typewriters, interpreters, among others.
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