Under the aegis of the National Association of Persons With Physical Disability (NAPWPD), the Oyo State chapter has called on the Federal Government as well as the Oyo State Government to expedite action on the domestication of disability law to safeguard the rights of wheelchair users.
Members of the association, in a statement signed on their behalf by the chairman, Babawale Oyayinka, in commemoration of International Wheelchair Day, which comes up annually every March 1, noted that it acts as a reminder of how important wheelchairs are to millions of individuals around the world.
The statement reads in parts: Wheelchairs make a massive difference in a person’s ability to function in the world. Unfortunately, not everyone who needs a wheelchair is able to get one. In fact, there are tens of thousands of people around us who need wheelchairs.
“Founded in 2008, International Wheelchair Day was created to raise awareness about the significance of wheelchairs and their positive impact on the lives of individuals with mobility challenges.
“International Wheelchair Day aims to celebrate, raise awareness, and advocate for improved accessibility and support for individuals who rely on wheelchairs worldwide.”
The persons with disabilities in Oyo State therefore called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to consider the omestication of disability laws where none exist to safeguard the rights of wheelchair users.
The development of a minimum accessibility standard code for the implementation of the law regarding access to the environment.
They are also seeking modification and retrofitting of all public spaces and facilities to comply with relevant accessibility standards and universal design.
They also added that the government should try as much as possible to make budgetary provisions for carrying out necessary modifications and retrofitting of existing buildings.
Members of the association further demanded that “the government ensure adherence to the building code and minimum accessibility standard and that the building control departments of states do not approve new buildings that do not comply with the standard.
The government and indeed society make necessary adjustments to the environmental conditions to allow for the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the community.”
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