*Nothing Abnormal About Disability, Says TAF Africa*
By Amaka Madu
The media has been urged to promote the rights and inclusion of people living with disabilities in the country’s electoral processes. This call to action was the focus of a 2-day “Able to Vote” media engagement workshop organized by TAF Africa in Awka, funded by the European Union.
In her opening remarks, Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communication Officer at TAF Africa, stated that the workshop aimed to remind the media in Anambra State of the need for fair and inclusive reporting on people with disabilities, particularly in the forthcoming election. The workshop sought to partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the voting process.
Delivering a lecture on “Reframing the Media Narrative on Disability,” Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, emphasized that there is nothing abnormal about disability. He advocated for people with disabilities to be treated as equals, given the chance to participate fully in the electoral process, and allowed to vote and be voted for. Ojo advised the media to report fairly on the activities of people with disabilities, portraying them as professionals, and using respectful language.
He also condemned the tendency of the media and skit makers to portray people with disabilities as victims or objects of pity. Instead, he called on media professionals to acquire adequate training to improve their reporting.
Mr. George Anwayi, Senior Communication Officer at TAF Africa, highlighted the provisions of Section 54 of the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for voters with disabilities. He noted that over 1 billion people worldwide experience some form of disability, and in Nigeria, persons with disabilities make up about 16% of the population, with 65% of voting age. Anwayi lamented the barriers that hinder the full participation of people with disabilities during elections and the abuse and discrimination they face from security personnel.
TAF Africa, an independent non-governmental organization founded in 2006, is committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria. The organization has been working with support from the European Union to promote democratic governance in Nigeria.