NGO to hold wheelchair sensitisation webinar January 31

The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa (CDIA) is set to hold a webinar, as part of the #WheelchairNotLuggage campaign, on January 31.

Yinka Olaito, executive director of CDIA, said persons with physical disabilities (PWPDs) face lots of mobility and transportation challenges.

“Wheelchair is one of the commonest assistive devices used by persons with physical disabilities,” he said.

He added that wheelchair mobility provides opportunities for wheelchair users to work, study, access healthcare and engage in social activities.

“However, wheelchair users face challenges that include inaccessible public transportation vehicles and aircraft, rejection, disrespectful attitude and lack of trained staff,” he added.

Olaito stated that the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 criminalises refusal to provide goods, services and facilities to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The CDIA boss said this makes it illegal for transporters to refuse providing service to wheelchair users.

He said in cases where transportation services are not offered, wheelchair is considered a luggage and that PWPDs are charged extra fare for it.

Olaito said CDIA launched the #WheelchairNotLuggage campaign to end the mistreatment of wheelchair users by public transport operators and airlines.

The campaign marks the beginning of a broader movement to ensure full compliance with laws that protect the rights of PWDs.

CDIA plans to roll out more sensitisation and awareness campaigns in the coming months.

The other objectives of the campaign include arming PWDs with the knowledge of how to seek redress when their rights are violated and proposing practical ways to enhance accessibility or disability-friendly transport facilities.