The Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Barr. Lukman Salami has said that some fake apostles of emancipation of the Blind are parts of the reasons persons with visual impairment are still facing huge challenges in the society.
This was disclosed during an interview with the newly elected Chairman of the association.
Barr. Salami while highlighting some of the challenges that Visually Impaired Persons, VIPs, face in the society noted that recognition and acceptance is still a major challenge.
He also noted that the government used to approach disability issues with charity model which depicts PWDs as victims of circumstances who deserve to be pitied.
“Prior to this time, the people’s or government’s response to the plight of the disabled in general, the visual impaired inclusive has always been through the part of charity model.
“That is, it is only if the government believes that they need to do something, that’s when they do, they don’t see it as a right but now that we have laws at Federal and State levels, the laws have made substantial provisions to meet the needs of PWDs, the Blind inclusive,” Salami explained.
He however noted that there is need to ensure that the provision of the law is activated to the fullest to make life more meaningful to PWDs.
