Stakeholders on disability affairs on Wednesday urged government at all levels and organisations to fashion out an inclusive transportation system that would address the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the 2015 Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) in Lagos.

Dr Babatunde Awelenje, General Manager, LASODA, said that PWDs in the State deserved an exclusive transportation system as specified by the Lagos State Special People’s Law.

“Unlike other able-bodied counterparts, PWDs pass through so many challenges during the course of their daily activities and that’s why the law is set up to address such issues.

“The law provides that one out of every seat in any vehicle including airplane should be reserved for PWDs.

”Also, aids such as crutches, wheel chairs and white canes should not be subjected to any charges, provided that such aids are not carried in commercial quantity.

”Owners of parking spaces, whether government or private owned, should reserve one space out of 20 spaces for PWDs and consideration should be given to them on queues.

Awelenje, however, enjoined PWDs to register with LASODA so as to enjoy all the benefits and the provisions of the Law.

He also urged organisations and the public to adhere to the Special People’s Law to make life easier for them.

Also speaking, Ope Akinola, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Lagos State chapter, said that moving around Lagos State was a major challenge for visually impaired persons.

Akinola decried the attitude of the public toward the visually impaired persons.

“We need the assistance of the public to go about our daily activities, especially when we have to cross the roads, and people need to change their attitude towards PWDs, ” he said.

Dare Dairo, the Public Relations Officer of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), said there was a huge economic gain when PWDs were considered in every transportation system.

“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 10 per cent of every population, especially in developing countries, are made up of PWDs.

“So, just think of 10 per cent of the estimated 170 million people who need to move around and contribute to the society; there is huge opportunity there.

”Imagine if our buses are designed for PWDs, you will find out that even the elderly and the pregnant women would make use of them and before you know it, even the target audience can be expanded.”

In his remark, Dr Segun Oshinyimika, Permanent Secretary, Office of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, said the State Government was committed to meet the needs of various groups in the state.

Oshinyimika appealed that PWDs should be assisted, especially on roads.

 

Source: NAN

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