DISABILITY Policy and Advocacy Initiative (DPAI), a Lagos-based non-governmental organization recently marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with an exhibition of creative abilities of persons with disabilities. The event featured dance, musical and visual arts.
Speaking at the event, a physically- challenged broadcaster with Lagos Television, Folasade Salimoni, in her wheel chair, said: "Disability is not a disease. We only have a challenge that made us disabled".
"It is high time the society began to recognise that persons with disabilities have potentials and we can function well in any sector of the society.
"Our disability does not limit us in any way; we are like every other person. It’s only that the state of the economy makes our disability more challenging”.
Also, Kayode Ogedengbe, a blind singer, said he has passion for music and was determined to satisfy his audience in music.”
She added that it was crucial for the government to recognise their personality first, before their disability. “Make our environment conducive; include us in every strata of the society and we will function well or even do better than the able-bodied ones",
The Chairman of the Empowerment and Entertainment of DPAI, Mrs. Pretty Ogboma urged the physically-challenged persons to put themselves together and bring out something good out of their lives.
Mr. Dare Dipo, who is also physical challenged person, urged them to take away that disabilities from their minds. He said: “What ever you have to do, do it skillfully, you will affect the society and the world will appreciate you.
The group offered persons with disabilities opportunities to engage in cultural and recreational activities.
By Adeniyi Idowu Adunola
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