The US Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, Sara Minkara says when Persons with Disabilities are fully included in political processes they add more value to the society.
She stated this while interacting with some selected journalists in Abuja on the importance of ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness ahead of the 2023 elections in Nigeria.
Sara while emphasizing on the importance of full participation of persons with disabilities in electoral participation said they would accord persons with disabilities the necessary support.
”One of the main reasons we are here is to talk about the upcoming general election in February and how we can support in making sure that the elections are inclusive of Persons with Disabilities, we are aware of the electoral act that was established recently and that has some provisions for around inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disability. We want to bring their issues to the table, to be heard, they are seen as source of value and not charity”, she said
She urged media professionals to change their narratives when reporting issues of persons with disabilities.
A lot of time when the media world talks about disabilities there are two extreme narratives its either they are “charity”, “suffering” “struggling”, the bad for them narrative or inspirational point.
Special Advisor Sara Minkara who is on a working visit in Nigeria will also be interacting with civil society organizations, government, and international organization representatives ahead of the country’s 2023 general election.(FRCN)
