COVID-19: ALDIN LAMENTS EXCLUSION OF THE DEAF IN THE CAMPAIGN
…SEEKS GOVERNMENT COURAGE TO ENFORCE LOCKDOWN ORDER
Association of Lawyers with Disabilities (ALDIN) have noticed with dismay that most of the safety briefings on TV do not factor in the peculiarities of persons with disabilities, particularly the deaf, who require sign language interpretation.
The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed put us in an extraordinarily trying time that requires extraordinary actions.
If total lockdown, as advised by experts, will be a solution against the impending doom, then the government should exercise the require courage to order and enforce a lock down accordingly.
However, the fact that majority of Nigerians eke out a living one day at a time should be kept in focus.
Therefore, governments at all levels, in collaboration with volunteer NGOs, religions bodies and kind hearted individual, should quickly plan for distribution of food and other basic amenities to persons who will need them, no matter where they are, with particular attention on those who are already vulnerable.
This will give everyone the needed comfort to comply with a total lock down. There is nowhere that the saying prevention is better than cure is more apt.
The cost of maintaining people at home no doubt will be much less that the cost treating them of COVID-19.
ALDIN has also notice, with dismay that most of the safety briefings on TV do not factor in the peculiarities of persons with disabilities, particularly the deaf, who require sign language interpretation.
The necessary correction should be taken forthwith by engaging sign language interpreters in all such briefings, as is the case in other countries.
ALDIN is optimistic that Nigerians, and indeed world, shall come out of this crisis better people.
Signed:
Daniel Amaechi Onwe, Esq. (President)
Gaius Ogan (General Secretary)
