Chairman of the National Association of the Blind, Abia State branch, Okwudiri William, has said that the blind and the visually impaired are human and should be accorded their dignity.
During the 2024 White Cane Safety and Awareness Day in Umuahia, the state capital, William remarked that they should be provided with an unhindered, conducive environment to excel.
His words: “This is why we have been asking for operating space in the society as others to excel. When given the space, we will grab the opportunity to roll at our own pace.”
The chairman further noted that it was unfortunate that many people in the society were yet to understand the symbol of the white cane, hence their failure to attach any importance to it.
He described the occasion’s theme, “Promoting inclusion, celebrating abilities, and advocating access for all”, as critical to enlightening society about the needs of the blind.
He argues that most of them are talented and should be given access to education and skills, so he lauded the present administration in the state for creating a commission for People with Disability.
He stressed that society should support them by providing them equal employment opportunities and ensuring that private and public buildings meet their needs.
Also, the chairman of the occasion’s organising committee, John Egbuta, noted with concern the negative attitude of some people towards the blind and called for a reversal of the narrative.
“Some families either lock their blind members behind doors or subject them to other forms of inhuman treatment instead of sending them to school or rehabilitation centres,” he lamented.
