The Albino Foundation has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has taken into consideration the electoral rights to remove barriers that restrict the full participation of Persons with Disabilities as voters, ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
The Founder/CEO of The Albino Foundation Ambassador Jake Epelle while speaking at a press briefing on the official launch of “Able2vote Campaign in Nigeria” on Tuesday in Abuja stated that the foundation is working towards eliminating marginalization issues on its members as it plans to deploy persons with disabilities(PWDs) to go and study legislation and be paid salary for 6 months.
Epelle said that provision of Braille ballot guide for visually impaired persons, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, engagement of sign language interpreters and other assistive devices are some of the measures aimed at eliminating marginalization against persons with disabilities.
The Program Manager of the Foundation Ndifreke Ferdinand noted that persons with disabilities who are often the poorest of the poor are frequently overlooked and struggle to have a voice in the society.
On his part the Executive Secretary for National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James Lalu revealed that the war against discrimination against person with disabilities can only be won when institutions, government and the people collectively collaborate and actively campaign for the rights of people with disabilities.
Lalu called on management, board and organizations to focus on advancing the intellect of persons with disabilities across the country.
He commended the the efforts of the Albino Foundation, observing that it is improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities across the country.
