The Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Dr. David Anyaele, has assured Deaf women in the state of sustained government support through empowerment, employment, education and other initiatives designed to improve their welfare and economic wellbeing.
Dr. Anyaele gave the assurance on Friday when he received the South East Deaf Women Association (SEOWA) and representatives of the Abia State Deaf Elders on a courtesy visit to his office at the Government House, Umuahia.
He described Deaf persons as an important component of the disability community, assuring the delegation that the Commission would continue to collaborate with them in identifying opportunities capable of improving their livelihoods and enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of Abia State.
The Chairman said the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, remained deliberate in his commitment to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.
He pointed to the recruitment of several Deaf women into the state government workforce as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusion, stressing that qualified persons with disabilities would continue to be considered for available employment opportunities.
According to him, Deaf persons have also benefited from various government interventions targeted at persons with disabilities, including support initiatives provided through the office of the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Lady Priscilla C. Otti.
He assured the delegation that the Commission would continue to promote the inclusion of Deaf persons in relevant government programmes and interventions.
Dr. Anyaele further disclosed that Abia State has a secondary school for Deaf students, which he said would be progressively improved to provide a better learning environment.
He added that plans were also being considered to provide hostel facilities for both male and female Deaf students, while the Commission would continue to promote greater public awareness of issues affecting Deaf persons.
On sign-language interpretation, the Chairman disclosed that the Commission was working towards recruiting qualified sign-language interpreters to strengthen its services and improve communication with persons with hearing impairment.
He therefore encouraged qualified sign-language interpreters in the state to make themselves available for possible engagement.
Earlier, the South East Zonal Women Leader of SEOWA, Mrs. Maria Chidimma Alufo-Ekpo, said the delegation visited the Commission to discuss challenges confronting Deaf persons in Abia, particularly women and children, as well as explore areas of collaboration.
Alufo-Ekpo appealed for greater inclusion of Deaf women in government-supported livelihood and empowerment programmes, especially in agriculture, small-scale businesses and other economic ventures.
She said providing Deaf women with access to such opportunities would enhance their economic independence, improve their wellbeing and enable them to contribute more effectively to their families and communities.
The SEOWA leader also appealed to the Commission to intervene in efforts to restore peace and unity within the Deaf community in Abia State.
She expressed concern that divisions arising from internal disagreements could undermine the progress of the community and negatively affect the public perception of Deaf persons in the state.
