Uche Ndeke
Journalists in Anambra state have been enjoined to be intentional about spotlighting issues affecting persons with disabilities to enhance better understanding of disability in the society.
The Communication Officer, TAF AFRICA, Lynn Agwuncha, made the call during a 2-day training in Awka dubbed Able to vote Media Engagement.
The event with the theme “Bridging Media and the Disability Community for Inclusive Electoral Participation in Anambra,” is organized by TAF AFRICA and funded by the European Union.
It is aimed at equipping the media on inclusive reporting especially ahead of the November 8 governorship election the state.
According to Agwuncha, the media must be intentional about persons with disabilities in their reportage.
She said the journalists in the course of the training are expected to interact with INEC on their preparations especially as it regards to persons with disabilities being carried along in election period.
Agwuncha charged the media should be more proactive and amplify the campaign on disability inclusion during the governorship election in the state.
Avoid derogatory language
In a presentation, the Programme Officer, TAF AFRICA, George Anwayi, called on the media to avoid using words that enable discrimination in their reportage.
He was of the view that anyone can become disabled at any time in life going by the UN definition of disability.
According to him, the UNCRPD defines disability as any long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society on an equal basis with others.
He advised the media practitioners, “Avoid using words that are derogatory and demeaning.
“Such words contribute to exclusion of such persons in the society.
According to him, there are several barriers that hinders full participation of PWDs in electioneering which include lack of access to polling units among others.
Mr Anwayi noted that section 54 of the Electoral Act 2022 made provisions and guarantees the rights of voters with disabilities.
