Stakeholders Perspectives on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Abia and Imo States, Southeast Nigeria: A Multi-sectorial Approach

Abstract

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol were adopted in 2006 and came into force in 2008 as a medium through which the fundamental rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are protected and respected. However, research evidence has shown that PWDs face various forms of challenges in Nigeria. The aim of the study was to elicit the perspectives of a group of multi-sectoral stakeholders on disability rights issues in Abia and Imo States, Southeast Nigeria. The study adopted two distinct approaches of intervention and research to engage participants. A total of 52 participants drawn from both government and non-governmental sectors were used for the study. Some of the participants were involved in a multi-sectorial stakeholders’ workshop to stimulate discussions on the plights of PWDs and the domestication of the Disability Act in Abia and Imo States. Qualitative research methods were utilized to collect data from the study participants using Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected. The study results highlighted the current situation of disability rights in Abia and Imo States, knowledge of the Nigerian Disability Act 2018, and actions needed for the promotion and protection of the rights of PWDs in the region. We recommend a multi-sectorial intervention plan to advocate the domestication of the Disability Act in the States, and community awareness and reorientation to ensure the promotion of the rights of PWDs.