Indeed, there is no limit to knowledge. Recently, a disability persons’ organisation called, Inclusive Friends Association, gathered a handful of journalists from the print and electronic media in Akwanga, Nasarawa State to build their capacity on how to properly report on issues of Persons with Disability.
Despite my decades of working in the civil society and media, the November 18 – 19, 2020 Disability Focused Media Reporting Training for Journalists was an eye-opener and learning curve for me despite being one of the resource persons. I did learn a lot and have decided to share some of the useful tips and information in this public space. Even though my primary audience today is the media, I am also reaching out to all of us out there to change our perception of people with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities face three major kinds of barriers namely, attitudinal, environmental and institutional: attitudinal barriers resulting from negative perceptions and stereotypes about the PWDs; cultural beliefs, misinformation or lack of knowledge about disability. i.e. disability is a curse or the PWDs are not worthy of being elected into public office.
Other tips are: journalists should avoid emotional words such as “unfortunate” or “pitiful”. Also, they should avoid sad music or melodramatic introductions when reporting on disability. Never refer to individuals with disabilities as the disabled. Portraying people with disabilities as active members of society and not as passive and dependent helps to break down barriers and opens up opportunities.
Please what disability did Chinua Achebe had?
Yeah! Social inclusion to cover persons living with disabilities through continous awareness and sensitization by media
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