Disabilities
Disabilities are often overlooked in places such as Africa and I find it compelling to get involved as an activist in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities not just in sub-Saharan Africa but in the global arena.
Unfortunately, disability is being tackled using the Charity Model throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The Charity Model is not dependent on the existence of charities – but it does heavily inform many charities, especially ones focused on disability. It is concerned with seeing disability as tragic and in need of support. The model is not about supporting disabled people to live our lives on our own terms; it is not concerned with civil rights, independent living, meaningful employment or equal access to education.
There are a number of charities for disabled people constructed on this basis, led by non-disabled people to help disabled people live better lives or find cures. This is a problem as it not only means that services are not shaped by people who truly understand the needs of disabled people, but they also offer no role-modelling or alternative narratives for disabled people.
Often “Charity Model” charities fundraise through imagery and messaging that shows disabled people as helpless and tragic – to generate emotive responses from non – disabled people who will hopefully feel enough pity to put their hands in their pocket. Though this may solve the immediate needs of the individuals or groups concerned, it gives these people the role of liabilities in the society that people ought to consider because of their disabilities. No attention is given to the real needs of those with disabilities which is social acceptance and dreams of also pursuing realisable goals which in turn gives them a sense of purpose and value in the society.
We must encourage a tripartite solution involving public, private and the federal sector to develop and establish a new platform that will create sustainable change. It is in light of this that I hope that the new era of the sustainable development goals will entrench a better understanding and development of a more inclusive society for all.