The University of Ghana’s Campus Association of Students with Special Needs (UG-CASSN) is gearing up for a week-long celebration in honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. .This initiative seeks to enhance awareness, foster inclusivity, and dispel myths surrounding individuals with special needs.
Throughout the week, representatives will conduct door-to-door visits to various lecture halls, place banners at the various halls and hostel to raise awareness about the presence of students with special needs on campus. The aim is not only to inform but also to encourage other students with special needs to connect with the association and avail themselves of the university’s support provisions.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the UGCASSN, Mr. Ephraim Cracca, the key aspect of the awareness campaign is the intention to challenge and break down prevailing myths associated with people with special needs.
Highlighting the abilities of students with special needs , a ‘Goal Ball’ competition is scheduled between Legon Hall and Hilla Liman Hall at Atlantic Oval on Friday, 8th December. This sports event aims to showcase the capabilities of individuals with special needs while fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.
The week-long advocacy will be climaxed with visits to churches on campus. This final activity seeks to further amplify awareness about people with special needs.
It is worth noting that, the International day of persons with Disabilities is celebrated worldwide on December 3rd annually. First proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution 47/3, it is a day that communities, government, organizations and other stakeholders have a chance to to unite and create awareness, inclusion and take concrete steps to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
This year’s theme is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for, with and by persons with disabilities’.
This year’s theme calls for action on three key areas;
1. Rescue: People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, generating additional obstacles and aggravating pre-existing disparities. People with disabilities must be involved in all humanitarian and development initiatives, and this requires cooperation on our part, especially when it comes to disaster relief and recovery.
2. Achieve: People with disabilities have the capacity to be effective change agents and make substantial contributions to the SDGs’ accomplishment. In order to enable people with disabilities to engage in all facets of society—including civic engagement, work, and education—we must take down obstacles and provide them with possibilities. Reflecting on this, it is important that we all join hands as a people and put in conscious efforts to don away with stigmatization that are sometimes directed towards certain persons with disabilities.
3. For, with and by: People with disabilities must fully participate in all decision-making processes in order to achieve the SDGs. It is imperative to guarantee that individuals with disabilities have a voice and are actively engaged in the creation and execution of policies and programs that impact their lives.
This day holds paramount importance as it highlights the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, ranging from unequal opportunities to discrimination and a lack of empathy. Globally, panel discussions and cultural events are organized to advocate for their rights and amplify their perspectives.
One can also involve in learning more about the SDGs and the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, organize or attend awareness event or workshop at school or community as ways of involving in celebrating International Day of People with Disabilities.
Let’s not forget that variety is an asset, not a liability on this International Day of People with Disabilities. Together, we can build a society in which all people, regardless of handicap, have the chance to prosper, make a significant contribution to the SDGs, and look forward to a better future for all.
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Story by: Hussein Habibata Maltiti | univers.ug.edu.gh
