People with disabilities Under-reported;Media on the spot
Courtesy- OHCHR
By Lorna Kigen
Journalists across the Country have been urged to report on the rights of people with disability as a way of ensuring that their needs are met.
Following a three day training by Internews in Nairobi Kenya that was attended by journalists across the country especially those reporting for community based Stations, it has been established that many of the challenges facing people with disability are under-reported.
“There are only a few journalists who are reporting on the plight of people with disability, Journalists have been encouraged to include voices of people living with disability in their stories , this will ensure their voices are heard,”Said Temigunga Mahondo from Internews Tanzania.
According to Mahondo The project coordinator Internews- Tanzania, the program is meant to enhance the capacity of journalists while covering the plight of people living disability ;
“Journalists are a big bridge between people living with disability and the society and they do play a crucial role in educating the public. If a journalist uses words that are correct while referring to people with disability , if a journalist focuses on reporting on the rights of people living with disability, then the whole community is able to change , we will have an inclusive society sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities,” said Temigunga .
Temigunga points out that a similar sensitization program Has been going on in a number of countries such as Congo,Tanzania,Liberia and Kenya among others with the aim of making sure that journalists are empowered on reporting on disability .
Temigunga indicates that great strides have been realized especially in Tanzania where some laws have already been changed with regards to people living with different abilities who are now enjoying an inclusive education system where students with different abilities are prioritized.
“They are a priority when it comes to education and opportunities, in 5 years they will be out from the group that requires a lot of aid and help since they will be at a level playing field with the rest”
Temigunga ,indicated that the society perceives people with disability as a burden because of the economical aspect that comes with taking care of them , he notes people with disability require empowerment programs from the government and other Institutions to support them earn a living and be self dependent ,
Temigunga adds that if journalists focus reporting success stories from people with disability, then the world will be able to see that they are equally capable and other people with disability will be motivated to do more and especially parents who have been hiding their children with disability denying them an opportunity to further their education.
“People with disabilities are supposed to stop secluding themselves and shying away from opportunities out there, as this behavior would encourage the rest of the world to stigmatize them let them come out seize opportunities and make a difference be it business, politics or any other field,”Said Temigunga
About Author
