The Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) has called for the inclusion of sign language interpreters and visual aids in hospitals to improve healthcare access for the deaf community.
During the second National Deaf Women Summit in Abuja, DWAN President Helen Beyioku-Alase explained the urgent need for these provisions.
Alase pointed out the importance of developing digital healthcare tools tailored to the needs of deaf individuals.
She also stressed the necessity for laws and policies to acknowledge the important contributions of deaf women and girls in unpaid care work.
DWAN’s boss advocated for public policies that ensure accessible healthcare, uphold the rights of deaf women, and guarantee they receive quality healthcare without facing discrimination.
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Despite notable progress in enhancing the status and rights awareness of deaf women across Nigeria, Alase disclosed that several barriers still persist.
She underscored the summit’s goal of fostering resilience, leadership, and advocacy among deaf women, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in key discussions.
The summit addressed critical issues such as gender-based violence, s£xual and reproductive health, leadership development, and strategic governance.
Lawrence Idemudia, the acting director of the Social Integration Department at the National Disability Commission, praised DWAN for organizing the summit.
Idemudia upheld that the commission is dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities and has provided deaf women with various skills and business opportunities in certain areas.
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