The General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mr. Oluwadamilare Ogundairo, has restated the commitment of the Agency to give priority to the well-being of people with disabilities, through impactful programmes, in line with the all-inclusive policy of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
Ogundairo stated this in his address at a one-day Sign Language Training Workshop organised by the Agency for Civil Servants and Law Enforcement Agents at the Resource Centre, Assbifi Road, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking further at the event tagged: “Bridging the Communication Gaps between the Hearing and the Hearing Impaired Individuals in Lagos State”, he explained that inclusion involves creating an environment of respect and a sense of belonging where everyone, regardless of status, is recognised and appreciated.
In his words: “It behoves us to make Lagos State home for all regardless of circumstances or conditions, hence, the purpose of this workshop. We believe with adequate investment in sign language in workplaces, communication gaps would be bridged between the hearing and hearing impaired people”.
“The training aims at making it possible for Law Enforcement agents, staff of Lagos State from different Ministries, Department and Agencies, who interface with the public to be well equipped to communicate effectively with the people with disability, especially those with hearing impairment, in the State”, he added.
While urging participants to regard themselves as ambassadors to promote inclusion for all in Lagos State, Ogundairo affirmed that the present administration is determined to deliver inclusive governance through various activities continuously. It is, therefore, necessary that all hands must be on deck to ensure no one is left behind.
Also speaking, the Head of Department, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation (LASODA), Mr. Akintunde Oguntoye, urged participants at the workshop to pay utmost attention to the training, saying that it will go a long way to give people with hearing impairment a sense of belonging.
He said: “Today, participants would be introduced to the basic skills of communicating with our fingers as well as facial expression. Lend your voice towards ensuring that everyone is heard by spreading the message across to the people in your neighbourhood that hearing impairment is not a barrier to clear communication; let us all come together to create the change we all desire”.
Oguntoye emphasised that everyone has a role to play in bringing about the desired change in the quest for an inclusive society in Lagos State.
