Taraba Varsity Develops Special Curriculum for Persons Living With Disabilities

 

The Commissioner for the Ministry of Social Justice and Reintegration, Dr. Filister Irarimam Musa, has disclosed that a partnership with Taraba State University has led to the development of a specialized curriculum for individuals living with disabilities.

 

She made this announcement during this year's White Cane Day celebration held at Hope Afresh in Jalingo.

 

"The White Cane Day celebration is a day set aside to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It also educates the public on the importance of the white cane as a tool for independence and mobility, helping to break down stereotypes and misconceptions about visual impairment," Dr. Musa said.

 

She expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his unwavering support and dedication to the community of persons living with disabilities.

 

"Your leadership and commitment to inclusivity have been instrumental in promoting the welfare and empowerment of visually impaired individuals in Taraba State," she noted.

 

Dr. Musa emphasized that the administration of Governor AgbuKefas has shown a strong commitment to empowering visually impaired individuals through various initiatives.

 

"We have sponsored visually impaired individuals to acquire skills at the Farm Craft Center in Lagos, enhancing their economic independence," she added. "Additionally, our partnership with Taraba State University has led to the development of a specialized curriculum for individuals living with disabilities."

 

As she highlighted the progress made, she acknowledged that there is still much to be done. She passionately appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to renovate and equip the Blind Workshop with state-of-the-art facilities to enable visually impaired individuals to acquire skills.

 

The Commissioner also called on the state government to integrate visually impaired individuals into existing social services and programs, promoting equal access and opportunities. She proposed fostering financial independence by providing entrepreneurship training, microfinance initiatives, and employment opportunities. Other suggestions included offering scholarships for visually impaired individuals to pursue higher education and creating an environment where people with disabilities can participate fully without barriers or stigma.

 

In his remarks, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Comrade Wanderimam Teyang, thanked Governor Agbu Kefas for including the visually impaired community in the state's development agenda.

 

"I want to appeal to the Governor to employ blind individuals in government sectors," Teyang said. "I also call on the Governor to renovate the Blind Workshop so that our members can acquire essential skills."

 

This year's White Cane Day celebration carried the theme: "Empowering Visually Impaired Persons."