Ogwezzy, Oladunjoye advocate disability inclusive reporting

Professor of Mass Communication University of Lagos and member Editorial Board, The Guardian, Abigail Ogwezzy–Ndisika and Publisher of BONews Service, Blessing Oladunjoye, have stressed the need for media professionas to tell more stories of Persons With Disabilities.(PWD).

They spoke at a seminar for students of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, organised by Oladunjoye. The training was supported by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Report Women! News and Newsroom Engagement, and was themed ‘Disability Reporting’

To Ogwezzy –Ndisika, “we must tell their stories. There is ability in disability. They have a role in development. All they need is give them opportunities. Give them access. They don’t deserve the pity parties that we organise. They are interested in their rights. We can have disability desks in newsroom.”

She encouraged students to engage with PWDs and do impactful stories about them.

On her part, Oladunjoye noted not all disabilities are visible. Using pictures and various illustrations, she highlighted mechanisms that should be implemented to ensure equal participation of PWDs

She also discussed different models of disability, including charity, medical, social, and rights-based models.

She explained essential terminology and principles related to disability, offering practical tips for reporting on disability, interviewing PWDs, and avoiding common pitfalls in disability reporting.

She also cited the United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs, stressing the need for proper and adequate reportage.

To her, “as journalists, you should know that you can incorporate disability into different subjects but you must use inclusive and non-discriminatory language.”

Co-lecturer, Suraj Olorunfesi, also spoke on how technology can empower PWDs and make their work seamless.

One of the students, Oge Ugwu Nkirikuka, shared a personal experience, noting that disability reporting would provide her with opportunities for advocacy, enable her to seek justice for PWDs and enhance her efforts in gender advocacy.

Another student, Ezekiel Adebayo said he learnt there’s need to be sensitive to plight of PWD’s

Similarly, Temiloluwa Tijani, another Masters student shared her plans to focus on raising awareness about disclaimers during public events and occasions, emphasizing the need for caution.

The seminar set the stage for students, journalists, and communication professionals to interrogate disability more accurately and sensitively. It served as a wake-up call, breaking stereotypes, condemning stigmatization, as well as emphasising shared responsibility to ensure PWDs can live well and participate actively in the society.