Disability Bill: Delta assembly holds public hearing

Asaba, Delta – The Delta State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on a bill for a law to protect people living with disability against all forms of discrimination.

The Bill, when becomes law would guarantee the establishment of Delta State Commission for persons with disability and related matters.

The Chairman, House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support Services, and Girl Child Entrepreneurship, Hon Bridget Anyafulu, who was joined by the Chairman, Committee on Special Bills, Hon Emeka Nwaobi to lead the hearing outlined three focal components of the bill.

They are, the provisions prohibiting discrimination in whatever form against people living with disability as well as provisions that allow the latter to access vital services, the provisions for registration of persons with disability and provisions for the establishment of a commission to cater for people with disability.

Anyafulu said that the purpose of the public hearing was to allow legislators to engage citizens in the lawmaking process, assuring members of the public that the committee would consider their suggestions regarding the bill carefully.

The disabled community presented their memorandum, followed by various clusters of individuals with disabilities offering inputs and amendments to the Disability Bill.

Other stakeholders also contributed to the bill.