'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Media practitioners in Nigeria have been urged to adopt a more inclusive and empathetic approach to reporting on issues affecting persons with disabilities (PWDs). This appeal was made yesterday in Abuja during a media training on disability-inclusive reporting, organized by the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiatives (AWWDI).
Bilkisu Yakubu, National Coordinator of AWWDI, highlighted the shortcomings in how the media currently reports on PWDs. According to her, while the facts are often available, the full context of their experiences is frequently omitted.
“Issues around how the media reports news of persons with disabilities is a concern for us,” she said. “The whole story is often not captured despite having all the facts. There is a proper way to report us. We have moved away from the charity model and are now in the empathy model. When you are reporting, put yourself in our shoes.”
Yakubu underscored the economic and social challenges faced by PWDs, such as unemployment and the rising cost of living, which disproportionately impact their lives. She recounted a distressing story of a woman who had been confined to her home for weeks due to financial constraints. “Aside from physical disabilities, we don't have a lot of money because of unemployment. Even those of us who are working, we don’t have enough,” she added.
She also pointed out the importance of using correct terminologies when reporting on PWDs. “You don't say ‘disabled,’ ‘handicapped,’ or ‘albino.’ Albino is not the right terminology; the correct term is ‘persons with albinism.’”
Yakubu called for media coverage on critical but overlooked issues, such as the effects of climate change on persons with albinism. “We currently have a sister suffering from cancer due to the effects of climate change on people with albinism. Promoting such news will increase awareness and prompt action,” she said.
Citing another instance, Yakubu revealed how the absence of a sign language interpreter in a hospital led to a woman with hearing impairment being neglected for an entire day. “If you promote such stories, medical personnel will know how to better relate with people with disabilities,” she urged.
The media’s role in shaping societal narratives was also emphasized by Kola Jayeoba, Program Officer at AWWDI. He noted that while the media landscape has evolved with the advent of social media, the perception of PWDs remains largely unchanged due to stereotypes perpetuated by media content.
“The media helps in shaping and changing narratives, whether right or wrong. If you don’t report on PWDs well, it means you are cutting off the voice of a large segment of society,” Jayeoba stated.
Jayeoba provided guidelines for disability-inclusive reporting, stressing the importance of using respectful language, avoiding stereotypes, and portraying PWDs as multidimensional individuals with diverse talents and experiences. “Use person-first language, such as ‘person with a disability,’ unless advised otherwise by the individual,” he said.
He also called on media houses to involve PWDs in content creation and ensure accessibility in their platforms, such as by providing subtitles and audio descriptions. “Representation matters. Seeing PWDs in the media normalizes their presence in society, promotes accessibility, and fosters equality,” Jayeoba remarked.
The training concluded with a call for media practitioners to focus on empowering and dignified portrayals of PWDs. Both Yakubu and Jayeoba expressed optimism that more accurate and empathetic reporting would help reduce stigma and promote inclusivity in Nigerian society.
As the media plays a vital role in influencing public perception and policy, AWWDI’s advocacy underscores the need for a collective effort toward creating a more inclusive society for all.
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