Digital Revolution: UNIZIK Digital Inclusive Team Advocates for the Rights of Students with Disabilities
Chidolue, Patrick

The UNIZIK Digital Inclusive Team, in partnership with the Global Research Network Think Tank, United Kingdom, and CENDASNER, Unizik, recently hosted a three-day Round Table Discussion titled "Disabilities Digital Inclusion Rights Advocacy." The event, held from Tuesday, 11th, Friday, 14th, Tuesday, 18th June 2024 at International Collaboration and Linkages, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, aimed to promote the rights of students with disabilities through digital awareness and equip them with technological devices for inclusivity advocacy.

The first day of the round table discussion featured four discussants. The session was facilitated by Dr. Mariagoretti Obiakor; Fellow African Inclusion Alliance, Fellow Digital Equity and Innovation USA, Member Global Research Network UK; who is also a lecturer in the Department of Education Management and Policy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, defined digital technology as encompassing all electronic technologies that generate, store, and process data using "ON and OFF" states. She also explained that any device assisting individuals in achieving their goals is considered digital and digitalized devices are electronic machines that store data in symbolic and alphabetical languages.

Dr. Obiakor also underscored how digitalization fosters innovation and creativity, crucial in making students with disabilities relevant in today's digital landscape. Digitizing processes and workflows can streamline tasks, automate processes, and enhance speed and accuracy, resulting in cost savings, improved resource allocation, and faster response times.

“This can contribute to student's competitiveness and growth. Digitalization also enables greater accessibility and convenience. With digital platforms, information and services can be accessed remotely, providing flexibility and convenience. She highlighted digital technology as GSM phones, simplifies the key importance of digitalization lies in its ability to enhance efficiency and productivity, particularly in education, digitalization can bridge gaps and improve access to essential resources for students with disabilities” she said.

Moreover, digitalization fosters innovation. Leveraging digital technologies such as AI, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) can generate valuable insights and lead to the development of novel solutions to complex challenges. This capacity for innovation is essential for ensuring the relevance of students with disabilities in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Professor Williams Emeka Obiozor, the Director of the Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER), who discussed inclusivity for students with disabilities in UNIZIK and Nigeria. He highlighted the need for an inclusive and accessible environment for PWDs, stressing the importance of valuing them as members of the community and providing equal learning and workplace opportunities.

Professor Obiozor of Adult Education and Special Learning also mentioned initiatives such as the "One $treet" radio program, aimed at raising awareness about disabilities and promoting inclusion. Additionally, he outlined the "YES I CAN" project, an annual celebration showcasing the abilities of students with disabilities and promoting self-sufficiency.

The third discussant focus was on the creation of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The speaker emphasized the positive impact of job creation and entrepreneurship skills, such as self-sufficiency, improved self-image, the opportunity to build a meaningful life, and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Dr. Gladys Ozuluonye Chime, a lecturer at the Department of Education Management and Policy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, discussed the importance of promoting vocational and entrepreneurship skills for people with disabilities. She highlighted that providing access to foundational support, including assistive devices and resources, can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Chime also pointed out the significant challenges faced by students with disabilities, such as social stigma and the lack of vocational and entrepreneurial skills. She emphasized the need to create a more inclusive and supportive environment to counter these challenges and prevent the exploitation of individuals with disabilities.

Another discussant, Mrs. Amauche Ogah, discussed the rights and use of library resources among students with disabilities. She particularly emphasized the need for policies that would allow these students to occupy front seats in classrooms for better auditory access.

Mrs. Ogah shared her experiences as a student coordinator at CENDASNER, highlighting the efforts to advocate for students' rights and address the challenges they face in accessing library resources. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to make the vocational center more accessible to students with disabilities.

During the 3-day round table discussion organized by the UNIZIK Inclusive Team, a visually impaired student from the Department of Guidance and Counseling at UNIZIK, Miss Mbajiogu Precious Nzubechukwu, expressed her thoughts on the event, describing it as insightful and beneficial. She emphasized the importance of meeting and engaging with like-minded individuals to address the challenges faced by the disabled community.

Miss Mbajiogu stressed that many disabled students lack access to and knowledge of technological devices due to financial constraints. She highlighted the need for electronic voice recorders, phones, and laptops to better integrate with society. She emphasized the necessity for enhanced skills and knowledge in utilizing digital technologies to improve academic performance and self-sufficiency in the future.

The second day of the event featured a dynamic round table discussion themed "Life Skills for Students with Disabilities". Dr. Mariagoretti Obiakor served as the facilitator, and the speakers included Dr. Chinenye Amaonye, Dr. Gladys Chinwe, Dr. Juliana Nkechi Nwaodo, and Dr. Nwama Winifred. Each lecturers addressed key areas such as social skills, emotional skills, confidence, communication skills, and personal hygiene among students with disabilities, advocating for the overall well-being and success of these students.

Dr. Mariagoreth Ijeoma Obiakor highlighted the importance of life skills in promoting social change among individuals with disabilities. She defined life skills as essential for full participation in daily life, enabling individuals to effectively address life's demands and challenges.

The lecturer and facilitator stressed the significance of advocacy and identified various types of life skills, including personal hygiene, basic communication, emotional skills, and confidence. She emphasized the need to bridge the gap in economic empowerment by providing students with disabilities access to essential skills, citing it as crucial for Nigeria's development and economic prosperity.

“The low representation of individuals with disabilities in Nigeria's workforce and urged the government to invest in life skills to enhance economic prospects and overall growth. The importance of incorporating digital skills, creating a conducive learning environment, and providing life skills support for students with disabilities in their penultimate year of university education” she said.

Dr. Nwama Winifred also stressed the significance of proper personal hygiene practices for overall health and well-being, particularly for female students with disabilities. She highlighted the need for proper menstrual hygiene practices and called for improved access to sanitation facilities and personal hygiene products in public spaces and schools.

The speaker advocated for policy changes to ensure free or subsidized personal hygiene products and called for the design of accessible and inclusive sanitation facilities for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Her discussion aimed to drive awareness and advocate for a future where lack of personal hygiene does not impede the health, education, or dignity of students with disabilities.

During the discussion, Dr. Juliana Nkechi Nwaodo emphasized the importance of communication tools for students with disabilities, underscoring the challenges they face in accessing adaptive technology and the need for personalized learning paths. She highlighted the role of communication skills in promoting cognitive development and enhancing various skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

The fourth speaker, Dr. Gladys Chinwe, delved into the emotional aspects and confidence of students with disabilities. She stressed the importance of group discussions to challenge stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for students. She also advocated for the use of personal storytelling to foster empathy and understanding of the social and emotional aspects of disabilities.

The round table discussion provided a platform for open dialogue and allowed discussants to address misconceptions and myths about students with disabilities, ultimately fostering a more informed and empathetic perspective. The discussion succeeded in shedding light on the importance of digital inclusion in advocating for the rights of students with disabilities and fostering inclusivity in educational and workplace settings.