Nigerian TV news to feature sign language interpreters

Adding the interpreters is an important step by the Nigerian government towards making its communications more accessible for people with disabilities, and this important change comes at a time when people with disabilities are facing increased discrimination due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many are reporting a lack of access to vital, potentially life-saving information because it has not been created using accessible formats. There is a notable lack of communications in signed languages, braille, pictorials or plain language.

This puts people with disabilities at increased risk of contracting or transmitting the virus. It also means they are more vulnerable to misinformation if they cannot get their information from official sources.

Inclusive Futures is working in Nigeria to ensure people with disabilities are not left behind. The partnership is promoting inclusive workplaces, better long-term prospects for jobseekers with disabilities, inclusive education and inclusive eye health care and tackling the stigma and discrimination people with disabilities face in their daily lives.

Read more about Inclusive Futures here.