The Disability Rights Bill on Thursday scaled second reading at the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.
This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, Mr Uduakobong Ekpo-ufot(PDP-Etinan) at Thursday’s plenary in Uyo.
Presenting the bill, Ekpo-ufot, said it was aimed at protecting the rights of all Persons with Disabilities in the state.
He added that the bill also provided for the establishment of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and further empower the Commission to cater for the education, healthcare, social, economic and civil rights of persons with disabilities.
“A person who discriminates against persons with disabilities, commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to, if the person is a corporate body, a fine of N1,000, 000; and an individual, a fine of N100, 000 or six months imprisonment, or both,” he said.
The lawmaker added that the bill would ensure that a person with disability had the right to access physical environment and buildings, on an equal basis with others.
“A public building shall be constructed with the necessary accessibility aids, such as lifts (where necessary), ramps, and any other facility that shall make them accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.
“The bill would also boost accessibility of persons with disabilities, to facilities on roads, airports, seaports and railways, without discrimination,” he said.
“The government shall ensure that the education of persons with disabilities, particularly children, who are blind, deaf, or with multiple disabilities, is delivered in the most appropriate language, mode, and means of communication for the individual,” he said.
The bill, which received the unanimous support from the lawmakers, was referred to the House Committee on Health by the Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, for further legislative actions.
