The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive policies and programmes that improve the quality of life of persons living with deafblindness.
The commitment was reiterated during a policy roundtable organised in collaboration with the Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network (DIAN) to mark the 2026 International Deafblind Awareness Week.
The event, themed “Leaving No One Behind: Enhancing Health, Education and Rehabilitation Training for Nigerians with Deafblindness,” brought together government officials, disability advocates, healthcare professionals, educators, development partners and members of the deafblind community.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress made in advancing the rights of persons with deafblindness and identify practical measures to strengthen inclusion across different sectors.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to inclusive education, noting that the state is moving beyond integration towards true inclusion.
Represented by the Ministry’s Inclusive Education Desk Officer, Mr. Azeez Aliu, the Commissioner stressed that children with deafblindness possess immense potential and require access to early identification, assistive technology, tactile learning resources and trained professionals to thrive.
He disclosed that the state is strengthening inclusive education through curriculum adaptation, Braille resources, tactile sign language support, teacher training and improved screening and intervention programmes.
Also speaking, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Social Development and Integration, Mr. Kelani Akeem, acknowledged the challenges faced by persons with deafblindness in accessing healthcare, education and social services.
She said the dialogue was aimed at identifying existing gaps and developing practical solutions to improve access to healthcare, rehabilitation services, assistive technology and inclusive education.
Founder and Executive Director of Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation, Mr. Solomon Okelola, explained that the Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network was established to advance the academic, health and social inclusion of persons with deafblindness.
He called for specialised training for teachers and healthcare workers, increased funding for assistive devices and rehabilitation services, improved data collection and stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector.
The event concluded with discussions and recommendations focused on strengthening disability-inclusive policies and expanding opportunities for persons with deafblindness in health, education and social development sectors.