For many people with disabilities, assistance and support are prerequisites for participating in society. The lack of necessary support services can make people with disabilities overly dependent on family members – and can prevent both the person with disability and the family members from becoming economically active and socially included.
The International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) is observed to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities to take action for the inclusion of PLWDs in all aspect of development.
Access Bank partnered with Project Enable to commemorate the 2020 PLWD day themed “Building Back Better: Towards a disability inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world”. The program was organised to showcase the ideas, businesses and productivity of the disability community in Nigeria towards amplifying their voices and strengthening the institutional capacity of the community.
The program unveiled the most inspiring persons with disabilities and a documentary series as part of the Project Enable #FollowDisACT Campaign. Also, a business pitch competition was organized for PLWDS to showcase and support the business ideas of young entrepreneurs and the Business Support Program faculty was launched, chaired by the Head Sustainability, Access Bank, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan and the General Manager of the Lagos States Office for Disability Affairs, Mr. Dare Dairo.
The winner of the business pitch competition was awarded $1,000 as support to the most innovative entrepreneur. The Business Support program hosted a few individuals physically and had over 500 people joined virtually through livestream on social media due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
