“Effective disability reporting is when journalists know how and when to use inclusive and non-discriminatory language in their reportage”.
Publisher, BONews Service, Blessing Oladunjoye, stated this during a one-day seminar recently held for Masters students of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, Lagos State.
The seminar which provided a platform for students, journalists, and communication professionals to enhance their ability to report on disability with greater accuracy and sensitivity was supported by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism under its Report Women programme.
Speaking to about 100 students in the department on ‘Disability Reporting, Oladunjoye emphasised the importance of disability reporting, highlighting that not all disabilities are visible.
Through pictures and various illustrations, she outlined mechanisms to ensure the equal participation of persons with disabilities.
Drawing from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Oladunjoye underscored the need for proper and adequate reportage.
She also explored different models of disability, including the charity, medical, social, and rights-based models, and discussed essential terminology and principles for disability reporting.
Giving practical tips for reporting on disability, interviewing persons with disabilities, and avoiding common pitfalls in disability reportage, Oladunjoye recommended that disability, being a cross-cutting issue, should be integrated into diverse topics and subjects.
Director of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) at the University and the course lecturer, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy, encouraged students to engage with people with disabilities and produce impactful stories about Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), stressing the media’s role in giving back to society.
A Co-lecturer, Dr. Suraj Olorunfesi, also spoke at the event, affirming that there is “ability in disability” and highlighted how technology can empower persons with disabilities to achieve their full potential in society.
