Disability is not inability: students undertake a life-affirming project

SID Project

A team of students from selected tertiary institutions in Ghana is embarking on a project intended to affect many lives positively and ultimately contribute significantly to societal development.

The project, dubbed "Strength In Disability" (SID), is a joint effort of the Ghana Association of Disability and Rehabilitation Students (GADRES -KNUST) and other institutions which basically seeks to educate society on the relevance of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs); and the fact that having a disability does not make you less human.

"Ignorance has made many persons living with disabilities burdens, instead of being beneficial to the society. The primary purpose of the project is to influence society's viewpoint of PLWDs; to see them as people with special needs, who can do something to help themselves and the society at large. We hope this endeavour which has received due endorsement from our lecturers will make the intended impact," says Mr Frederick Osei who is a coordinator for the project and a member of GADRES-KNUST.

The project logo

The project which kick started earlier this year is expected to be totally rolled out in September 2019, when school officially reopens for most institutions including KNUST.

In one part of the project, pertinent issues such as stigmatization, discrimination, the rights of persons with disabilities will be published on social media platforms, which are fast becoming very easy means of sharing and accessing information, in a bid to educate the public on these relevant issues. The public education endeavour will be extended to some TV and Radio stations as well.

The Project will also go on outreaches to schools, communities and rehabilitation centres, to impart to the people very important matters, ascertain the challenges they face, and then make donations as well. A conference session will be held after the outreach activities to discuss its outcome and other essential topics.

Another substantive part of the project is the premiere of a movie which aside disability portrays other relevant issues including name-calling, social protection, accessibility, empowerment, etc. The film, which is a work in progress, promises to be interesting as well as informative after having watched clips of what has been done. You can't afford to miss the premiere, be on the lookout!


A character in the upcoming movie

"The SID movie is a platform we are using to educate the general public on major disability issues with the objective of doing away with the misconceptions people have about persons with disabilities and issues pertaining to disability," according to Mr Dennis Ato Dadzie, President of GADRES-KNUST.

It is worth noting, that about 10 percent of  Ghana's population are persons with disability.  Out of this number, very few are employed and still, very few can attain higher levels of education. Though their rights are assured by both Ghana's constitution and international conventions, not much has been done to offer them actual protection, inclusion and fulfillment.

Members of the SID team humbly call on individuals and organizations to support this noble endeavour of impacting society.

To sponsor, support or  or enquire about this project, please contact Bright Rockson, Project PRO, on 0501654514; Frederick Osei, Project Coordinator, on 0243686897; or Dennis Ato Dadzie, GADRES-KNUST President, on 0205376899.

To offer financial help via MTN mobile money, please use the contact: 0243686897, the account name is Frederick Osei. In case of reference, "SID Project" can be used.

Team SID says thank you and God bless you for your commitment to societal progress. There is always strength in disability; with you involved.

Follow SID on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube with the handle "Strength in Disability KNUST" for all the updates that matter.

Source:  TBC

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