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Bakura Muhammad: Dreaming of Becoming a Broadcast Journalist

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Bakura Muhammad

Bakura Muhammad is one of Goal Prime Organization Nigeria’s star anchors

Recently the disabled community in Nigeria‘s North-Eastern region has been growing more and more resilient. This has been helped further by the government’s interventions and training platforms created by non-profit organizations to help young people, especially teenagers, harness their talents and learn skills that will make them be part of positive change in society. Bakura Muhammad is just one teenager benefiting from this shift in Nigeria’s attitudes towards disabled people. He is a 15-year-old schoolboy who was born with blindness and lost his mother in infancy.

Apart from being a vulnerable child, Bakura grew up in a conflict-affected environment, and that nearly sabotage his dreams to become educated as he dreamed to be. But, his father foresaw a bright future for his son, so he made efforts to enrol him in school.

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As Bakura puts it, “I have been blind for as long as I have been alive. I am my mum’s last child because she died about a month after giving birth to me. I was not enrolled in school until I was seven years. Some neighbours advised my father against enrolling me in school because they felt that I would be better off begging for alms. My father did not listen to them and I am very grateful for that.”

Bakura Muhammad

© Unicef

Bakura was also lucky enough to be selected by Goal Prime Organization Nigeria as one of the ‘Star Anchors’ of Da Rarrafe Yaro Kan Tashi, a UNICEF-supported children’s radio programme. That influenced his passion for broadcast journalism. But, through his father’s old transistor radio, he developed the habit of listening to and admiring some famous broadcast journalists. These included Nasiru Salisu Zango of Deutsche Welle (DW Hausa) and Ibrahim of the British Broadcasting Commission (BBC Hausa).

So, Bakura Muhammad moved another step closer to achieving his dream as he read the primetime news on Al-Ansaar Radio to commemorate World Children’s Day (2022) in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria.

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“When I translated the news on the Braille sheet, my fears disappeared. I held the sheet in my hands and my confidence soared. God willing, I would love to work with the Cable Network News (CNN) or Voice of America (VOA) as a newscaster when I finish my education. In Nigeria, I can also work in the media and sensitization department of UNICEF.” Bakura said.

Despite having lost his vision, Bakura as a potential anchor has a promising future because he can lay his hands on a braille sheet of paper and read the news on the radio, so this is enough reason why his story needs to be told out there.

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Disability Rights Campaigners Call for Assisted Dying Legislation

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Disability rights campaigners are urging MPs and peers to support assisted dying legislation. They emphasize that everyone deserves the chance for a good death. This call is led by Tom Shakespeare, a prominent professor of disability research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Supporting Terminally Ill Individuals

The group expresses solidarity with terminally ill individuals who seek the option of assisted death. They acknowledge the concerns raised by opponents regarding the value society places on disabled lives. A documentary titled Better Off Dead? by actor Liz Carr highlights these risks. However, Shakespeare and his co-signers argue that disabled people represent a diverse community. Their experiences and opinions vary significantly.

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In a letter to parliamentarians, the campaigners state, “We know some prominent disabled individuals oppose assisted dying. However, polling shows this view is not representative of the majority.” They point to an Opinium poll conducted for Dignity in Dying, indicating that nearly 80% of disabled individuals support assisted dying legislation.

The Right to Autonomy and Control

The letter emphasizes that all individuals deserve a good life and the autonomy to make decisions about their futures. It highlights the importance of independent living. As people approach the end of their lives, they should also have the option for a dignified death, with various choices available.

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The campaigners express concern that too many individuals suffer in pain. They argue that assisted dying legislation is a compassionate response to this suffering. The proposed law in the UK focuses on terminally ill, mentally competent adults. This legislation has not expanded in similar laws in Oregon, Washington, and other US states.

Upcoming Legislative Debate

A private member’s bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, aims to legalize assisted dying for those who meet specific criteria. The bill is scheduled for discussion next month in Parliament. If it receives initial support, it will undergo further scrutiny by committee members.

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Although the sentiment for assisted dying legislation may have shifted since the overwhelming rejection in 2015, the outcome remains uncertain. The letter has also been signed by several prominent individuals in the disability rights community, further demonstrating support for this crucial issue.

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Election 2024

Voters with Disabilities: Feeling Overlooked in the 2024 Presidential Race

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A new Rutgers University report estimates 40.2 million eligible voters in the upcoming U.S. presidential election are disabled. When factoring in people who live with someone who has a disability, nearly one-third of the voting population is involved. Despite this, many voters with disabilities feel overlooked, especially on health care—a central campaign issue.

A Growing Voting Bloc

As the U.S. population ages, the number of voters with disabilities is increasing. However, many challenges still exist. These include inaccessible campaign materials and the fact that candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris rarely address disability-related issues, such as the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Trump recently made comments at a rally that were viewed as discriminatory by advocacy groups.

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Advocates Demand Recognition

Dom Kelly, founder of New Disabled South, says this voting bloc is essential. “We are their path to victory,” he insists, warning that ignoring this community could affect election outcomes. Matt Mills, a 41-year-old voter from Ohio who has lupus and other health issues, supports Harris for her health policies but still feels disabled voters are often overlooked.

Mixed Experiences with Candidates

Jim Piet and Patricia Vincent-Piet, a married couple from New Hampshire who both have cerebral palsy, have had varied interactions with political candidates. Some have been receptive, while others have not. Their main concern is policy, especially Medicaid, which provides essential support to people like Jim. They plan to vote for Harris due to fears that Republicans may cut Medicaid services.

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Damaging Political Rhetoric

Trump has a history of offending the disabled community, such as when he mocked a disabled journalist in 2015. Recently, he falsely claimed at a rally that Harris was “mentally impaired,” leading to criticism from advocacy groups. Meighan Stone, who uses a wheelchair due to long COVID, emphasizes that the issue goes beyond offensive comments. “We live with this discrimination daily,” she says.

Addressing the Issues

The Harris campaign has taken steps, such as hiring Anastasia Somoza, a disability advocate, as its disability engagement director. Somoza, who has cerebral palsy, has been working to ensure campaign events are accessible, offering virtual options. However, a recent virtual event fell short, causing frustration for voters like Marissa Ditkowsky, who has muscular dystrophy. Technical issues such as missing closed captioning and a sign language interpreter made the event less accessible.

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Ensuring Voting Accessibility

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission is working to ensure voters with disabilities can vote independently and privately. Commissioner Benjamin Hovland stresses the need for better training for poll workers. Training will include ways to assist those with anxiety or who process information differently.

Patti Chang, a blind voter from Chicago, explains that exclusion goes beyond the political sphere. “Society needs to expect more inclusion,” she says. “This issue doesn’t just affect voting; it’s everywhere.”

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Conclusion

With millions of voters with disabilities preparing to vote, both campaigns need to address their concerns. Making campaign platforms accessible and engaging with these voters could have a significant impact on the election.

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Resilient Spirit: Sokhina and Rozina’s Transformative Journey to Independence

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Sokhina and Rozina’s Journey

In Kurigram, Bangladesh, Sokhina and Rozina’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Sokhina, a 33-year-old single mother, fights every day to improve her daughter Rozina’s life. At just seven years old, Rozina lives with cerebral palsy, but together they face numerous challenges. Sokhina’s unwavering strength shines as she navigates motherhood in a region often struck by climate hazards.

Overcoming Adversity: Challenges Faced by Sokhina and Rozina

Sokhina and Rozina’s journey has been fraught with hardship. After enduring a violent marriage, Sokhina faced a painful divorce, which her husband sought solely because of Rozina’s disability. Left to care for her daughters alone, she dedicated herself entirely to Rozina’s needs for the first five years of her life. During that time, they suffered social exclusion and harsh judgments from neighbors who labeled her “crazy.”

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“I felt helpless and worried about Rozina’s future,” Sokhina recalls, reflecting on her struggles during those early years.

Support and Rehabilitation: Transforming Their Lives

In November 2022, Sokhina’s life began to change when a volunteer from Humanity & Inclusion (HI) introduced her to the MISEREOR project’s rehabilitation teams. At that time, Rozina could neither sit, stand, nor speak, and her health deteriorated due to inactivity. HI provided essential support, including special seating and a walking frame, significantly improving Rozina’s mobility and overall well-being.

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“The progress Rozina has made fills me with pride,” Sokhina shares, expressing her joy in her daughter’s achievements.

Building a Sustainable Future: Economic Empowerment for Sokhina

With additional assistance from HI, Sokhina received livelihood support in the form of a sewing machine and dressmaking training. This opportunity empowered her to achieve financial independence while focusing on Rozina’s rehabilitation.

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“Since becoming an HI beneficiary, I’ve learned many skills, including how to support Rozina’s functional rehabilitation,” Sokhina explains. “Now, people around me respect me. All I want is for my daughter to get better and for me to educate her.”

Community Support: The Importance of Collective Action

HI Bangladesh actively participates in various projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities and their caregivers in the Kurigram region. Their work encompasses rehabilitation, mental health support, and economic empowerment initiatives, helping vulnerable groups enhance their livelihoods and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

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Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Sokhina and Rozina

Sokhina and Rozina’s journey highlights the power of resilience and community support. With ongoing assistance, they continue to strive for independence, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and strength can prevail. Their story inspires others facing similar challenges and emphasizes the importance of collective action in transforming lives.

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