Firms Urged to Audit Workplace Processes to Accommodate PWDs

Oluchi Chibuzor

The IREDE Foundation has called on firms across Nigeria to conduct thorough audits of their workplace processes to better accommodate Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). 

This, according to the organisation, would foster a more inclusive work environment that allows PWDs to contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

In view of this, the foundation, in partnership with the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, trained 50 PWD with employability skills to equip them with leadership and job-ready skills.

Speaking at the training program in Lagos, the HR and Operations Lead at The IREDE Foundation, Oluwaseun Ayodeji, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continue to inspire actions for young persons with disabilities so that they could live independent and limitless lives.

According to her, “I think promoting inclusion is not a complete or entire overhaul of the system. I think the first thing that needs to happen is for organizations to do an audit of where they currently are and identify small, actionable changes that they can start implementing to accommodate PWDs in the workspace. These small changes will then lead to the big changes that we want to see.

“At the end of the training with thorough assessment, successful participants will undergo a one-month internship to provide them with practical and hands-on job experience.”

She added, “The law states that organizations should employ a percentage of persons with disabilities within the organization. It is crucial that the government continues to enforce and implement these laws across different sectors in the nation.” 

She also pointed out that the training program is not just about urging organizations to include PWDs in their workforce but also about preparing PWDs to excel in these environments.