The state of being disabled, alone, is responsible for subjecting persons living with disabilities to various forms of maltreatment and humiliation in the society in the past, and even up till now, says Professor Rabi’u Mohammed.
Mohammed, a Professor of Adapted Physical Education at the Bayero University Kano (BUK), made this known while delivering the 44th inaugural lecture of the institution, recently.
The lecture was titled: “Exercise and sports for the atypical person: A multidimensional analysis.”
Mohammed defined an atypical person as one whose performance deviates from the normal to the extent that adapted physical education programme is needed.
The event which took place at the Musa Abdullahi Auditorium of BUK main campus, was witnessed by vice chancellor of school, Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello, principal officers of the university, eminent guests and students.
The BUK don, explained that physical exercise and sporting activities play an important role in the improvement of the physical fitness, together with the sociological and psychological health of persons living with disabilities, as well as those without disabilities.
The erudite scholar recommended that deaf students should be given proper training in physical education, so as to develop their mind and body.
For atypical persons with hearing impairment, Mohammed, stressed that activities such as jogging, dancing, calisthenics and various ball games should be incorporated into and emphasised more on physical education lessons.
“Private sector should ensure the provision of assistive devices and equipment, personal assistance and interpreter service to cater for the needs of physically challenged persons in the employment places,” he said.
The inaugural speaker harped on the need for a follow-up and alternative treatment in the traditional eye healing practices on visually-impaired patients.
“Follow-up treatment practice has significant effect on the visually-impaired patients, while alternative treatment practice has no significant effect,” he said.
He urged government at all levels, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), groups and associations to provide access for individuals with disabilities to participate in physical activities and sports.
He added that efforts should be made to collectively advance the rights of individuals with disabilities in school-based sports and physical activities.pix caption: Prof Mohammed
Pius is a 300-Level Mass Communication student at BUK.
