A two-day training on Disability Reporting for 20 selected journalists across the country has ended in Takoradi.
It was on the theme ‘Media Capacity Building Initiative for Reporting on Disability 2022’ (MCBIRD).
MCBIRD is a bespoke training programme that seeks to amplify and empower the voice and effort of journalists who have distinguished themselves in helping to reduce the stigma and discrimination against persons with disabity as well as lead to improved government policies on disability.
Organised by Young Africa Media Centre (YAMC) under the auspices of the US Embassy, Ghana and in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and Blue Crest University, it seeks to inform the public and policy-makers on disability, and encourage greater accountability and attitudes.
Also, it is to increase the capacity of individual reporters, including those with disabilities, media outlets and journalism networks to cover the perspectives and voices of people with disabilities.
Topics discussed include creative reporting on disability, the right language style, the use of tone, disability laws, ethics, among others.
Speaking to the journalists, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, urged the media to use their platforms for the benefit of all.
He noted that many people with developmental disabilities (DD) are not represented in the media at all in most parts of the world.
“The media seldom feature persons with disabilities, and when it does, they are frequently represented incorrectly according to stereotypes. Persons with disabilities are frequently depicted as victims of pity, charity or medical intervention who must overcome a tragic or debilitating condition,” Mr. Darko-Mensah said.
He encouraged all media organisations to portray persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with the purpose of the present convention.
Nana Kobina Nkestia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, said: “Those we refer to as disabled are just like us. We are all disabled one way or the other; some are disabled culturally, others are disabled in other areas but the worse form of disability is mental disability”.
He pointed out that the YAMC programme should be encouraged to help educate people on what disability is and the need to stop the stigmatisation.
Madam Victoria Oliver, a representative at the US Embassy, Ghana, said there are over three million Ghanaians living with disabilities. But too often their stories, their challenge and their successes go untold.
She urged the media to turn the page on Disability Reporting and begin to include voices of those who have been ignored and then tell the stories that individuals need to hear to become more inclusive in coverage.
“I challenge you to take what you have learnt here and put it to use as soon as possible. Write the story that helps the reader think differently about the lives of disabled people and hold yourself and your colleagues accountable to using inclusive and positive language in your reporting, but most importantly, I challenge you to truly connect with disabled people and help their voices be heard,” she added.
Mr. Stephen Selassie Asuo, General Manager of Young Africa Media Centre, thanked the partners for their support over the years and congratulated the 2022 fellows for going through the programme and dedicating their work to helping those living with disability.
