In their quest to make ends meet amid societal neglect, stigmatisation, and economic hardship, some persons with disabilities have resorted to crime, including drug trafficking. BABATUNDE TITILOLA reports In 2004, Abass Adesina faced a new reality that would shape the rest of his life. Born with normal vision, he suffered permanent blindness a few years later, forcing him to readjust to his new life.
His education, social life, and overall existence were altered. His parents enrolled him in a special school for the blind, where he learnt to read and write in Braille and adaptive technology. But life was never the same.
Mental torture “Simple tasks like grocery shopping or using public transport have become scary experiences. It is very difficult navigating inaccessible physical spaces and relying on others for transport every time,” Adesina said. He added that societal attitudes toward his condition often led to feelings of isolation and marginalisation, prompting him to visit therapy sessions to cope with the daily realities of being visually impaired.
“What people think of me significantly impacts my self-esteem and job opportunities. People often underestimate my abilities or make assumptions about my disability, leading to limited career progress and social interactions,” he lamented, recounting how he was screened out of several job interviews despite being qualified. The 36-year-old said reading the Quran, listening to inspiring podcasts, and visiting support gr.