ABILITY CONFERENCE
Details on 2024 Edition coming soon!
Our "Ability Conference" will be used to commemorate The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
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IDPD is annually observed on 3 December to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities and to take action for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development.
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The theme this year is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.
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Meet our disABILITY champions
Jennifer Oghenewaire Nikoro is a legal practitioner based in Lagos State, Nigeria. Trained in mediation and arbitration. She was called to the Nigerian bar in November 2018. Born without right forelimbs, Jennifer also runs a foundation called LIFE Beyond Disability, that encourages persons with disabilities to be an active part of their communities. Jennifer is an advisory board member at "FAMA", a Non-profit Organization focused on 3D printing in Africa. She is a Member of the Board of Appeal of Classification at the International Paralympics Committee, Germany, aimed at classifying athlete with disability for Olympics.
Jennifer advocates for the right of persons with Disability in Africa particularly in Nigeria and believes she is the best AMBASSADOR for the disabled. Jennifer hopes to use her academic and professional background as an inspiration for the disabled community.
Among other things , Jennifer is also a Writer, Speaker and a Disability coach. In Jennifer's view, IMPOSSIBILITY is only in the mind. Given the right resources and tools, persons with disability can overcome anything.
Jennifer Oghenewaire Nikoro, Esq.
Ms Soneni Gwizi is a Black Disabled Zimbabwean born Woman. She is passionately known as Flawsome.
Soneni a Disability Advocate, Speaker, award winner, Ambassador, Board Member, Disability Mentor, Media Facilitator & Game changer.
She believes in disability inclusion & that People with disabilities are normal people who do normal things like all citizens.
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Ms Soneni Gwizi
Ms. Ruth Tenai is the CEO and Founder of Step Up 4 Autism, established in May of 2016. Her organization is the host of the annual Mr. & Mrs. Autism Fashion Event in Kenya. Ms. Tenai runs a free autism therapy center in a low-socioeconomic area of Nairobi, where over 30 families have sought services that otherwise would not have been accessible. Her focus is not only supporting the children, but also economic empowerment for parents.
As a leading advocate in this region of the world, she continually engages with policymakers in the Kenya government. She is a strong advocate for better inclusive educational systems. Ms. Tenai believes that the school system is responsible for supporting all learners and governments should provide free or affordable therapies.
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Ms RUTH TENAI
Ms Maame Efua De-Heer is a Policy Analyst at Public Health Agency of Canada, Founder of Power of Love Foundation Canada and a Researcher.
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Ms MAAME EFUA DE-HEER
Download conference program and access here