The Bauchi government has approved the renovation of the ‘blind workshop’ in Bauchi into a functional empowerment centre to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities.

The executive chairman of the Bauchi Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Brisca Aaron, disclosed this in Bauchi on Wednesday.

She said the initiative was part of the state government’s commitment to inclusiveness in governance, accountability, empowerment and sustainable development.

She said the government also plans to reduce street begging among PWDs through skills-acquisition and empowerment programmes.

“The governor has approved the rehabilitation and renovation of the blind workshop in Bauchi town. PWDs at the centre produce various items, including household detergents, furniture, doormats and other products,” she said.

Ms Aaron added that plans were to extend the structural renovation to similar centres across the state’s 20 local government areas.

She further explained that the agency was engaging experts to ensure that public structures provide ramps and other accessibility features.

The chairman said the move was to ensure that all new and existing buildings, both public and private, comply with accessibility standards as provided by law.

She commended the present administration for its commitment to improving the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

(NAN)