Persons with disability and the 2030 agenda of sustainable development goals

The need for organized intervention through adaptive clothing to synthesise elaborate social inclusion in Nigeria

Abstract

This research is anchored on the anvils of a deep passion to affect a segment of the population that has been underrepresented in terms of significant policy focus across several climes. With United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDG) mandate targeted at improving standard of living of the human species in an all inclusive manner globally: the quality of life and health of persons with disability, physically handicapped or disabled persons becomes a subject of major concern.  Questions are often raised as to whether the quality of life of persons with disability (PWD) could be ameliorated by improving the design and functionality of their clothes. The main objective of this research paper with emphasis on the Nigerian environment is therefore, to examine the points of congruence between the need for adaptive clothing for persons with disability; the expected roles of organized agency intervention or responses as well as their impact or otherwise on the attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Specifically, the paper interrogated the extent to which available clothing options pose a challenge to persons with disability. It went ahead and identified helpful interventions to address the array of clothing need of special needs people for purposes of achieving an all-inclusive society. The methodology adopted for the study was a survey whereby medical practitioners, caregivers and people with disabilities themselves were drawn as respondents. There was also a thorough review of secondary data from internet and other sources. The research found that special clothing is required to aid the mobility and comfort of people with disabilities, and to reduce their activity limitations. The finding justifies urgent need for agency intervention in this area with a view to improve the quality of life of this segment of the Nigerian population and for overall attainment of social inclusion and Sustainable Development Goals by year 2030 and beyond.