We must use every lawful means to protect PWDs: The disheartening story of Deborah Falade
By Chikwado Raphael Chukwu
One of the DRP’s esteemed members, Miss Deborah Falade, had cried out to us over the discriminatory treatments the staff of Tastee Fried Chicken had made her to suffer at the point of patronising them. Before I proceed, kindly read through the painful story of this our beautiful member. And I hope this story will inspire other PWDs who had faced similar challenges to speak up, just like the way Deborah did. Kindly Read Deborah’s story below
“My unsavoury experience at the Tastee Fried Chicken outlet at Ikoyi, Lagos.
On Thursday, 6th July, 2023, at exactly 11:50 am., I walked into Tastee Fried Chicken at 106, Awolowo Road to eat.
I placed an order for my meal at the counter, including – fried rice with croaker fish, pasta salad and a can of Guinness malt. The lady at the counter asked for means of payment, and I gave her my card. Shortly after that, I politely requested the staff of the restaurant to assist me to carry my tray of food to the nearby table. This was because I’m physically disabled, (a Polio survivor) who would spill the food if I were to carry the tray of food myself. To my surprise, the lady laughed at me in a very embarrassing and humiliating manner.
When her colleague who was also there asked her what had happened, she told her that I was requesting for assistance to carry my tray of food to the table, both of them looked at each other and laughed out loud at me saying; “we are not here to carry food for people o”. I have never been publicly humiliated and embarrassed on the account of my disability in my entire life.
I told them that if no one would help me to carry the tray of food to the nearby table, they should return my ATM card, which they did.
As I left, the manager followed me out and asked me what happened. I narrated my ordeal to him. He pleaded with me to come back in to have my food, but I declined because I could not bear the public shame and humiliation I was subjected to by his staff. The manager then gave me his mobile contact to call him if I ever have any issues in future. Quite frankly, I am scared of being subjected to such degrading and unedifying treatment again, and will need a lot of encouragement to visit that particular restaurant or any other outlet to purchase meals again.”
Please note:
Disability Rights Protection Initiative (DRP) shall write and demand a letter of apology from the management of Tastee Fried Chicken over their discriminatory treatments against our member, Miss Deborah Falade. And should they fail to adequately respond to our demand, we shall be left with no other option than to explore other legal means to force them into addressing our concerns.
To other service providers at all level, I am using this opportunity to appeal to you to stop maltreating and discriminating against persons with disabilities. We are human beings, hence you must accord us with equal respects, rights and opportunity.
To this end, let me equally remind the general public that by virtue of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, “Discrimination” is now one of the serious crimes. It very unfortunate that many of you do not know about this law. But don’t worry, DRP is going to work with various security agencies in Nigeria to prosecute anyone or persons who in whatsoever form discriminates against the disabled citizens. So, be warned! We don’t joke about our mission to advance equal opportunities, promote inclusion and defend the human rights of persons with disabilities against discriminatory treatments in Nigeria.
Signed by Chikwado Raphael Chukwu,
The Executive Director,
Disability Rights Protection Initiative (DRP). +2348033624988 (WhatsApp only).
