Authors
• Professor Anthony Iorver Igyuve Ph.D.,,Department of Mass Communication Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
• Tsegyu Santas Ph.D,,Department of Mass Communication Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
• Muhammad Yahuza,,Department of Mass Communication Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
•
Abstract
This study investigates the perceptions of people with special needs (PWSN)
regarding the communication strategies of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights
Commission (NSDRC) in disseminating welfare information. The objective was to examine the inclusiveness, accessibility, and effectiveness of these strategies from the perspective of the beneficiaries. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining a quantitative survey of 373 distributed questionnaires (368 valid responses) with eight Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) involving NSDRC officials and disability cluster leaders across the three senatorial zones of the state. Guided by the Social Model of Disability and Participatory Communication Theory, the study found that only 39% of respondents were aware of NSDRC’s programmes, while over 54% reported that its communication channels were hardly accessible. Key challenges identified include the absence of sign language interpreters, limited braille materials, weak community consultation, and poor digital inclusion arising from low literacy and infrastructural deficits. The study concludes that these shortcomings stem from institutional and structural barriers rather than individual impairments, thereby affirming the Social Model of Disability. It recommends the adoption of participatory, multimodal, and disability-sensitive communication approaches, alongside strengthened community engagement and feedback mechanisms.
Keywords
Disability; Communication Strategies; Accessibility; Participation; Inclusion.
