It would be recalled that recently, news making the rounds on social media reported that Ndey Fatou Njie, being the only deaf nurse in the country, is undergoing tough experience at the hands of her colleague nurses, sometimes in front of patients, at various health facilities she is posted to.
In a press release issued by the federation, the federation and all its affiliated membership strongly condemned any form of discrimination against disabled employees in the workplace.
Thus, the federation called on Ministry of Health to immediately create a conducive workplace for one of their colleagues, Ndey Fatou Njie to practice her profession in dignity and respect as any other employee.
“We firmly believe that all individuals, regardless of their physical, mental abilities, and other impairments deserve equal opportunities and fair treatment in their professional lives,” the release stated.
“Discrimination against disabled employees not only violates their basic human rights but also undermines the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equality that are essential for fostering a thriving and innovative work environment. It is crucial for organizations to recognize the immense value that disabled employees bring to the table and to create an inclusive culture that embraces diversity in all its forms.”
They also recommend organizations to enforce anti-discrimination laws that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on disability. “These laws should be communicated to all employees and enforced consistently,” the release stressed.
“Organizations should invest in disability awareness training programs for all employees to foster understanding and empathy towards disabled individuals. This can help dispel misconceptions and biases, creating a more inclusive work environment.”
They further stressed that employers should ensure that disabled employees have access to reasonable accommodations that enable them to perform their job duties effectively. This may involve making physical modifications, providing assistive technologies, or offering flexible work arrangements.
“Establishing employee resource groups focused on disability inclusion can provide a platform for disabled employees to share experiences, offer support, and advocate for change within the organization.”
