21/07/2026
Falconscare Initiative Executive Director Calls for Greater Attention to Mental Health of Persons with Disabilities
The Executive Director of Falconscare Initiative for Women with Disabilities Empowerment, Chidimma Ajemba Mma Ajemba MaryAnn, has called for increased attention to the mental health needs of persons with disabilities, stressing that stigma and discrimination remain some of the greatest threats to their emotional and psychological well-being.
Ajemba made the call while speaking on the need for a more inclusive approach to mental health and disability, noting that while disability does not automatically result in poor mental health, the attitudes and barriers created by society often expose persons with disabilities to emotional distress.
According to her, many persons with disabilities grow up being labelled as "less than," "incapable," or "a burden," leading to exclusion from schools, workplaces, places of worship, social activities, and even family decision-making. She said such experiences often contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental health challenges.
She explained that the greatest obstacle faced by persons with disabilities is often not their impairment but societal stigma, inaccessible environments, unemployment, poverty, and limited access to quality healthcare.
Ajemba emphasized that addressing these challenges requires more than medical intervention. She advocated for inclusive communities where persons with disabilities are respected, valued, and provided equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of society. She also called for accessible mental health services, disability-sensitive healthcare professionals, supportive families, inclusive schools and workplaces, and stronger community support systems.
The disability rights advocate further urged society to challenge the misconception that seeking mental health support is a sign of weakness, noting that protecting the mental well-being of persons with disabilities is essential to achieving genuine inclusion.
She maintained that disability inclusion should extend beyond physical accessibility to creating environments where persons with disabilities feel safe, accepted, heard, and empowered to thrive emotionally and psychologically.
Ajemba called on governments, institutions, civil society organizations, families, and community leaders to work together to end stigma and promote respect, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
She reiterated that mental health is a fundamental human right and stressed that building an inclusive society requires ensuring that every person, regardless of disability, is seen, heard, respected, valued, and supported.