Disability Care in Nigeria: The need for professional advocacy

Physical therapists (PTs) as rehabilitation experts, have a unique role to play in fostering independence for people with disability and reducing human disability levels in Nigeria. Access to rehabilitation for people with disability is inadequate, with the attendant economic and social implications if the status quo is maintained. Changes are required in how people perceive disability and in legislation, through policy direction and implementation, to achieve the goal of equal opportunities for people with disability. The current dispensation indicates that physical therapists may have been complacent about the advocacy role that they need to play to bring about a positive change for people with disability. Improved advocacy by physical therapists and their organizations at all levels of the society will directly impact people with disability and indirectly improve the professional standing of physical therapists (PTs). KEY WORDS: disability, advocacy, physical therapy, legislation