Dehat Ability Support Initiative, also known as ‘D-Ability Initiative’ is a non-profit Organization that focuses on promoting the rights and welfare of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Nigeria. D-Ability Initiative does this by supporting them, providing empowerment, advocating for their inclusion, and fighting stigmatization of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons in Nigeria.

It started as a small Community-Based Organization, operating at the grassroots and supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by mediating between them and their Hearing family members. Since 2017, it has been registered as a non-profit organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria. D-Ability Initiative strives to rebrand the face of Deafness by changing the way our society views the Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons. 

 

Why                                                                                                             

Because millions of Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons in Nigeria live in abject poverty as a result of unprecedented unemployment rate, inadequate education, lack of skills, unjustified exclusion, stigmatization and other setbacks. We are passionate about enhancing their potentials. We want a world where anyone can engage independently and effectively with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons without the usual barriers or stigma in place. We believe in promoting an inclusive society in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Meet Our Founder/President

Dehat Founder

Dr. Nwanyanwu, Kingdom U

Founder/President
Dr. Nwanyanwu is a frontline fighter against stigmatization of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people; a responsibility he has shouldered for over 15 years. He is a Young African Leader; an Obama Leader; a Mandela Washington Fellow; a Disability Right Activist; an International Civic Leader, a Peer Educator/Mentor; an American Sign Language expert; a seasoned Public Speaker; and an Accountant. He has international experience in leadership. A relentless Activist for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and also an ardent believer in the potentials of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Dr. Nwanyanwu is the Founder and President of D-Ability Initiative (Dehat Ability Support Initiative). He undertook international leadership courses and roundtable meetings at various institutions and organizations in the US and Africa, such as: Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., a renowned University for the Deaf; Wagner College in New York; Irondale Theatre in Brooklyn, New York; Howard University in Washington D.C; United Nations Headquarters in New York; Generation Citizen in Manhattan; Carnegie Corporation of New York; Lifestyle for the Disabled in New York; African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg; among others. Prior to the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he undertook an Immersion Course in American Sign Language (ASL) at Gallaudet University, He later returned to Gallaudet University for his Professional Development Experience (PDE). While at Gallaudet, he learned Deaf Culture and had firsthand experience in Deaf education, administration, and best practices. He presented lecture to both undergraduates and postgraduate students. He has also given a Campus-wide presentation to students and the entire Faculty members at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. USA. Please reach out: You can contact Dr. Kingdom U. Nwanyanwu for event/programme facilitation, partnership, and collaboration. He can be reached through e-mail: nwanyanwuku@gmail.com or phone: +2348036828852.

ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Catherine O’Brien

Dr. Catherine O’Brien

International Researcher, Associate Professor, Department of Government and Public Affairs, Gallaudet University, Washington D.C

Dr. Bright Chimezie Irem

Dr. Bright Chimezie Irem

Physician, Tech-Innovation Expert, World Bank Group Youth Summit Alumni, CEO at Afripharm Group/Afripharm Medicals (Ltd); Fellow Global Citizen, Mandela Washington Fellow.

Barr. (Mrs) Hafsat S. Dange

Barr. (Mrs) Hafsat Sahabi Dange

Corporate lawyer; Manager & Head, Corporate Affairs Commission, Sokoto State , Nigeria; Founder & President, Nigeria Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE); Mandela Washington Fellow

Mr. Scott Warren

Mr. Scott Warren

Founder, Generation Citizen, New York; Echoing Green Fellowship Advisory Committee Member; 2010 Global Fellow.

Dr. Emilia Chukwuma

Dr. Emilia Chukwuma

Chartered Public Accountant; Associate Professor, Chair, Department of Business, Gallaudet University, Washington D.C . U.S.A

Adebanjo, Adetosoye Moses

Adebanjo, Adetosoye Moses

Public Health Consultant; Mandela Washington Fellow; Carrington Fellow; Executive Director CORD Public Health Initiatives; International Civic Leader; Program Coordinator Initiative for Integrated Community Welfare in Nigeria.

Mr. Obert Masaraure

Mr. Obert Masaraure

President-General, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ); International Civic Leader; Mandela Washington Fellow.

Mrs. Nneamaka Faith Mokwe

Mrs. Nneamaka Faith Mokwe

Special Needs Educationist, Behavioural Management Specialist, International Civic Leader; Founder & CEO, Eliakim Global Resources Limited; Mandela Washington Fellow.