Examining the success of millennium development goals (MDGs) in the improvement of quality of life of persons with special needs in Nigeria

Abstract

The neglect of persons with special needs in the provision of essential services that could improve their quality of life is worrisome. It is expected that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will improve the quality of life of persons with special needs in Nigeria. Unfortunately, most of the programmes that are meant to alleviate the suffering of the citizens do not include those with special needs (persons with hearing impairment, visual impairment, intellectual disability and those with other forms of disabilities). If nothing is done to include persons with special needs in the MDGs programmes, they will lose their sense of belonging and find it difficult to have full participation in the activities of the society, and may not have equitable access to social services. It is in the light of this that this paper examined the MDGs, persons with special needs and their quality of life, as well as, MDGs and Nigerians with special needs. Recommendations were made based on the observations made by the authors.