Expert calls for special department for disabilities

Written by Austine ELEMUE, Abuja Inquirer

An educational therapist, has called for the creation of special department for children with developmental disabilities in all public schools as part of measure to achieve inclusive education in the country.

The founder, Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation, RSETF, Abuja, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, who made the call in Abuja also urged government at all levels to support educational therapy for children with learning disabilities.

Speaking during the gallery of talents exhibition, meant to celebrate the achievements of children of the school, Adejugbe-williams noted that educational therapy for children with learning difficulties are expensive in Nigeria due to lack of governmental supports.

She noted that facilities for the training of children with learning disabilities, due to intellectual disability, autism, dyslexia, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactive disorder and other learning challenges and conditions, are very expensive, adding that it is only government's intervention that can save the situation. 

Adejugbe-Williams also frowned at stigmatization of many children with learning disabilities in the society who are often abandoned by their parents, instead of giving them the opportunities to develop their talents for the advantage of the society. 

According to her, “Educational therapy is recommended for students who may have learning disabilities, due to intellectual disability, autism, dyslexia, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactive disorder and other learning challenges and conditions. Educational therapy demystifies learning problems and stimulates clients’ awareness of their strengths, so they can use those strengths to their best advantage to overcome or compensate for their areas of weaknesses.” 

Also speaking, Public Diplomacy Officer, US Embassy, Abuja, Joseph Schaller maintained that the embassy would continue to support such schools in Nigeria to improve the learning abilities of children.