The Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, has called on stakeholders in the education and health sectors to strengthen inclusiveness for persons with disabilities.
Anyaele made the appeal in Umuahia during a one-day sensitization programme tagged “Stakeholders’ Sensitization on Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Abia State.” He explained that the initiative was designed to tackle the challenges faced by children with intellectual disabilities while aligning with global, national, and state-level frameworks for disability inclusion.
According to him, disability prevalence in Nigeria is rising due to persistent conflict, violence, accidents, and a weak healthcare system. He stressed that the commission’s role is to ensure no one is left behind in innovation and health outcomes.
Highlighting state government efforts, Anyaele noted that since the advent of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, about 35% of the state budget has been dedicated to education and health. He added that significant investments had been made in rehabilitating health facilities, especially primary healthcare centres, to make them more accessible, functional, and effective.
He also disclosed that over 200 schools across the state had been rehabilitated, with more than 5,000 teachers recently recruited to strengthen learning delivery. “Discrimination often results in social, institutional, attitudinal, and environmental barriers. We must work to eliminate these,” he said.
Speaking on “Disability Law, Rights, and Implementation in the State,” Anyaele stressed that persons with disabilities deserve the highest respect and dignity. He said the government’s investments are geared towards building a more inclusive future while the commission continues to work on removing barriers that limit participation in education, healthcare, and other sectors.
He further lamented cultural and traditional practices that stigmatize persons with disabilities. “When disability occurs, participation in society is breached. It triggers exclusion and isolation. Our culture often abuses people with disabilities and their families, especially women, by questioning their right to reproductive health,” he said.
Anyaele urged stakeholders to identify opportunities within their communities to support children with intellectual disabilities, ensuring their participation in education and healthcare. He also revealed that the commission is building the capacity of therapists to detect and support children with intellectual challenges, thereby empowering families.
In her lecture, Chief Magistrate Nnenna Grant Osu, a certified brain trainer, special needs educationist, and applied behaviour analyst, spoke on “Early Identification of Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Caregiver Support Techniques.” She defined intellectual disability as limitations in reasoning and adaptive skills that affect daily living and independence.
Grant identified common conditions such as Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and Prader-Willi syndrome. She also listed learning disabilities including cerebral palsy, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD. She urged parents, caregivers, and teachers to seek early medical intervention when they notice unusual behaviour in children.
Sharing her personal journey, Grant explained how her child’s struggle with dyslexia pushed her into special education and therapy training. She distinguished intellectual disabilities from learning disabilities, noting that while the former affects intelligence and adaptive skills, the latter only hinders specific academic abilities despite normal or above-average intelligence.
On the way forward, she advised that public schools should integrate inclusive provisions rather than segregating children into special schools.
Other speakers, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Matilda Anyaemele, and the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi, urged teachers, caregivers, and health workers to show patience, love, and understanding when dealing with persons with disabilities.
Leave a comment