The Abia State Government has taken a significant step towards promoting inclusive education by strengthening the capacity of stakeholders to respond to the needs of children with intellectual and learning disabilities.
The training in Umuahia being organised by the Abia State Disability Commission, drew participants including teachers, education secretaries and cluster leaders from Isuikwuato, Bende, Ohafia, and Isiala-Ngwa North local government areas (LGAs).
The commission had held similar programme a fortnight ago for stakeholders from Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South LGAs.
The commission’s chairman, Mr David Anyaele, said that the objective was to expand stakeholders’ understanding of intellectual and learning disabilities.
He explained that it was designed to help the stakeholders identify local opportunities to support those children, thereby promoting inclusive participation in education, healthcare, and community life.
He thanked Gov. Alex Otti for providing an enabling environment and unprecedented opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in education, sports, health and other sectors.
Anyaele reiterated the call for stronger budgetary allocations and continuous sensitisation across all LGAs, saying “Disability is not inability.”
According to him, this initiative reinforces the governor’s vision of an inclusive Abia where no child is left behind.
The Resource Person, Mrs Nnenna Osu, advised stakeholders to seek early intervention once signs of intellectual or learning disabilities were noticed, to ensure timely and effective support.
Osu, Founder of Brain Activate Initiative, said the presentation aimed to raise awareness about children with intellectual disabilities and how best to integrate and support them in society.
