…says children with special needs should be invited to Christmas parties in government house
A cross section of stakeholders, care givers and parents have called on Ekiti State government to device better means to support children living with various forms of disabilities and their parents.
They spoke during a Christmas party organized by a Non Governmental Organization, Adorables with Special Needs for some children with disorders held at the St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ado Ekiti.
During the party, about twenty children suffering from autism, cerebral palsy and other ailments were showered with gifts to give them sense of Inclusion and love.
Speaking separately, the stakeholders suggested the need for government to establish special schools for the affected children while they should also be accommodated in the various children programmes of the state.
Delivering a lecture during the programme, a medical practitioner with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Komolafe Akinwumi said Autism is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability of the patient to communicate and interact while Cerebral Palsy is a congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture which is caused by abnormal brain development, often before birth.
He explained that the ailments could be either acquired of genetic but advised parents with such children to show them love and visit hospitals regularly for necessary medical support.
Also a nutritionist, Mrs Adaramola educated the gathering on the need to give children with disorders, fruits and foods rich in vitamins and expose them to regular exercise.
Similarly, a legal luminary, Mrs Olaolorun who has a child suffering from autism advised parents with such special children not to lock them up but allow them to live their lives and give them education.
Earlier, the convener of the programme, Mrs Olubunmi Ibiteye said the initiative was to create awareness and educate parents who have been locking up their children in the room.
She called on government to complement her efforts to bring succour to parents and children with special needs in the state.
Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to teachers and schools that have shown unconditional love to children with special needs.
