The Abia State Government has announced plans to train at least 250 therapists across its 17 Local Government Areas to support children living with intellectual and learning disabilities.
The Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, Mr. David Anyaele, disclosed this in Umuahia during a sensitisation workshop organised for stakeholders and caregivers in special needs education.
The workshop brought together government officials, teachers, health workers, parents, and other caregivers to explore ways of improving inclusive education, healthcare, and community participation for children with disabilities.
Anyaele said the initiative would not only help identify children living with intellectual and learning disabilities but also ensure that their families receive support to overcome barriers to schooling, social participation, and community life.
He described the sensitisation exercise as a critical first step, emphasising that teachers and stakeholders must first understand their roles before the therapists begin classroom-based interventions and direct engagement with families.
“Our goal is to expand stakeholders’ knowledge about intellectual disabilities and identify opportunities at the community level to support children who need them most,” Anyaele said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and pledged continued investment in education and healthcare to foster inclusivity.
“It is our hope that participants will support the investments by Governor Alex Otti in education and healthcare to ensure inclusivity for all,” he added, noting that the sensitisation exercise—the first of its kind in the state—would be replicated in other local government areas.
A guest lecturer at the event, Mrs. Nnenna Osu, a Magistrate in the Abia State Judiciary and Founder of Brain Activate Initiative, stressed the importance of early intervention when signs of intellectual or learning disabilities are detected.
“Timely diagnosis and collaboration with professionals and support networks can make a significant difference in promoting the independence and dignity of affected children,” Osu advised.
She noted that globally, around 2–3 per cent of children live with intellectual disabilities, while about 15 per cent of students experience some form of learning disability at varying levels of severity.
Also speaking, Mrs. Matilda Anyamaele, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Arts and Culture, lauded the initiative and called for its extension to the private sector and other community-based groups.
She further advocated for the establishment of special schools, explaining that many children with disabilities have unique challenges that require personalised attention beyond what mainstream education currently offers.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.