So, young representatives from the School of Grace (a special needs school), Gracelane Miracle Inclusive School and Safehost International Initiative and as well of members and friends of the Engraced Ones were out on the streets of Kurudu, Abuja to talk inclusion!
You won’t believe there’re so many people out there who have no idea what disability (that is not physical) means.
We trust in these young souls to bring the much needed change in Nigeria.
The Hakimi of Kurudu and the leadership of the palace are an example of a supportive society
Our young representatives creating awareness for inclusion of persons with special needs
There years ago my friends and I at the Engraced Ones through the support of several others who weren’t with us physically, surprised 56 families by taking Santa Claus to their homes. Love compelled us to transverse all the Area Councils in Abuja.
Last year we visited several families and presented carols in their homes. Some of the children needed some form of scholarship in 2023 and hey, did this idea yield results? Yes it did! We were able to get uniforms and other stuff some children in the school needed through donations to the choir.
So what’s new this year?
The Inclusive Graceful Club is going International!!! We’re storming several homes ACROSS THE WORLD with our virtual choir🌎 on 14th December, 2023.
Please join us via this link; https://fb.me/e/3ltN9NEZd
2pm WAT (2pm friends in Nigeria) 8am EST (8am friends in the US)
I had discovered over time that societies and individuals are only as unreceptive to persons with disabilities as they are ignorant. This means that the more awareness is created, the more room people with disabilities get to thrive in the larger society.
Today, as the World celebrates ‘International Day for Persons with Disability’, I’m speaking up for these individuals whom I’ve grown to love.
This is a call for collective action! Whose responsibility is it to ensure the SGDs transcend into our reality whether we are born ‘special’ or acquire a disability through accident, illness, age, or any other way?
In borrowed words, ‘The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to transform our world. They are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice, and prosperity.
Going by the definition above, it is the last line for me. I’m yet to think of anyone who shouldn’t fit into this framework of care. The SDGs simply announce to the world that having autism doesn’t make a person less than another. It also means that a diagnosis of an intellectual disability does not imply that the person is ‘subhuman’.
Why then should persons with disability especially those in Nigeria, struggle to get attention for their ‘right’? Why should benefits that are due them come as privileges?
This year, by the theme of the celebration, WHO is calling for global action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities.
While acknowledging that the SDGs refer to a 17-goal agenda, eight (8) of these goals stood out for me. That is to say, Individuals, organizations, and governments at all levels have the responsibility to support this special class of people we’re celebrating today, ride above poverty. Needless to say, poverty is a devil most differently-abled people grapple with, at least in Nigeria. I would have loved to reel out some form of statistics to support my position but unfortunately, the dearth of data is a bigger devil than the former.
Goal 2 of the SDGs addressed the subject of ‘hunger’. This amongst persons with disability in Nigeria, is a direct consequence of the problem of poverty.
How can we, together, help people with disability promote their health and well-being both mentally and physically?
The 4th goal makes a case for inclusive and equitable quality education, which promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all. Hmmmmmm, did we say we’re practicing the SDGs in Nigeria??? Seriously, it is only through the actualization of this goal that persons with disability can by themselves be on top of their cases!
The situation in our political space speaks volumes about goal 5. We ought to, as a matter of urgency, pursue this goal and give consideration to women and girls with disability!
Similarly, goals 6 to 10 address the important subjects of sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, decent work and economic growth, and of course, reduced inequalities.
I’ll end this tribute to persons with disabilities on their special day by assuring them of my love and commitment to their overall well-being by mobilizing as many as I can, to collectively empower them to achieve the SDGs. Do you care to join me?
In our latest blog post, we are excited to introduce “The Engraced Ones in Pictures,” a comprehensive PDF that showcases who we are and the impactful work we do. This document is a visual journey into our advocacy initiative, filled with empowering knowledge about cerebral palsy and captivating images from our advocacy campaigns.
If you’re curious about our mission and passionate about raising awareness for cerebral palsy, this is a must-read. To access the PDF and explore the powerful visuals that tell our story, click the link below.
In our diverse world, inclusion isn’t just some trendy word; it’s a powerful catalyst for change. Inclusive education, in particular, is making waves, especially for children with special needs. This approach brings children with different abilities together in the same classroom, with the intention of having a big impact that stretches far beyond the school walls. Let’s dive into what makes it so fantastic.
Inclusion and Inclusive Education
When we talk about inclusion, simply means making sure that everyone, no matter where they come from or what their abilities are, gets to take an active part in society. This means everything from education and jobs to community life. It’s all about embracing our differences and recognizing that every individual brings something valuable to the table.
When we apply this idea to education, it means making sure that every student, including those with disabilities or special needs, gets to be part of the regular education system. They learn side by side with their neurotypically developing friends in regular schools. Inclusive education creates an environment where every student, no matter their disability or learning style, gets the support and accommodations they need to access the same educational opportunities as everyone else.
Benefits Of Inclusive Education.
1. Building Friendships and Connection
Inclusive education is like a matchmaker for making friends. For these children, it’s not just about learning math or science; it’s about figuring out how to talk, share, and build bonds with their peers.
Inclusion melts away the misunderstandings and stereotypes, making room for empathy and friendship among all students.
2. Boosting Academic Success
Studies have consistently shown that inclusive education gives a boost to academic performance for children with special needs.
By putting them in the same class as their peers and sharing the same curriculum, they get the chance to reach their full potential. It’s not just a confidence booster; it sets high standards for their future achievements.
3. Encouraging Communication Skills
In an inclusive setting, children with special needs often experience remarkable improvements in their communication skills.
They learn by watching their peers, and this interaction sparks language development, cognitive growth, and better problem-solving skills.
4. Celebrating Unique Learning Styles
Every child is a different, and inclusive education celebrates this by embracing a myriad of learning styles. In a classroom with learners of all abilities, teachers get to flex their creativity and try a variety of teaching methods.
This inclusive approach makes learning more fun and interactive, catering to different strengths and challenges.
5. Breaking Down Stigma
In a fully inclusive environment, the focus shifts from a child’s limitations to their capabilities. Stigmatization takes a back seat, as every child is seen as a valuable part of the same community.
This positive mindset spills over into society, creating a more inclusive and empathetic world beyond the classroom.
6. Preparing for Real Life
Inclusive education is like a dress rehearsal for the real world. Experiencing diversity from an early age equips children with special needs with the skills and mindset they need to embrace differences, making them adaptable to the diverse workforce they will encounter in adulthood.
7. Boosting Self-Confidence
Many children with special needs struggle with self-esteem challenges. Inclusive education can work wonders in this department.
Being included and valued by their peers can give a major boost to self-confidence and help them build a more positive self-image.
8. Building Coalition with Families
Inclusive education is all about teamwork, and that includes families. Parents of children with special needs often become strong advocates, not just for their own children but for inclusion as a whole.
This active participation strengthens the bond between schools and families, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
Inclusive education isn’t without its hurdles, but its rewards are profound and lasting. It’s not just about education; it’s about shaping a world that values diversity, encourages empathy, and recognizes the potential in each individual, no matter their abilities.
By embracing inclusive education, we’re not just changing classrooms; we’re changing the world, one child at a time.
Both good and difficult experiences can come from raising a child with special needs. Parents and caregivers of children with special needs must prioritize both their physical and mental well-being. We’ll go through some easy tactics in this blog article to support and prioritize your child’s mental health.
Mental health and children with special needs
Compared to their counterparts without disabilities, children and teens with Special needs are more likely to have poor mental health. This may be a result of negative beliefs from society leading to stigmatization, discrimination, and stereotyping.
It might be difficult to pinpoint mental health issues in a child with special needs, but the key is to watch for any deviations from your child’s typical pattern of behavior. Some of these behaviors are;
– Self-destructive habits
– Disengagement from regular pursuits of interest
– Repeated or strange behaviors
– Disrupted sleep habits
– Increased anxiety
– Changes in weight
– Less attention to personal hygiene
– Increased susceptibility to meltdowns and tantrums
– Unease or fidgeting
– Regular headaches or stomach aches
Let’s look at a few pointers on how to care for the mental health of children with special needs.
Tips for encouraging good mental health
1. Highlight Achievements and Talents:
Pay attention to your child’s successes and talents, no matter how minor. Their self-esteem can be raised and a positive mindset can be fostered through encouragement and reinforcement.
2. Create a supportive environment:
Create a welcoming environment where your child feels respected and supported. Encourage compassion, healthy peer interactions, and understanding among siblings.
3. Create a routine:
Children with special needs frequently thrive on consistency and routine. Create a daily schedule that is well-structured and gives your child a sense of security. To minimize anxiety, clearly communicate the schedule and any changes in advance.
4. Encourage open communication:
Encourage your children to communicate their feelings and emotions in order to promote open communication. Make a pleasant environment so they may discuss their difficulties and worries. Trust can be developed by actively listening to others and recognizing their concerns.
5. Encourage coping techniques:
Teach your effective coping skills so they can handle their stress, anxiety, and frustration. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or participating in enjoyable hobbies can all be used as ways to help children with special needs unwind and control their emotions.
6. Encourage physical activity:
Studies have shown that regular exercise has a favorable impact on mental health. Encourage them to participate in physical activities they enjoy, including dance, yoga, or sports. Exercise helps boost mood, lower stress levels, and overall well-being.
7. Take care of yourself:
It’s important to put your own mental health first because caring for a child with special needs can be difficult. Ask your family, friends, or support groups for assistance. Make self-care practices a priority so that you can stay energized and retain a positive outlook.
Keep in mind that your child is unique, and it’s essential to tailor approaches to meet his/her particular needs. It can be beneficial to seek advice from experts who have worked with children with special needs. Most importantly, let your child know how much you love them.
