Parents of children with cerebral palsy want special needs schools in Abia
A number of parents and caregivers in Abia State who have children with cerebral palsy have made fervent pleas to the government to open schools where kids with special needs can go to learn and reach their full potential.
Cerebral Palsy: Parents of children with cerebral palsy want special needs schools in Abia
Mrs. Emelike Ozioma, Mrs. Uche Rita, and Mrs. Florence Okorie were among the parents who made the request during the “Parents’ Support Group program,” which was arranged by t
The state capital of Umuahia is home to The Straight Child Foundation.
They were grateful for the Foundation’s efforts to approach the government about working together, and they fervently argued that in order to ease their burdens, the government need to help set up and outfit special needs schools.
They expressed gratitude to Dr. Peace Amaraegbulam, the founder of TSCF, for his humanitarian services and altruistic help, and they urged other parents to accept their current circumstances and arm themselves with the power that God has given them.
Physiotherapist Dr. Samuel Abbah repeatedly stressed in a presentation titled “Taking Care of the Caregivers” that in order for the caregivers to be in a better mental state to care for these youngsters, they must first take care of themselves.
Abbah stressed the importance of a balanced diet, essential family practices, unrestricted communication between family members and healthcare professionals, getting respite and seeking out reliable information and training, time management, inclusion, and self-compassion, as well as the mental and physical health of parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. She also reminded them that most of their challenges could be overcome with the right people in their lives.
The physiotherapist, who also noted that caring for children with special needs could be demanding, advised the caregivers to always seek professional assistance, place a high priority on maintaining their physical health in order to stay in shape, and remember the importance of rest, nutrition, and exercise. He also advised parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy to set reasonable goals that would help them cope with stress and frustration.
Prior to his speech, Amaraegbulam, the founder of TSCF, informed the parents of the Abia State Disability Act’s existence and the importance of understanding its provisions in order to be better prepared.
Dr. Amaraegbulam went on to say that parents have access to a number of resources, including the disability law, which contains a wealth of information that parents should be aware of.
In addition to the Parents Support Group program, the orthopedic consultant at the Federal Medical Center Umuahia said that the TSCF engages in advocacy.
It recently met with the National Orientation Agency, a traditional institution in the state, Mr. David Anyaele, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on People with Disabilities, and Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in order to help disseminate the word about the foundation’s care, which includes treatment for clubfoot and cerebral palsy.
Mr. Amadi Bright, the TSCF Project Supervisor, spoke up and revealed plans to create a gym area for CP children at the foundation in Umuahia. He also briefly explained the purpose of the Parents’ Support Group.
During the program, the parents and caregivers exchanged palliatives, Foundation flyers, and other valuables.
