Akande: Govt Must Move Beyond Policies, Create Jobs, Respite Care for People with Disabilities
Funmi Ogundare Founder and Director of Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre; and Pure Souls Learning Foundation, Dotun Akande, Thursday called for policy changes that will provide social support, respite care,
Funmi Ogundare and Dotun Akande called for action beyond policies to benefit people with autism and intellectual disabilities on Thursday at the Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre's 20th anniversary RISE Summit in Lagos. The event, themed 'From Cradle to Contribution', discussed the need for government to move beyond policies and ensure effective implementation to promote inclusion.
The centre shifted its focus from early intervention for children to preparing adults for meaningful participation in society. Despite progress in early intervention, significant challenges remain for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. Ogundare urged the government to develop policies providing respite care, housing assistance, and educational support for families of disabled children.
She argued for legislation requiring private organizations to employ people with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing that employment should be based on individuals' abilities. Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu stressed the need for families to move beyond stigma and misconceptions to recognize the individual needs and abilities of children on the autism spectrum.
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