A non- governmental organization, Give Back Smile (GBS) has called on the Ebonyi State and federal governments to provide educational and healthcare facilities for people with special needs.
The group was formed with the purposes of putting smiles back on the faces of special needs children, their families and caregivers.
This was contained in a communique signed by the Convener, Mrs. Ogeri Idika and Secretary, Dr. Rosemary Nwachi and made available to The Trumpet on Friday.
The group observed that parenting a special need child is not an easy task, and as such most of the parents and caregivers are emotionally stressed, most times due to the highly demanding needs of their children and wards.
The group stated that after the meeting of members of the GBS held recently, it was agreed that they embark on intensive awareness campaign to call the attention of the hovernment of Ebonyi State to integrate the needs and interest of children with special needs into the state’s development plans.
“We have noticed that the living condition of PLWDs in Ebonyi State are worsened by the unfortunate fact that the society pretends that they do not exist.
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“This attitude is most visible in the fact that their conditions are not factored into social amenities in the state thereby completely excluding them from having quality life,” the group said.
It noted that in Ebonyi State, no public road and buildings make provisions for the movement of people with special needs, adding that ramps are in very few public buildings, just as no pedestrian bridge carter to the needs of people with special needs.
“In terms of education, there are no special needs schools. Even in the mainstream schools, no provision for inclusive education.
“In the hospital, do you know that, they do not have an occupational therapist or speech therapist! There are health care professionals that are very important in the care of these children.
“It is a well-known fact that the cost of caring for children with special needs is so high due to the need of multiple specialists, constant need for assistive devices and medications.
“We note that every special needs child has a right to life, a right to education, a right to quality life, and a right to happiness,” the group said.
