To support persons with disabilities, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a stronger collaboration, family education, and empowerment initiatives for them.
At the family forum hosted by the Resource Centre for the Blind in Lagos, the Executive Director of the Centre, Mrs. Temitayo Ayinla-Omotola called for unity among families, communities, and institutions to build a society where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive.
With the theme: ‘Celebrating Success’, the event was attended by no fewer than 80 participants, including people with diverse disabilities, such as visual and hearing impairments, autism, dwarfism and albinism.
It featured inspiring personal stories of resilience and achievements of persons with disabilities, with sign language interpreters ensuring full participation for deaf attendees.
“This is proof that disability does not define destiny,” Ayinla-Omotola declared.
Medical Director of D.F.O Hospital, Dr. Francis Azuka Okugwu, advised caregivers and families to prioritize medical testing, emphasizing the role of health education and genetic counselling in disability prevention.
He urged agencies and non-governmental organizations to deepen awareness efforts around mental health. An entrepreneur, Dolapo Agbede, stressed the importance of work ethics and access to opportunities.
“People with disabilities deserve inclusion in national development plans,” she said, while calling for consistent empowerment partnerships.