GFD PRESIDENT CALLS FOR END TO STIGMA AGAINST CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

GFD PRESIDENT CALLS FOR END TO STIGMA AGAINST CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

BIBIANI-ANHWIASO-BEKWAI, WESTERN NORTH REGION — The President of the Ghana Federation of Disability (GFD) in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, Hannah Aidoo, has urged parents who have children with disabilities to stop hiding them at home or confining them to their bedrooms.

She said children with disabilities deserve love, care, education and equal opportunities to enable them to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.

Hannah Aidoo made the call while speaking on the welfare, rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the municipality.

She expressed concern over the practice where some parents, due to fear of stigma, discrimination and negative societal perceptions, keep their children with disabilities away from the public and prevent them from participating in social and community activities.

According to her, keeping children with disabilities hidden could have a negative impact on their emotional development, self-confidence and ability to identify and develop their talents.

She therefore encouraged parents to accept their children, provide them with the necessary care and support, and seek assistance from relevant institutions and organizations to help them reach their full potential.

“Do not hide your children in the bedroom because they have a disability. Bring them out, give them the necessary support and allow them to develop their potential,” she urged.

The GFD President stressed that disability should not be considered a reason to deny children access to education, skills training, social interaction and other opportunities available to their peers.

She also called on the public to desist from discriminating against persons with disabilities, emphasizing that they are capable of making significant contributions to the development of their families and communities when given the necessary support and opportunities.

Hannah Aidoo appealed to parents, teachers, traditional leaders, religious organizations and community members to work together to promote an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally.

She further encouraged parents to take advantage of government and other support programmes available to persons with disabilities, particularly in the areas of education, vocational and technical training, entrepreneurship and skills development.

According to her, empowering persons with disabilities will not only improve their living conditions but also help them become more independent and economically productive.

She urged parents to focus on their children's abilities rather than their limitations, noting that every child has unique talents and potential that can be developed with the right encouragement, care and opportunities.

Hannah Aidoo therefore called for a collective effort to eliminate stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities and create a society where children and adults with disabilities are treated with dignity, respect and equal opportunities.

She emphasized that disability should never be a reason for a child to be hidden from society, but rather a call for greater support, inclusion and opportunity.

Source:Bibianinews.com