Funmi Ogundare, Founder and Director of Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre and Pure Souls Learning Foundation, has called for policy changes to provide social support, respite care, education, and employment opportunities for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. She made this call at the Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre’s 20th anniversary RISE Summit in Lagos, themed ‘From Cradle to Contribution’. The summit aimed to promote inclusion of people with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities.
According to Ogundare, the centre is shifting its focus from early intervention for children to preparing young adults and adults with disabilities for meaningful participation in society. The theme of the anniversary reflects the centre’s vision of ensuring that children who have benefited from its interventions eventually become active contributors to their communities. Ogundare noted that despite progress in early intervention, significant challenges remain, particularly for adults.
Ogundare stated that many children with disabilities are now accessing mainstream education, and more organisations have emerged in the neurodiversity and intellectual disability space. However, she stressed that the government needs to move beyond policies and ensure their effective implementation to promote inclusion. She cited the need for government support through housing assistance, subsidies, and educational support for families raising children with disabilities.
One of the major challenges faced by families with children with disabilities is the lack of respite care. Ogundare urged the government to develop policies that would provide respite centres across the country, enabling parents and caregivers to temporarily place their children in safe, supportive environments when they need to travel or attend to other responsibilities. This, she believes, can be achieved through partnerships between government and private organisations.
Beyond respite care, Ogundare also called for legislation requiring private organisations to employ people with intellectual disabilities. She argued that employment opportunities would enable people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to society. Ogundare further stressed the need for authorities to review existing disability-related legislation and focus on implementation.
The Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre has been at the forefront of providing early intervention for children with disabilities for 20 years. Ogundare noted that the centre’s work has contributed to the progress made in early intervention, but more needs to be done to support adults with disabilities. She emphasised that the government’s role is crucial in promoting inclusion and providing support for people with disabilities.
Ogundare concluded by stressing that the existence of laws alone would not guarantee inclusion. She urged the government to look at the implementation of existing laws and policies, and to work with private organisations to provide the necessary support for people with disabilities. The centre’s 20th anniversary summit aimed to raise awareness and promote action towards creating a more inclusive society.
Key points
- Funmi Ogundare calls for policy changes to provide social support, respite care, education, and employment opportunities for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.
- The government needs to move beyond policies and ensure their effective implementation to promote inclusion of people with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities.
- Ogundare urges the government to develop policies that would provide respite centres across the country, enabling parents and caregivers to temporarily place their children in safe, supportive environments.
