The Dodowa Parents and Caregivers Association, an NGO, has welcomed the formation of the National Association of Parents and Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and expressed strong interest and support for its coordinating activities for members.
The Association said it was ready to join the activities of the National Association and share its data and lived experiences whenever required.
Ms Clara Gbengor, President of the Dodowa Association, made this known when the Inclusive Family Alliance (IFA), an organisation committed to promoting inclusion, especially for parents and caregivers of PWDs, donated foodstuffs and sanitary items to the group.
The donation was supported by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) in demonstration of its commitment towards the formation of the National Association of Parents and Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities.
Ms Gbengor said the Dodowa Association had been in existence since 2018 and had worked collaboratively to establish a day centre where parents of children with disabilities could leave their children in care while they went to work, providing them with some respite.
She called on the government to prioritise the needs of families, particularly mothers of children with disabilities, and to support them with policies that would enhance their lives.
“A skills centre or vocational school would greatly support children with special needs. We appeal to the government to assist us by providing such facilities” she said.
Mrs Hannah Awadzi, Executive Director of the Inclusive Family Alliance and President, National Association of Parents and Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities, said the Dodowa Association was a good example of what parents and caregivers could achieve through unity.
She emphasised the need for a united front to amplify the voices of parents and caregivers and push for their inclusion in the formulation of national policies and programmes that support children with disabilities.
“Having a child with special needs is not the end of life or the worst thing that can happen. Parents should accept their children fully and stand as their strongest supporters” she said.
Ms Daniella Korletey, an occupational therapist at the Shai Osudoku Hospital, and Coordinator of the Dodowa Association, also expressed support for the formation of a National Association.
The parents and caregivers expressed gratitude to the IFA, the GFD, and individual donors for their support towards the donation and the community outreach programme.
Source: GNA
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