By Brave Dickson
An advocacy group under the auspices of the Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) has called on parents, governments, and organizations to give more attention to children with disabilities, adding that children with autism are very intelligent.
The group said this, in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
In his address, the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of the group, Dr Chike Okogwu said: “We would like to let parents know that having a child with disabilities is not a taboo.
“I have personally lost nephews and nieces out of the carelessness of my uncles who did not know that their children had autism. They thought that they were cursed because that was what the culture said about them.
“But working with such children, I have come to see that they are the most brilliant kids. Because of the five senses that we have, if you lose one, the other four become sharper and these kids are awesome.
“I had a car crash in 2006 that made me lose my ability to walk but I thank God for that day because it has made me to be among the best brains in the world and has opened my eyes to the world of persons with disabilities.
“We need to let the society know that people with disabilities matter more and children with disabilities matter most.”
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated every year on 3 December. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development.
