Department of Children undertakes project to promote social inclusion for visually impaired children – Nsemkeka
The Department of Children, with support from other stakeholders, is implementing a comprehensive intervention programme aimed at promoting social inclusion for children with visual impairment.
The programme, sponsored by Visio International, adopts a holistic approach to enlightening the public on the stigma and other practices that hinder the progress of children with visual impairment.
It is led by the Department of Children under the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, with support from Visio International and other stakeholders.
The Volta Regional Director of the Department of Children, Israel Akrobetu, said the intervention programme—currently being implemented in eight districts across the country—will educate community members on the need to support children with visual impairment and help them develop into “useful adults” as they navigate the challenges of life with their condition.
He added that parents of children identified with vision problems in the beneficiary districts will be included in a parent support group, where they will be educated on how best to care for and nurture their visually impaired children.
“The parents in the support groups will be taken through a series of topics to help them appreciate the important role they play. They will also learn how to support their children to take care of themselves and feel part of society,” he said.
The Central Tongu District Chief Executive, Adison Mornyuie Dodzie, lamented that children with visual impairments are often treated as “outcasts” and not given the best support by society.
He urged community and school leaders to take a central role in the campaign to promote inclusivity for the better development of children with visual impairment.
He reiterated the need for policies to promote the inclusion of people with visual impairment, especially in schools, where “special attention must be given to such identified children.”
The programme, themed “Caring for Children with Visual Impairment: Our Collective Responsibility”, also featured an eye screening exercise organised by Visio International. The exercise aimed to help children know the status of their vision and seek early treatment for any identified conditions.
Learners also performed two plays to educate attendees on how to support, train, and relate to individuals with visual impairment.