The Lagos State Government has been tasked on the need to cater for the academic needs of children with learning disabilities in its current E-learning program in the state.
This was the submission of stakeholders at the review meeting of the interventions provided by Festus Fajemilo Foundation and its partners in the ongoing E-Learning program in the state.
While speaking at the meeting, Afolabi fajemilo, Executive Director, FFF disclosed that the foundation has provided various interventions for the Lagos State Government in the ongoing E-learning program with the aim of ensuring that pupils and students with disabilities are not left behind following the closure of schools.
Fajemilo commended the open handedness of the Lagos State Government and the reception of the support provided by FFF with the aim of making education accessible to all during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fajemilo disclosed that the foundation in partnership with the Lagos State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JOANWPD), Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul with funding from Liliane Foundation, Netherlands, had provided intervention in four key areas.
He listed the four key areas as; “Sign language interpreters for the purpose of learners with hearing impairment; Adapted and simplified contents for learners with intellectual disabilities because of their specific needs
“Trained E-Learning instructors to equip them with disability-inclusive communication skills; and Raise awareness among parents of children with disabilities and the general public,” he explained.
He however noted that the contents that were prepared for learners with disabilities have not been adopted into the program and urged the appropriate agency of government to expedite action so that students with intellectual disabilities are not excluded.
On his part, Dr. Adeleke Philip, a lecturer from department of special education, University of Calabar, urged the Lagos State Universal Education Board, LASUBEB to review the adapted contents that have been provided for learners with disabilities and adopt it.
Adeleke noted that it is quite important that such is done urgently because schools could resume operations and the contents would not have benefited learners with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, Chairman, JONAPWD Lagos while presenting the report on mapping and assessment of the 44 inclusive schools in Lagos state towards the strengthening of cooperative teaching processes between special and regular teachers, highlighted some key gaps in inclusive education practice in the state and called for the full implementation of the inclusive education policy.
