By Emelia B. Addae
Koforidua, Sept. 30, GNA – Starminds Speech and Early Intervention Centre, in collaboration with Mission Pediatrics, has organised the second Eastern Regional Parent Training Series on autism and special needs in Koforidua.
The programme, held on the theme: “Understanding Special Needs, Unlocking Potentials,” brought together participants from Koforidua, Suhum, Kwahu, Akosombo, Bawjiase and Somanya.
It attracted parents, teachers, caregivers, religious leaders, media practitioners, stakeholders, and policymakers.
Participants received training on communication and language difficulties, learning challenges, attention and behavioural issues, psychological and emotional regulation difficulties, as well as advocacy and support.
Ms Sandra Quayson, a Speech Therapist at the Eastern Regional Hospital and Founder of Starminds Ghana, said the initiative was inspired by similar programmes organised in Accra.
She said such programmes provided parents with opportunities to learn from professionals and continue therapy activities outside the clinic.
Ms Quayson said many parents in the Eastern region were unfamiliar with the roles of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists and special needs coordinators, hence the need to deepen their understanding of how such professionals worked together to support children with special needs.
She said the programme was designed to equip parents and caregivers with practical skills to continue therapy activities at home, in schools, churches and playgrounds.
Ms Quayson said the annual programme brought together professionals from different disciplines to train parents and other stakeholders in identifying and supporting children with special needs.
The programme also engaged schools to improve their understanding of communication and other challenges associated with different conditions.
She said teachers were provided with practical activities and experiences to help them support children with special needs in the classroom.
Ms Wendy Anita Addoquaye of Aces Christian Academy at Obomeng in the Kwahu area described the programme as beneficial.
She said lessons from the previous year’s training had been shared with colleagues who could not attend.
Ms Addoquaye said she brought other teachers to this year’s programme to enable them to acquire firsthand knowledge and strengthen support for children in their care.
She said some children who previously had difficulty speaking had begun to communicate, while others had improved their writing skills and made progress in their learning.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
Email: [email protected]