Accra: Madam Stella Mawusi Agbezuhlor Mawutor, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, has reiterated the Department's dedication to integrating vulnerable individuals into mainstream development, enabling them to contribute significantly to society.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Mawutor emphasized the importance of collaboration between private entities, particularly the church, and state institutions during the 'Night to Shine' event organized by the House of Love for children with special needs. She highlighted the programme's unique role in identifying and supporting children and persons with special needs and disabilities, underscoring the power of unity in promoting their well-being and celebrating their abilities.
Madam Mawutor pointed out that individuals with disabilities have excelled globally when their talents are recognized and nurtured by supportive families and communities. She urged society to shift its focus from limitations to capabilities, emphasizing the potential for remarkable contributions to national development when such individuals are empowered.
She called on Ghanaians to move beyond stigma and actively support children and persons with disabilities, advocating for their recognition, opportunity, and inclusion. The Department of Social Welfare maintains a comprehensive database of persons with disabilities across the Volta Region's 18 districts, facilitating planning, programming, and targeted interventions, while fostering collaboration with NGOs, churches, and other organizations.
The Department provides support to families of children with disabilities through educational assistance, start-up capital for income-generating activities, counseling services, and referrals to specialized institutions. Despite limited resources, it continuously seeks partnerships to ensure adequate support for persons with disabilities.
Madam Mawutor urged stakeholders, including faith-based organizations, civil society groups, the media, and community members, to strengthen partnerships for advancing inclusion. She encouraged religious institutions to develop tailored support initiatives for persons with disabilities within their congregations and called on the media to highlight their achievements.
She also appealed to parents, particularly fathers, to seek help and not stigmatize children born with disabilities, assuring them of available specialized services and community support systems to help their children reach their full potential.