Parents of children with special needs say discrimination remains their greatest burden, overshadowing the actual disabilities their children live with.

They spoke on Saturday in Abuja at a Valentine’s Day engagement for special needs families in Abuja, organised by the Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative.

The event, themed “Growing Together: Nurturing Dreams,” brought families together to promote inclusion, love and emotional support.

Convener of the initiative, Biboara Yinkere, said many families faced rejection that isolated both parents and their children from society.

She said stigma had led to abandonment of some mothers by spouses, causing emotional distress and loneliness.

“Discrimination is the greatest form of pain that parents with these children bear,” she said.

Ms Yinkere said discriminatory behaviour was common in playgrounds, schools and even within extended families where some children were hidden from visitors.

According to her, the annual Valentine gathering was designed to restore parents’ sense of worth and provide friendship beyond caregiving pressures.

“For some of them, this is the only social event they participate in the whole year,” she said.

Programme coordinator, Stella Creppy, said poor awareness continued to fuel discriminatory attitudes against persons with special needs.

She said families often struggle because society does not consider accessibility when planning events, buildings or services.

“There is need for more awareness. They need to know that these children are part of the society, not separate from it,” she said.

She urged government to enforce disability-inclusive policies and ensure representation of persons with disabilities in governance.

“How many persons living with special needs form part of the senate or government?” she asked.

“For me, the government’s role is financing, creating awareness and enforcing inclusivity.”

A parent, Raphael Ayodele, who has a 22-year-old daughter with special needs, said discrimination could damage a child’s confidence unless parents respond with constant love.

Mr Ayodele said many parents struggle to accept their own children, but love helps children thrive in spite of societal attitudes.

“With love, the children will thrive. Even some parents don’t like their own, but I thank God for mine,” he said.

He praised the group for helping his daughter progress after years of attending other schools without improvement.

“My advice to parents is: love your child. Look for help where you can find it,” he said.

The event featured games, counselling and relaxation sessions aimed at helping caregivers reconnect with themselves and build supportive friendships.

The NGO, established in 2015, supports families and children with diverse developmental needs such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and other related disabilities. 

(NAN)