Special.
The word ‘special’ has always meant something different, unique, and distinctive in some ways or more. In every society, there are some special people who live among us and these individuals are termed such because they are different from others in their own way yet still require most of what others do. The may not communicate the way we do, or understand emotions the way we do but they usually bring so much joy and empathy that surprises you every now and then.
Read more about Tech
The Autism Awareness Foundation (TAAF) is an inclusive driven organization which believes that each child counts and each can learn regardless of their disability, environment or social economic background through an inclusive learning approach. With a vision of achieving an inclusive educational system, where each child has access to an inclusive education irrespective of their disability and building a community of inclusion advocate with growth mindset, TAAF has held several events and conferences that focuses on enlightening the society and creating a community where parents support parents and children.
Although children with special needs may have issues with communication and social interactions, they are unusually good at math, art, music or memory; because of this, they are usually very good with problem-solving. They think in a visual way and have strong long-term memory skills. The continuous increase or demand for technological development requires that every member of the society is involved in this development because there is a unique perspective or strength they bring through their gender, abilities and even disabilities.
As each individual is an active and important part of the whole community, TAAF is organizing a coding and robotics event for children with special needs and their peers.
Venue: 19, Johnson Oguntoye Street, Atunrase Gbagada Estate, Lagos
Date: Saturday, 22nd February, 2020
Time: 12:00pm
Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
It is not enough to be aware that there are children with special needs in the society, but we can only make progress towards a more inclusive society when we begin to involve these children with the developments happening in the society especially because it concerns them and they will be affected one way or the other. Also, other children should be aware of people different from them and be able to cultivate empathy and support. At the end, we have a more empathetic society concerned for every member of the society irrespective of differences.
Share this opportunity with people who have children with special needs as well as those who want to give their children an experience that would help them become more empathetic members of the society.
Today, as I share an opportunity for those who have not been included in our society in most designs and policies, I’d like us to reflect on a quote by Paulo Coelho about the difficulties we face while living life
“I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather.”
-Paulo Coelho
Featured Image Source: TAAF NG
Did you find this article useful? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com