Accra: Parents of special children who are denied admission into any school on account of the child's disability should immediately report the issue to the Ghana Education Service. Madam Happy Adongo, TEMA West Municipal Director of Special Education, emphasized that this reporting mechanism is essential to ensure that the law granting all children access to free public school education is upheld. She made these remarks at an event marking World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, organized by the Down Syndrome Association of Ghana and held at the Ghana International School, Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event featured a health screening and fun-filled activities for parents and families of persons with Down Syndrome. It also included an interactive session between special education experts and parents on topics such as therapy for parents and special education assessment for children with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, is estimated to affect between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. The Down Syndrome Association of Ghana estimates that approximately 31,000 people live with the condition in Ghana, facing challenges like limited access to specialized services and social stigma.
Madam Adongo warned schools against denying admission to children with disabilities, stating that it is the school's responsibility to facilitate the process for inclusive education. She asserted that all children are entitled to education and should not be left behind. Her comments highlighted the critical need for mandatory special education assessments to ensure children with disabilities are appropriately placed within Ghana's school system. She described the assessment as the 'crucial first step' in identifying a child's unique strengths and weaknesses and determining their need for special services.
The assessment is essential for identifying children who need special services, developing an Individualized Education Programme (IEP), making educational placement decisions, and evaluating the child's progress. Madam Adongo explained that the assessment involves collecting data from multiple sources, including observation, school records, teachers' reports, and parents. She urged parents to utilize resources such as the National Assessment Centre and special education coordinators in district education centers to navigate the assessment process and secure their child's educational rights.
Ms. Agnes Teiko Nyemi-Tei, Executive Director of DSAG, called for comprehensive healthcare tailored for persons with disabilities, with a specific focus on individuals with Down Syndrome. She noted the significant health challenges faced by children with Down Syndrome, which place an unsustainable burden on their families and caregivers. Ms. Nyemi-Tei highlighted that over 50 percent of children born with the condition suffer from congenital heart diseases, making cardiology a critical area of their healthcare.
