By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, July 26, GNA- Dr Augustina Naami, the Head, Department of Social Work, University of Ghana (UG), has handed over access ramps to five community basic schools in Accra to aid students with disabilities to gain access to the classrooms.
The beneficiary schools within the Ga East Educational Directorate are the Taifa Community Basic One and Three, Ashonmang Presby Basic One and Two, and Kwabenya Atomic M/A Basic Two Schools.
She also donated exercise books and notebooks and stationery to the schools to be distributed among students with disabilities.
Dr Naami, in her presentation at the commissioning of the facilities, noted that the idea to research the access challenges that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) encountered was heightened in 2016 during the 10th anniversary of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
Act 715 makes it mandatory for all buildings to which the public has access to be fitted with disability-friendly facilities to make them accessible to PWDs; this is the sole responsibility of the owner or occupier of such buildings.
Dr Naami said she realized that not much had been done to reduce access barriers for PWDs, and therefore, decided to investigate the experiences of mobility disabilities in the Accra Metropolis, relating to architectural and transportation accessibility.
She said the research also touched on how the barriers affected their social participation and psychological well-being, adding “one outcome of my research is this evidence-based manual that bridges the gap between research and practice”.
Dr Naami revealed that her book discusses the major physical and transportation barriers that persons with mobilities faced.
“During the launch of this book, I promised to use the proceeds to build ramps for deprived schools”, she added.
She noted that the goal was to improve access, inclusion, and safety for students with disabilities in these schools.
Dr Naami called on parents to support children with disabilities and urged teachers to endeavor to pay close attention to students with disability and motivate and support them.
She also urged the public to embrace disability, diversity and difference.
“Let’s break down barriers that impede participation for PWDs and the time to do so is now,” Dr Naami said.
Mr Andrews Quaye, the Head of the Taifa Community Three Basic School, who received the donation on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to Dr Naami for her support.
GNA
